Lake Waramaug and Bear Creek offer premium glamping experiences near Washington Depot, Connecticut, a town situated in the hilly region of Litchfield County at approximately 500 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm summers ideal for water activities and colorful fall foliage that draws visitors from September through October. Winter camping options are limited as most campgrounds close seasonally.
What to do
Hiking trails in Taconic State Park: Access Bash Bish Falls via a short hike across state lines into Massachusetts. "There are plenty of hiking trails nearby and of course, trails to Bash Bish Falls which is beautiful. It was low the first time we visited and we were able to make it to the top of the falls to go swimming and the views were incredible," notes a visitor to Taconic State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many local lakes provide fishing access for campers. At Prospect Mountain Campground, "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around," according to one reviewer who visits yearly.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interactions during your stay. At White Pines Campsites, "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours," warns one camper who still enjoyed their wooded site.
Agricultural tours: Some campsites offer unique farm experiences. A visitor at Lone Oak Campsites mentioned, "We did an interesting tour of the neighboring farm where they make cow pots. Great place for a family."
What campers like
Large platforms at state parks: Platforms at Lake Taghkanic State Park provide advantages in wet weather. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" shares one satisfied camper.
Remote weekday camping: For those seeking quieter glamping close to Washington Depot, Connecticut, timing matters. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," mentions a long-time visitor who recommends avoiding weekends.
Proximity to swimming: Many campers appreciate water access. A reviewer at Mountain Lakes Park noted, "The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes. There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds."
Stargazing opportunities: The area offers excellent night sky viewing. At Lake Taghkanic, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity is restricted at several campgrounds. A Lake Waramaug visitor explains, "Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax."
Variable bathroom conditions: Facilities can be inconsistent depending on campground and timing. At White Pines Campsites, a reviewer noted, "The bathhouse, which started out immaculate but quickly turned south with the sheer number of people using it. A cleaning log claimed it was tended to but it couldn't have been true."
Seasonal noise considerations: Be aware of local activities that might disrupt camping. One camper at Lake Taghkanic mentioned, "Monday apparently is trash day in the area for all the homes around the lake. They start collecting very early and the sound really carries over the lake."
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential. A visitor warns, "There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin" at Lake Waramaug State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak options for toddlers: Families with very young children might prefer less crowded swimming areas. A Lake Waramaug visitor observed, "The swimming area is an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)"
Playground accessibility: Choose sites near play facilities when traveling with children. At Bear Creek Campground, a visitor mentioned the playground was "awesome for our two-year-old," while another camper highlighted the convenience: "We got a red carpet site by the Gaga pit and near the water park (Cindy bear lane) and it was a convenient yet noisy site."
Pack bikes and scooters: Many campgrounds have ideal terrain for wheeled activities. A Lake Waramaug visitor recommends, "Bring scooters or bikes for little kids to use within the camp."
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly areas can get noisy. A Bear Creek camper noted, "Kids were at the playground 8 am or before and the noise woke us up. The kids were around until about 10:30 or so each night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RV campers should research specific site conditions before booking. At Jellystone Park Gardiner, "Our sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," making for a more comfortable stay despite facing neighbors.
Hook-up limitations: Know what utilities are available. A visitor at Bear Creek noted, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
Weekend vs. weekday occupancy: RV parking availability varies significantly by timing. As one visitor to Bear Creek observed, "Stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend."
Power requirements: Verify electrical compatibility before arrival. A camper at Lone Oak Campsites advised to "be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies."
