Western Connecticut's rolling hills and forests provide numerous camping options within driving distance of Washington Depot. The terrain includes wetlands, woodlands, and elevations between 500-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, while spring and fall can fluctuate significantly with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping into the 40s.
What to do
Hiking trails: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers scenic paths with various difficulty levels, including a challenging mountain loop. "The loop hike over the mountains was good, at times more intermediate than beginner and I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids," notes one visitor who recommends taking the trails in sections.
Fishing opportunities: Cozy Hills Campground provides on-site fishing that's especially popular with families. "Kids caught about 20 fish," reports one camper who visited for a weekend. The campground maintains stocked fishing areas that don't require state fishing licenses.
Swimming options: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground offers lake access with designated swimming areas. While one visitor notes the swim area is "marginal - best for little ones," the lake provides other recreational opportunities like kayaking and paddleboarding.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Kettletown State Park Campground receives positive feedback for its facilities. "The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots," mentions a frequent visitor who considers it a favorite spot close to home.
Family programming: Cozy Hills Campground organizes regular activities for children and adults alike. According to one visitor: "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Affordability: Many campgrounds in the region maintain reasonable rates compared to other New England destinations. Sites typically range from $20-35 per night for tent camping, while cabins can cost $65-95 depending on the season and amenities. Weekly rates often provide 10-15% discounts over daily rates.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground has very limited connectivity. One camper notes, "No cell service," making it ideal for those wanting to disconnect but requiring advance planning for emergencies.
Wildlife precautions: Local campgrounds experience regular wildlife visits, particularly after dark. Raccoons, skunks, and sometimes bears visit campsites with food. One camper at Macedonia warned, "As we were walking back up to our tent there was a small bear within feet from us that we almost didn't see!"
Reservation timing: The camping season for most state parks runs from late May through early September, with weekends booking 2-3 months in advance. Private campgrounds like Cozy Hills typically operate from mid-April through mid-October, allowing for more shoulder-season options when state facilities are closed.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Black Rock State Park Campground provides family-friendly swimming areas. "Beach was nice, just a bit crowded," notes one visitor who stayed for nearly a week. The park maintains a supervised swimming area during peak summer months.
Site selection: When booking at Lake Waramaug, consider the layout carefully. A family camper advises, "Sites are HUGE with easy access to the swimming area," but notes that weekends get crowded with limited privacy between sites.
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven terrain. At Kettletown State Park, a reviewer pointed out that "Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over." Bring leveling blocks and carefully inspect site photos when available.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Point Folly Campground offers waterfront sites but requires careful planning. "The water front sites on the West Side seem to flood easily if it rains," warns a regular visitor who camps there twice yearly despite its rustic amenities.
Hookup availability: Most state parks offer limited electrical service (30-amp) with no water or sewer connections at individual sites. A reviewer at Cozy Hills noted they "pack us in pretty tight in some sites," suggesting larger RVs should call ahead to confirm site dimensions and access routes.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds including Kettletown State Park and Black Rock State Park provide dump stations, but they can get congested during peak checkout times (typically 10-11am). Consider using facilities mid-week or earlier in the morning to avoid waiting.
