Tent camping options near Washington Depot, Connecticut center around the Litchfield Hills region where elevations range between 500-1,250 feet. The area features a mix of hardwood forests and rolling terrain with seasonal temperature variations of 20-85°F depending on the time of year. Many sites require hiking in with gear, with trails connecting to larger networks including the Appalachian Trail system.
What to do
Summit hikes: Mount Race offers challenging terrain with significant elevation gain. A camper at Laurel Ridge shared, "This was one of my favorite all time hiking/camping experiences. We began by making the hike up Mount Race. The entire hike to the top is pretty hard, but worth it."
Trail exploration: Varied difficulty levels are available throughout the region. At Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, hikers enjoy "endless trails in the area. I believe there are over 40 miles of trails in this area. Would definitely recommend for those who want to camp near NYC but not drive too far."
Water activities: Multiple lakes provide recreational opportunities within short distances of campsites. One visitor to Mountain Lakes Park noted, "Mountain Lakes park is a great place to camp within driving distance from NYC. The area, as the name implies, is home to several lakes which can be used for various recreational purposes."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the space between established camping areas. A reviewer at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation mentioned, "The shelter sites are large and private with access to hiking trails and make for a unique experience. The staff is friendly as well."
Wilderness immersion: The best tent camping near Washington Depot, Connecticut provides genuine forest experiences. At Alander Trail Campground, campers found "a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back to get to the spots."
Shelter options: Several sites offer both tent spaces and lean-to structures. One visitor to Laurel Ridge noted, "My friends used the platforms, I had a hammock. There is an outhouse a ways from the camping area. There is also a bear box near that if you bring a padlock you can use it."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Booking procedures vary significantly. At Webb Mountain Park, reservations can be made ahead, while other locations like Alander Trail Campground operate on a "Can't make a reservation but beautiful campground that is about a mile hike from the trailhead" basis.
Fire restrictions: Rules about campfires differ between sites. At Onion Mountain Park, campers report being able to have fires: "We set up the tent and started a fire (very easy as there are sticks and wood everywhere)." However, at Laurel Ridge, a visitor noted, "No fires allowed, however."
Wildlife preparedness: Bears and other wildlife are present in the region. An Alander Trail camper explained, "You will be in the heart of the forest/woods so definitely make sure to be prepared. We had some scares with coyotes and bears in the past but never anything crazy."
Tips for camping with families
Shelter camping for beginners: Lean-to structures offer more protection from weather. At Riga Lean-To, a family found, "We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain. Riga has the lean-to as well as about 4 or 5 sites all around."
Distance considerations: Some sites require significant hiking with gear. A camper at Onion Mountain Park cautioned, "Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not. It's up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it's not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."
Season planning: Weather can change dramatically in the Litchfield Hills. A Mountain Lakes Park visitor explained, "Our trip was sadly cut short because we were freezing and it was raining a lot LOL but hey it's part of the experience. The fall views made it worth it."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Washington Depot have minimal RV facilities. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation technically permits RVs but one camper observed, "The sites are much farther away from the comfort stations than most campgrounds we have been to. But there are port-a-potties very close to the sites, which is very important when you have young kids."
Alternatives for vehicle camping: For those seeking easier access with vehicles, Windmill Hill offers options. A recent visitor shared, "I booked site 5 for the week. Great experience! Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean."
Trail access from parking: Even at RV-accessible campgrounds, hikers can find trail networks. At Mountain Lakes Park, a reviewer noted, "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind."
