Washington, Connecticut sits in the Litchfield Hills region at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet, creating varied camping microclimates throughout the seasons. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s during the day while dropping to the 50s at night, making tent camping comfortable with proper equipment. The area's natural geology features numerous small lakes and ponds suitable for recreational activities.
What to do
Hiking near Bash Bish Falls: From Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park, campers can access a network of trails connecting to the spectacular 60-foot waterfall. "There is a lot of hiking in the area- def check out Bash Bish Falls! This campground is also dog friendly so bring your fur babies!" advises Rosie R.
Fishing opportunities: The region offers multiple fishing spots for various skill levels. "The sites were a little close together, but being able to fish and catching 2 decent-sized largemouth bass made everything all ok!! There is plenty of fishing access from shore and you can rent a boat for the whole day to fish on the water," notes Rosie R. about Rudd Pond.
Paddling and boating: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides water recreation options on a clean, sizable lake. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," shares Mellisa T.
Stargazing: Clear nights offer exceptional celestial viewing opportunities. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," writes Seth K. about Lake Taghkanic State Park.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Several campgrounds feature elevated wooden platforms for tents, keeping campers dry during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" notes Rosie R. about Lake Taghkanic, while Katherine P. mentions at Rudd Pond, "Almost all of the sites have platforms to pitch your tent on."
Clean facilities: Cozy Hills Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. "The campground was clean and quiet. Pool was nice and clean but a little cold," reports Rebecca S. Jon R. adds, "Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
Swimming access: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas for cooling off. "We stayed here in August 2020... There's a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals," explains Katherine P. about Rudd Pond. Another camper at Cozy Hills notes, "The pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Well-maintained grounds: Campers consistently mention the care taken at local campgrounds. "Clean, well run campground. Beautiful area. Fishing on site," states Daniel M. about Cozy Hills Campground.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature sites with limited privacy. "Campsites not private at all. Felt like I was sharing my site with strangers," notes Erica H. about Rudd Pond. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, Kurt S. advises, "My advice would be to take the sites on the hill, nearest to the bathrooms, as all these sites seemed to be generally very well maintained."
