Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers cabin accommodations set along the Farmington River within a 45-minute drive from Watertown, Connecticut. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in Connecticut's northwestern hills, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Most cabin camping options near Watertown operate from May through September, though select private campgrounds extend their seasons into October depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides direct river access for anglers, with a trophy trout section requiring catch and release. "Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," notes Tom C., who visited during July.
Hiking trails: Wooded trails of varying difficulty levels surround many cabin locations. "The Henry Buck Trail" near Austin Hawes offers scenic routes according to campers Anthony and Kim C., who add, "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking then this is your kind of place."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, from river access to dedicated pools. At Kettletown State Park Campground, visitors note the convenience of on-site swimming, though during certain periods swimming may be restricted due to water conditions. Justin P. explains, "Access to the river was great, though no swimming was allowed because of an algae bloom."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers highlight the generous sizing of cabin and tent sites at Cozy Hills Campground, noting their cleanliness and layout. "Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel," shares Jon R., adding that "Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community."
Clean facilities: Lake Compounce Campground maintains high standards for their bathroom and shower facilities. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," observes Diane R., who appreciated the thoughtful layout of the facilities during her October visit.
Family activities: Several campgrounds organize regular activities for children. Ann S. found plenty to do at Cozy Hills: "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."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most cabin camping options operate seasonally. "Lake Waramaug State Park Campground is only staffed until 5 pm," shares Mo S., adding that "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 awareness: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area around White Pines Campsites, requiring proper food storage. "We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours. I'm sure they are fed well," notes Sylvia P., emphasizing the importance of secure food storage.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. Katherine P. notes about Austin Hawes, "Last but not least - no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: For families with children who enjoy swimming, several campgrounds offer dedicated pools. Rino S. notes about Cozy Hills: "The pool is nice, no deep end. Kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end. It's very hilly."
Site selection: When booking cabins or sites with children, location relative to bathrooms and activities matters. "It's quite a walk to the bathrooms," observes Nichol P. at Lake Compounce Campground, noting site proximity can impact comfort with younger campers.
Proximity to amenities: Some cabin locations offer better access to facilities. "A golf cart is recommended if your site is far from the pool," suggests Rino S. about navigating the terrain at Cozy Hills with children.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground features limited electrical hookups, requiring preparation. As Chris A. experienced: "No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator and they have a wash area for dishes and REALLY HOT showers. They also have a dump station and a place to fill up ur water tank."
Site leveling: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling blocks. "Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over," warns Kristin at Kettletown State Park, recommending checking site details before arrival.
Park layout considerations: RVers note the importance of understanding park layout for larger vehicles. Ray B. observes about Lake Compounce: "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
