Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground sits 70 miles from Weatogue, Connecticut with terrain elevations ranging from 500 to 700 feet. The surrounding Taconic Mountain range influences local weather patterns, creating temperature variations 5-10 degrees cooler than Hartford. Spring camping starts earlier at lower elevations near Weatogue, while higher elevation campgrounds typically open by late May.
What to do
**Swimming options: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers a maintained beach with clear water. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," notes Mellisa T.
Fishing opportunities: Prospect Mountain Campground provides pond fishing access approximately 30 miles from Weatogue. "When we arrived to check in they were very nice and gave us the breakdown of the place along with brochures of what was going on at the site. We arrived to our site, it was by the pond and our site was even raked clean," shares Tonya D.
Hiking trails: Terrain varies from flat paths to moderate inclines within 45 minutes of Weatogue. "There is a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park. There's a swimming beach and during non-covid times, boat rentals," explains Katherine P. about Rudd Pond Area.
What campers like
Tent platform sites: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground offers raised platforms that help during wet conditions. "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!" reports Rosie R.
Stargazing conditions: Locations 40-60 miles north of Weatogue offer excellent night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," notes Seth K. about Lake Taghkanic.
Hot showers: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground maintains bathroom facilities with reliable hot water. "Bathrooms are nice, maintained, and well lit. You can get ice and firewood at the camp store at the entrance," according to Emily M.
What you should know
Site privacy considerations: Campgrounds vary significantly in site spacing. "Nice campground, semi private. The sites are spread out enough but you're not completely alone. You hear a lot of cars going by if you're at a site that backs up to the main road," notes Emily M. about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground.
Bug protection requirements: Pack substantial insect repellent for summer visits. "In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!" warns Katherine P. about Austin Hawes.
Cell service limitations: Aces High RV Park provides better connectivity than forest campgrounds. "Clean, family friendly campground. Pet friendly with plenty of area to walk. Close to I-95 and 15 minutes from the beach. Fishing areas for the kids. Spots are well organized and no issues with hookups. Propane is available at the store," mentions Tom S.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Multiple campgrounds within 50 miles offer swimming pools. "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," reports Sandra S.
Playground equipment: Lake Compounce Campground features multiple recreational facilities. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," notes Nichol P.
Campground activities: Scheduled events keep children occupied during weekends. "I flew up here from Louisiana and met my sister in a primitive tent site. The grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained! Pool was lovely and refreshing. I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!! Camp staff was very friendly and helpful. The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around," shares Megin F. about Prospect Mountain.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Thousand Trails Sturbridge offers various site configurations 30 miles from Weatogue. "What could easily be a very nice and spacious pull-thru spot are 2 back to back back-ins. Unless you're lucky enough to get an end spot, those are pull-thru," explains Sammii D.
Leveling considerations: Pay attention to site topography when selecting. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," shares Diane R. about Lake Compounce Campground.
Hookup quality: RV campgrounds near Weatogue, Connecticut vary in electrical service reliability. "Clean, well-maintained, and level site with concrete pad and patio (I love a clean, level concrete pad!). Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right)," reports Matt S. about Aces High RV Park.
