143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Northwest Corner of Connecticut provides various camping accommodations near West Cornwall, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks and cabins. Established campgrounds like Macedonia Brook State Park and Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground offer access to the region's natural features, including the Housatonic River and wooded mountain terrain. Several facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, while some also offer cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. The campground density increases during summer months when the area's hiking trails, fishing spots, and water recreation opportunities draw visitors.
Road conditions and amenities vary significantly by location, with some campgrounds offering full hookups while others maintain a more rustic experience. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through early October. "No cell service," noted one visitor to Macedonia Brook State Park, highlighting the remote nature of some locations. Winter closures are standard throughout the area, with Macedonia Brook and Housatonic Meadows closing after Labor Day. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Many locations require campers to bring their own drinking water or use designated water pumps, particularly at more primitive sites.
Riverside camping represents a significant draw to the area, with multiple campgrounds situated along the Housatonic River. A visitor to Housatonic Meadows observed, "Being from extremely overcrowded Long Island, we decided to take a week long trip and stay at site 14 at Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground. We had the entire campground to ourselves in the middle of July." Wildlife encounters are not uncommon, with bears occasionally spotted near campgrounds, particularly at Macedonia Brook. Family-friendly campgrounds like Lone Oak Camp Sites provide organized activities and amenities including swimming pools, while more secluded options like Macedonia Brook offer quieter experiences with "a night sky as dark as you can find in CT," according to one camper. The hiking opportunities throughout the region vary from easy riverside walks to more challenging mountain terrain.
"Tons of kids activities to keep the little ones busy and great hikes around! Tons of waterfalls in the area and the highest point in Connecticut."
"I happened upon Lone Oaks Camp Site when looking for someplace to stay in north eastern Connecticut."
"teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges place is clean it has running water has a porta potty and festival you don't have to worry because the state of Connecticut"
"Our camp spot was right above the river the flows behind this spot. You can go sit down by the water. But be careful!"
from $14 / night
Check Availability"Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane."
"The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."
"We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."
from $72 - $122 / night
Check Availability"My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."
"One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"I'm use to the rough and tough it of backpacking the AT Trail so this place had quite a few amenities I am not use to! Haha."
"It wasn't too busy when we went- we got there on a Friday night around 6pm and were able to get a spot. There are also some fun activities within the campground, and things nearby."
from $21 - $175 / night
Check Availability"We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."
"Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."
"We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"
from $74 / night
Check Availability"This is a really interesting campground that's situated on a hill overlooking Rudd Pond in Taconic State Park. "
"Wonderful hiking trails. Pond for fishing & swimming. Kiddie pond, children’s playground, Deli across the street is poorly managed but OK for a sandwich. Beautiful surrounding countryside."
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability"We started our hike at the under-mountain trailhead, located right off route 41, and climbed up the mountain. Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks."
"There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along."
ScoutI was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
LegendExcellent campground! The forest is beautiful, the Hudson River is super close, there are great trails, and the surrounding area is beautiful. Sites are electric only, so make sure your water pump is working and fresh water tank is full. There are spigots for filling and a nice dump station. The player is excellent. I don't think tetn camping here would be great because the tent sites are closer together and there are trains that pass regularly. We couldn't hear the trains in our camper and our site was large and private with great Forest and hammock trees. The mansion tours at Vanderbilt and Mills were awesome!
TravelerPeople are super friendly and helpful. Campground is well maintained and very secure. RV site was very large and mostly level. Good location. Close to Hudson River and Albany.
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
TravelerI called as we were 3 hours away for a spot for the night. The lady who answered was amazing and asked everything to pick us the right spot. We showed up after hours and found our spot. It was so peaceful and so beautiful. Bathrooms were extremely clean! I recommend this spot to everyone! Well worth it!
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
TravelerArrived at night on a weekday to find two other vehicles parked in the lot, srilll was able to find a fire ring with a level area relatively easy. Very quiet, just the sounds of owls hooting at night. Very nice mixed forest, seems managed well. It is somewhat buggy. But doesn’t seem to be overly infested with ticks at least.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
GuideFirst off the cons the train at 130 am is wonderful to get woken up to 2nd the sites are on top of each other 3 not many level sites didnt hear the buzzing at all no daddy long legs but ticks let's talk about how many ticks I got in the park I pulled 7 off of me in 5 nights at that park
Cabin camping near West Cornwall, Connecticut provides diverse accommodation options from primitive to modern. The area's mountain terrain in the Northwest Corner rises to elevations over 1,500 feet at points like Bear Mountain. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, while summer averages 80°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Cabins operate seasonally with most facilities closing after Labor Day weekend.
Hiking to Bash Bish Falls: Access the highest waterfall in Massachusetts from Taconic State Park. "Great trails around it. Would come back," noted one visitor. The falls drop approximately 80 feet through a series of cascades.
Mountain summit exploration: Climb Bear Mountain via trails from Brassie Brook Shelter. "After about a mile, you reach a trail intersection, stay left and continue up the hill until you reach the giant sign that reads 'Appalachian Trail - North and South,'" advises one hiker.
Fishing opportunities: The Farmington River offers excellent fishing access from Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," states one angler, noting it's a "trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only."
Waterfront camping: Sites along waterways remain popular with campers. "We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus," reported a visitor to Cozy Hills Campground. Many sites offer direct river or lake views with fishing access.
Dark night skies: Light pollution remains minimal in several campgrounds. One camper at Macedonia Brook State Park observed they have "a night sky as dark as you can find in CT," making stargazing particularly rewarding.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites. "Well spaced sites. No bathhouse, just portable toilets and a few water pumps," notes a Macedonia Brook camper, while Austin Hawes Memorial Campground visitors comment that "the sites are spaced apart nicely" and "you have a lot of privacy."
Weather considerations: Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in summer months. Pack waterproof gear and prepare for rapid temperature changes, especially at higher elevations.
Wildlife awareness: Bears remain active in the area. One visitor to Macedonia Brook State Park reported, "As we were walking back up to our tent there was a small bear within feet from us that we almost didn't see!"
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have minimal or no coverage. "No cell service," reported one Macedonia Brook camper, while another noted, "You can get a phone signal up at the 'lookout' of the hike" at Lake Waramaug.
Water access: Many campgrounds have limited water sources. At Macedonia Brook, expect only "a few water pumps" according to reviewers.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer organized recreation. Lone Oak Camp Sites provides "two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day," according to one family.
Swimming options: Swimming areas vary significantly by location. "The swim area is marginal- best for little ones," notes one Lake Waramaug visitor, while at Cozy Hills Campground, "The pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer learning experiences. At Macedonia Brook, one camper noted it's "perfect for teaching scouts of all ages how to take and prepare for the wilderness survival badges."
Family-friendly scheduling: Weekday visits often provide a quieter experience. "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town," notes a Lake Waramaug visitor.
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary widely. At White Pines Campsites, "be careful on the map for what site has what amenities, and make sure to double check power requirements because it's not labeled on the sites and it varies."
Site selection: Many RV sites require advance planning. "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive through if you can beforehand," advises a White Pines visitor.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide on-site dumping. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground has "No hook up, but they have a dump station" according to a recent camper.
Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds operate from mid-April through mid-October only. During peak summer weekends, reservations become essential as lakefront and riverfront sites fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near West Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, West Cornwall, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near West Cornwall, CT and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near West Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Cornwall, CT is Lone Oak Camp Sites with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near West Cornwall, CT.
What parks are near West Cornwall, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near West Cornwall, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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