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Best Campgrounds near West Cornwall, CT

608 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near West Cornwall, Connecticut (139)

    1. Lone Oak Camp Sites

    12 Reviews
    Norfolk, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 422-2267

    "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."

    2. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Kent, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 927-3238

    $14 / night

    "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!"

    3. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "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."

    4. Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

    21 Reviews
    Copake Falls, NY
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 329-3993

    $17 - $175 / night

    "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."

    5. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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 !"

    6. Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Cornwall Bridge, CT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 672-6772

    $17 - $50 / night

    7. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    13 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    8. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0124

    $74 / night

    "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"

    9. Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park

    4 Reviews
    Millerton, NY
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (518) 789-3059

    $17 - $20 / night

    "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."

    10. Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    2 Reviews
    Taconic, CT
    12 miles
    Website

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near West Cornwall, CT

912 Photos of 139 West Cornwall Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near West Cornwall, CT

608 Reviews of 139 West Cornwall Campgrounds

  • M
    Oct. 26, 2025

    North-South Lake Campground

    Beautiful grounds HORRIBLE STAFF

    I don’t normally write reviews especially a negative one. We had a very upsetting experience at North-South Lake. We drove over two hours to visit my husband’s childhood campground for the first time with our three kids(ages 5, 7, and 9). When we arrived at the entrance, we were asked if it was a day visit, and we said yes, we were only staying for the day. We paid the fee, received a map, and drove in. My husband was so excited to finally share this place and create memories with our children. Looking for a place to park, we thought we were lucky to find an empty campsite in one of the loops where he used to camp as a child.

    We parked the car hoping to enjoy the view of the lake, take a walk, and maybe make the kids a couple of s’mores before heading home.

     At around 2:15–2:30 p.m., the “SUPERVISOR” in the white Kia approached us in an extremely rude and nasty manner, speaking as if we were committing a serious crime and comparing our situation to“sleeping in someone else’s hotel room.” She asked us if we had a reservation; we said no. She said,“Someone else reserved this spot.” We were very apologetic, embarrassed, and immediately put our stuff in the car. I said they could have told us; we would have moved right away. I’m sorry. 

    She said,“They aren’t supposed to talk to you; that’s why they send me here.” She told us we had ten minutes to leave, waited there while we put our chair, blanket, and s’more cookies in the car, and refused our 9-year-old daughter access to the bathroom while we packed up our three things, and even followed us out of the loop to make sure we didn’t park elsewhere. My daughter came to us crying because the lady told her she couldn’t use the bathroom and had to get in the car. Well, she had an accident in the car right as we were pulling out. 

    We were mortified and apologetic. My husband even offered to leave the firewood we had just purchased for the next campers, but she was dismissive and harsh about that as well. 

    The following day, I called and asked to speak with a manager to explain how we were treated. The manager was just as unfriendly and miserable sounding as the supervisor. I was told they had been looking for us“for hours” and that it’s“common sense” not to park in a campsite. She actually said it’s considered trespassing. So, a friendly warning for first-time visitors: Apparently, if you don’t know that“day use” doesn’t mean“park in any empty campsite,” just for the day, you’re officially a trespassing criminal, at least according to the manager. 

    Reading the website now, I see that check-in for people with reservations is at 2 p.m., which was the time we were trying to make a small fire, so unless someone left their site and returned, it’s unclear how they could have been looking for us“for hours.” We were right there at 2pm. 

    The website also states: Day Use• Anyone who is not camping is a day-user. Day-use hours are from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Day-users are not allowed between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. 

    We were not camping but didn’t realize we couldn’t park in an empty campsite. I think“common sense” would be to inform DAY USE visitors at the ENTRANCE to use public parking, especially for families or first-time visitors who may not be camping experts. Bottom line: this was my husband’s childhood family spot. We just wanted to take a beautiful fall drive and have a special day with our kids. 

    We understand now that we needed to reserve the parking spot ahead of time, and it was an honest misunderstanding. I would have even offered to pay for the campers’ stay for their trouble. What we wish for is that the staff had approached us respectfully and explained the situation instead of treating us like criminals. Imagine being such a miserable person and working in such a BEAUTIFUL and peaceful place for families. 

    This was meant to be a special family day, honoring memories of my father-in-law and creating new ones with our children. Instead, it became stressful and humiliating. Sadly, this is what our children will remember about the day and about North South Lake

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    New York City North-Newburgh KOA

    Good amenities and fun experience!

    Campsites Great campsites, wooded and cozy, though a little tight for longer rigs as our neighbors found out when they ran over a wooden post backing in. But spaced apart nicely with lots of vegetation between. Nice and level. Amenities Bathrooms are older and need of some repair but let me tell you I was very happy to see a normal shower head with real hot water! So no complaints here. Laundry facilities were clean and open 24/7 with reasonable prices 2.50/2.00 washer/dryer. And the dryers actually worked. Small dog park, communal spaces, and a camp store all made the place feel like a little village. They even have a wine store- cab sav was good. WiFi I work remotely and WiFi is always an issue. We have Starlink but in a wooded campsite, connecting is an issue but luckily their WiFi was great. Had no issues and could stream just fine. Halloween! We visited mid October and folks had sites decorated and the KOA has trick or treating and other activities every weekend in Oct. we were SO bummed to be leaving on a Friday and miss the festivities because it looked really fun. Would definitely go back. Also, staff was super nice.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Brookside Campground

    Not a recreational campsite

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We paid for two weeks in advance of arriving at this site based on reviews available on Google and Dyrt. However, when we arrived we were surprised that this was mostly a trailer park. Call me picky, but I really prefer not to camp in an area where folks are living full time. Just not the vibe I’m going for. We decided to leave without staying. We called to see if we could get a refund and they were very kind and it wasn’t a problem. But just be warned… this is not a recreational campsite.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Whip O Will Campsites

    Not for recreational campers

    Full disclosure, we did not stay here. PLEASE, folks that leave reviews on this app, PLEASE say whether it’s a full-timer campsite or a recreational campsite. We arrived after leaving another campsite in the area (that was also 100% full timers) and were disappointed to find that this site was all permanent campers with crap everywhere. One site even had a funeral home sign hanging out front of an entire plywood addition to their camper…like what? Call me picky, but I don’t feel entirely comfortable camping for fun next to folks who live in the campground like this. After driving through the super narrow and rutted out roads to the site they recommend, a man came hauling a** into our site (with a beer in his hand) and was saying “hello hellooooo.” Said he was the owner of the campsite and asked if we were staying, we said we were thinking about it, just checking out the available sites (as the lady up front told us to do). TL;DR- bad vibes. Didn’t stay. Be warned this is a full time campsite with crap everywhere. The lady working the office was super nice though.

Guide to West Cornwall

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.

What to do

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."

What campers like

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."

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 139 campgrounds and RV parks near West Cornwall, CT and 6 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 6 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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