Winsted, Connecticut sits at an elevation of 738 feet in the foothills of the Berkshires. The region experiences warm, humid summers and cold winters with significant snowfall, creating distinct camping seasons from May through October. Most campgrounds in the area sit near water features, with several offering access to fishing in rivers and lakes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access. "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. The park also features a swimming beach and boat rentals.
Hiking trails: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park offers numerous hiking options. "There is a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," shares Katherine P. Many campers recommend visiting nearby Bash Bish Falls for scenic waterfall views.
Swimming: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides river access for cooling off. "We jumped in the river and got out of the heat," explains Ashley B., adding that the campground is "super quiet, private campgrounds nestled in the trees, right on a river."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground earns praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Showers are hot and there's great water pressure. The cleanliness of the bathrooms depends on how busy the campground is," reports Perrin M. The park also features clean cabins and cottages.
Family activities: Prospect Mountain Campground offers programming for younger campers. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," explains Sandra S. The campground also includes a mini golf course and gem mining area.
Platform tent sites: Branch Brook Campground provides tent platforms that can be helpful during wet weather. "The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection," notes Rosie R., who appreciates this feature during rainy camping trips.
What you should know
Limited privacy: Many campgrounds in the region have closely spaced sites. At Rudd Pond, "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors," explains Katherine P. Similar concerns about site spacing appear in reviews across several area campgrounds.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October only, with precise opening and closing dates varying. At Lake Taghkanic State Park, the season runs "May 6 to October 15," according to campground information.
Road conditions: Copake Camping Resort has specific traffic patterns that can affect larger vehicles. One camper noted that they "have a tendency to close one of the main roads in the campground for cornhole tournaments which they'd have plenty of room for without closing the road. This closure then means anyone checking in may have to navigate through a really tight seasonal area to access their site."
Flooding concerns: Campers should check weather forecasts before booking. Some tent sites in the region can experience flooding during heavy rain, particularly in spring and early summer when precipitation is higher.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Prospect Mountain Campground offers water activities for all ages. "Pool was lovely and refreshing," reports Megin F., who adds "The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is a kiddie pond, children's playground," notes Lisa S. about Rudd Pond Area, making it suitable for families with younger children.
Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "This campground also offers plenty to keep the whole family occupied. It was Christmas in July while I was there, with decorations and planned activities to accompany it," explains Jean C. about Interlake RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Lake Compounce Campground offers partial hookups for RVers. "Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. Most sites include water and electric service, with 50-amp connections available.
Site layout: RV sites at many area campgrounds follow specific configurations. "Sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," explains Tina about Lake Compounce Campground, which helps provide some separation despite the face-to-face layout.
Reservation timing: Popular RV campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. Many campgrounds in the region report being busiest Friday through Sunday, with weekday stays offering more availability and quieter conditions.
