Connecticut's western region surrounding Woodbury Center sits at elevations between 700-1,000 feet, creating a diverse landscape of hills, valleys, and abundant water features. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to freezing temperatures. Summer nights can drop to 50-55°F even when daytime temperatures reach 80°F.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Limited but available. At Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, the swimming area is "an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then it's probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)" Some parks occasionally restrict swimming due to water quality issues, as one camper noted: "The week I was there there was a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed."
Hiking trails: Diverse terrain options. Several campgrounds feature short nature trails leading to viewpoints or water features. At Point Folly Campground, trails are "beautiful, flat & hilly" with easy access points. For longer hiking adventures, drive 8-12 miles to surrounding conservation areas where you can "hike up and see the sun set over the lake" at Macricostas Preserve.
Water sports: Kayaking and fishing popular. Bantam Lake at Point Folly offers "a beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing" with an adjacent "small little island." Lake Waramaug provides excellent paddling conditions, though rental equipment can be expensive - bringing your own watercraft is recommended.
What campers like
Large, well-maintained sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious accommodations. At Kettletown State Park Campground, a camper described it as "a small camp ground and it's absolutely beautiful. The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots." Another noted the "hiking, woods, camping, both primitive and hook up" options available.
Family-friendly activities: Cozy Hills Campground stands out for its recreational programming. One visitor mentioned "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." Another camper shared: "Kids caught about 20 fish. The pool is nice, no deep end."
Clean facilities: The best places to camp near Woodbury Center, Connecticut maintain reliable bathroom access. At Lake Compounce Campground, "restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper." Some campgrounds feature newer amenities - "the pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer" at Branch Brook Campground.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds have minimal separation between sites. At Black Rock State Park Campground, while some sites offer reasonable seclusion, the overall layout has campers in relatively close quarters. At Lake Waramaug, one reviewer warned the campground provides "zero privacy" and advised visitors to expect "seeing/hearing your neighbors' every move."
Wildlife encounters common: Beyond typical forest creatures, campers should prepare for specific wildlife issues. At Lake Waramaug, "there are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into EVERYTHING even in a bin." Food storage in vehicles is essential for avoiding unwanted visitors.
Limited cell service in some areas: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. Lake Waramaug has minimal reception - "cell service is basically non-existent" with 2023 representing "the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years." Some campers appreciate this forced disconnection while others find it challenging.
Tips for camping with families
Pack entertainment options: With limited organized activities at state parks, families should bring their own recreation equipment. One camper suggested: "Bring scooters or bikes for little kids to use within the camp." For water-based recreation, prepare appropriately - "if you have your own paddleboard or canoe or kayak, this would be a good place to use them."
Choose camping times strategically: Weekdays offer a significantly different experience than weekends at popular campgrounds. At Point Folly Campground, midweek visits provide a "small, quiet campground" experience with lake access for "boaters/kayakers, fishermen and families." Lake Waramaug becomes "a ghost town" during weekdays.
Plan for bathroom access: Facilities can be unevenly distributed throughout campgrounds. As one camper noted about Lake Compounce: "There is only one set of facilities for the whole place. It's quite a walk to the bathrooms." This consideration becomes especially important with younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should research specific site dimensions before booking. At Gentiles Campground, "roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs." One reviewer warned it's "not big rig friendly" despite being listed as such in some directories.
Utility access variability: Water and electric hookups are available at most campgrounds, but sewer connections are less common. Lake Compounce "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station" according to a recent visitor. When available, hookups can vary in reliability - plan accordingly and arrive with fresh water tanks filled.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through early October, with limited year-round options. Gentiles Campground remains open all year, though winter camping requires appropriate gear for below-freezing temperatures. Spring camping may involve muddy conditions as snowmelt and rain can create drainage issues at many sites.
