Tent and RV campgrounds near Woodbury Center, Connecticut offer diverse options from basic sites to full-service facilities. The region sits where the Naugatuck and Pomperaug Rivers converge, creating a landscape of wooded hills and river valleys. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping brings cooler nights requiring additional layers and proper rain gear.
What to do
Hiking trails with lake views: At Mountain Lakes Park, several trails lead directly from the camping area to multiple lakes. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," notes Ethan K., who also mentions that trails can get "muddy and slippery" after rain.
Beach swimming options: Though some campground beaches are limited, nearby attractions offer alternatives. A camper at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground suggests: "If you want a better place to swim go to Mt.Tom state park about 10 minutes up the road. It's a day use only park-no camping- but the lake is gorgeous and there are very few people there."
Winter sports access: Several campgrounds that close for overnight stays in winter maintain trail access for day use. "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it," writes Ben H. about Mountain Lakes Park's year-round accessibility.
What campers like
Large private sites: Campers frequently mention site size as a positive feature. At White Pines Campsites, "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site," reports Becca Z., though she notes many sites "were pretty sloped."
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to natural water bodies. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, "Two big pools, store, bar for adults with live entertainment. Tons of kids activities going on all day," according to Kim T., making it popular for family trips during summer months.
Water activities: Access to fishing and boating ranks high among camper preferences. One visitor to Taconic State Park notes: "2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of. Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have poor connectivity. At Lake Waramaug, a camper reports: "Cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this campground is a great place to disconnect and relax."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Quality and cleanliness of restrooms differs significantly between properties. At Wildwood State Park Campground, "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground," states Amber A., while others note facilities can deteriorate during busy weekends.
Seasonal limitations: Most properties operate from May through October with limited off-season availability. "Most of the sites have deep drainage ditches, likely roots, and stumps as well, but not too much pine in the immediate vicinity to make a mess of your gear," notes a Lake Waramaug camper about spring conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for noise levels: Different campgrounds have varying enforcement of quiet hours. A Lake Waramaug visitor observed: "Quiet hours are not enforced. Two cars per site is not enforced. Loud Boomboxes are the norm. People using the lakeside state park walk through your campsite to go use the campground bathroom and showers."
Choose weekdays when possible: Many campgrounds transform on weekends. A Taconic State Park visitor advised: "This was a truly great campground, but its proximity to NYC draws large crowds on weekends," while another camper noted: "I would never camp here on a weekend... it is a party place then."
Check playground access: Not all campgrounds offer play equipment. A visitor to Riverdale Farm Campsites reports: "Decent location, not overrun with seasonal campers. We stayed for 3 nights, kids loved the area and playground. Wi-Fi was not so great unless we paid $6 a day for premium access."
Tips from RVers
Limited sewer connections: Many campgrounds offer water and electric hookups without sewer. At Lake Compounce Campground, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out. The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there," notes Tina.
Site orientation matters: RV pads at some campgrounds create proximity issues. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," reports Diane R. about Lake Compounce, adding "Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Seasonal versus transient sites: Many campgrounds allocate specific areas for each type of camper. "CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend," reports Richard about Lake Compounce Campground, a pattern repeated at most facilities in the region where weekday availability is rarely an issue outside peak summer months.
