State parks and forests surrounding South Kent, Connecticut feature a mix of established campgrounds and more rustic options within a short drive. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground, just north of Kent, offers tent and RV sites with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and fire rings. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground in nearby New Preston provides lakeside camping with boat-in access and glamping options. Housatonic Meadows State Park in Sharon sits along the Housatonic River, making it popular with anglers and paddlers. Most campgrounds in this region maintain a wooded, natural setting while still providing essential facilities like picnic tables, restrooms, and in many cases, shower facilities.
Most state park campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late May through early September, with some extending into early October. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region's valleys and hills, with better reception typically found at higher elevations. As one camper at Macedonia Brook State Park noted, "The place is great for teaching wilderness survival skills. It has running water, porta potties, and some cell service if you get towards the building." Wildlife encounters are common, with visitors to Lake Waramaug reporting, "There are lots of skunks and squirrels that will get into everything even in a bin."
Proximity to water features distinguishes many camping areas near South Kent. Several campgrounds offer swimming access, though water quality can vary seasonally. A visitor to Lake Waramaug observed, "Sites are huge and you will almost always have a view of the water." Trail access is another highlight, with many campgrounds serving as gateways to hiking networks. The region's topography creates varied camping experiences, from riverside sites at Housatonic Meadows to more elevated positions at Macedonia Brook with views of surrounding hills. Privacy between sites varies significantly by location and specific site number, with weekday stays generally offering more seclusion than busy summer weekends. For those seeking more amenities, private campgrounds like Cozy Hills in Bantam provide additional facilities including markets and organized activities.
$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 !"
$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!"
$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."
$17 / night
"When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot."
"We were right next to the entrance for hiking trails which was convenient. The facilities are a bit of a walk, but that means it is spread out and there's plenty of room to relax and have fun."
"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."
$17 - $50 / night
"Each one is far away from the others."
$17 - $50 / night
"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
"The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake. "
"Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"
TravelerGoing back for Memorial Day weekend my 3rd time going and always had a great time nice place ,clean Bathroom & Shower with hot water 👍🏽convenient location easy access to campground and lake
ScoutLean-to is just off the Mink Hollow trail near the Devil's Path there is an outhouse near lean-to. A reliable piped spring is a quarter mile away.
ScoutLean-to is right on the overlook trail so a lot of hikers passing by.
GuideDid an overnight camp out with a buddy here. All in all not bad. Very busy, not a place if you want solitude.
ScoutBeautiful campsites! Lots of lean to sites with fireplaces in them. You have to go in person to make a reservation and pay. The camp area is beautiful, especially in the fall. Pet friendly and kid friendly with a playground available. Our favorite site is #25. Up a hill, totally private and has a lean-to.
ScoutI 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
ScoutThis campground is just mowed spots on a hillside in Kerhonkson. There are no facilities aside from some port-o-sans that the owners didn't recommend using. But the location is great for accessing the Shawamhunks. Given the lack of affordable RV campgrounds (and even the few expensive ones) in the area, this stands out.
GuideAustin 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.
GuideIf 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?
The South Kent area sits in Connecticut's northwest corner, surrounded by the Berkshire and Taconic mountain ranges. The region experiences warm summer nights with average temperatures in the mid-70s and cool fall camping with lows in the 40s. Many campgrounds in this region offer waterfront sites with varying levels of amenities and access to multi-use recreational trails.
Kayaking and water sports: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has excellent water access for paddlers. "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available," notes a reviewer who has camped there for over 20 years.
Hiking trails: Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers trail systems with moderate difficulty ratings. "The loop hike over the mountains was good, at times more intermediate than beginner and I wouldn't try to go it with younger kids. We did the east side one afternoon and the west the next," shares one camper.
Fishing opportunities: At Point Folly Campground, anglers enjoy direct lake access. "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers, fisherman and families. I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake," reports one regular visitor.
Riverside campsites: Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground offers sites with natural water features. One long-term visitor mentions, "Tons of birdwatching, hiking, river floating... the cabins look great also."
Site privacy: Some campgrounds provide more secluded options than others. At Steep Rock Association, a camper notes: "There are three campsites; two that require short hikes (.5 miles and .75 miles, respectively) and a third that can be driven to. Each one is far away from the others."
Dark skies: For stargazers, Macedonia Brook provides exceptional night visibility. One camper points out the "night sky as dark as you can find in CT," making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts or those wanting to escape light pollution.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from late May through early September, with a few extending into October. Lake Waramaug has limited services outside peak season as "the only on-site services are firewood and ice sales. The little food shack is out of business."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically across the region. At Clarence Fahnestock State Park Campground, "You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service," according to one reviewer who notes that being disconnected is actually part of the appeal for many visitors.
Wildlife encounters: Bears, skunks, and other animals frequent several campgrounds. A Macedonia Brook camper cautions: "As we were walking back up to our tent there was a small bear within feet from us that we almost didn't see!"
Bathroom facilities: Varies significantly between locations. Kettletown State Park has "bathhouses in real need of updating," with one reviewer noting "CT should really invest in better quality bath houses."
Accessibility considerations: Kettletown State Park Campground offers spacious areas for children. "The reason why this place is perfect for kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night!" explains a regular visitor.
Swimming options: The swimming areas vary greatly in size and quality. At Lake Waramaug, "The swim area is marginal- best for little ones," while a camper at Kettletown mentioned the swimming area is "an absolute joke, unless you are 18 months old, and then its probably perfect. (Extremely small, extremely shallow, and some sand to dig in.)"
Activities for kids: Cozy Hills Campground offers organized events for children. "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," reports a recent visitor.
Site selection: At Cozy Hills Campground, "They pack us in pretty tight in some sites," notes one RVer, recommending advance research of specific site dimensions before booking.
Hookup availability: Electric and water hookups are limited at many state parks. Lake Waramaug has restrictions for certain vehicles as "they make your life miserable and prevent you from camping in the front row where the sites are larger, level, and have a lake view" if you have a popup camper or larger rig.
Leveling challenges: Terrain at many campgrounds requires preparation. One Lake Waramaug camper noted that Site 11, "while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, South Kent, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 126 campgrounds and RV parks near South Kent, CT and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Kent, CT is Lake Waramaug State Park Campground with a 3.1-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near South Kent, CT.
What parks are near South Kent, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near South Kent, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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