Campgrounds of Litchfield Connecticut have rustic charm

Campgrounds with very reasonable rates operate at 13 state parks and state forests, most of them in the Litchfield region. The state Department of Environmental Protection offers plenty of information about camping on its website. CT campgrounds offer a wide variety of amenities in terms of bathrooms, showers, dumping and hookups. Some are on or near the beach. Also, accessibility to nearby fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports varies widely. Be sure to contact individual campgrounds for detailed information.

American Legion State Forest

West River Road Pleasant Valley, CT Phone: 860-379-0922

Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground, midway between Pleasant Valley and Riverton on West River Road. 30 sites in pine woods. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing. No swimming. One pet/site permitted. Reservations accepted April 20 through Columbus Day. The campground is located near State lands that are Open to hunting. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open from April through October.

Black Rock State Park

Watertown Road (Route 6) Thomaston, CT Phone: 860-283-8088

Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the western highlands of Connecticut. Black Rock Campground has 96 sites in a wooded setting. The camping season is mid-April through September 30. This is a designated trout park. Activities include picnicking, field sports, swimming, and pond fishing. Facilities: bathrooms, food concessions, picnic tables.
There is a daily parking fee in season. Gates are open on weekends only from the third Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8 a.m. to sunset. From Memorial Day to October 31st, they are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Campsite fees are charged separately.

Housatonic Meadows State Park

Route 7 Sharon, CT Phone: 860-672-6772

95 sites in rustic setting near Housatonic River. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers. No swimming. No pets. Alcohol-free campground. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open April through December.

Kettletown State Park

1400 Georges Hill Road Southbury, CT Phone: 203-264-5678

68 partly wooded and Open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. Trailers and RVs may not exceed 28 feet in length. No pets. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open May through September.

Lake Waramaug State Park

30 Lake Waramaug Road New Preston, CT

78 wooded and Open sites overlooking lake. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. No pets. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open May through September.

Macedonia Brook State Park

159 Macedonia Brook Road Kent, CT Phone: 860-927-4100

51 sites in rustic setting. Stream fishing, excellent hiking, no swimming. No pets. Reservations accepted April 20 through Labor Day. Alcohol-free campground. Cost: $11/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open April through September.