Housatonic Meadows Campground Camp Office, Sharon, CT

Introduction / Overview

Nestled within the rugged, scenic beauty of the Litchfield Hills, Housatonic Meadows Campground stands as one of Connecticut’s most beloved state park camping destinations. This is a place where the towering white pines meet the clear, cold waters of the Housatonic River, offering an authentic "back-to-nature" experience right in the heart of the Northwest Uplands. Managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the campground is renowned not only for its tranquil setting but also for its exceptional recreational opportunities.

Open seasonally, typically from mid-April to the start of December, Housatonic Meadows offers a perfect escape for Connecticut residents seeking a rustic yet amenity-equipped basecamp for outdoor adventure. The campground itself is situated within the 452-acre Housatonic Meadows State Park, providing campers with direct access to hiking, river activities, and some of the best fly-fishing in the Northeast. Campers frequently laud its "perfect location," noting the quiet atmosphere and the "beautiful views of both the Housatonic River, and Sharon Mountain," as one hiker of the Appalachian Trail observed. Another visitor echoed the sentiment, loving the sounds of the "river while we fell asleep."

The facility caters to various styles of outdoor stays, from traditional tent camping beneath the tall pines to RVs and rustic cabin rentals. It serves as an essential jumping-off point for exploring the Housatonic River valley, the nearby Appalachian Trail, and the charming small towns of Western Connecticut. For locals, Housatonic Meadows represents a preserved piece of wild Connecticut, offering an accessible and affordable way to disconnect from daily life and immerse themselves in a peaceful environment.

Location and Accessibility

Housatonic Meadows Campground is strategically situated along US-7, a historic and picturesque route that winds through the Litchfield Hills. The address—Housatonic Meadows Campground, 90 US-7, Sharon, CT 06069, USA—places it in the town of Sharon, positioned approximately three miles south of the famous West Cornwall Covered Bridge and two miles north of the Route 4 intersection. This location makes it remarkably accessible from both northern and southern Litchfield County, as well as being a convenient drive from the Greater Danbury area via Route 7 north.

Despite being easily reached via a major state route, the campground maintains a feeling of deep immersion in nature. The 95 campsites sweep along the banks of the Housatonic River, offering prime waterfront or wooded spots tucked away from the road noise. While the setting is rustic, the gravel parking and driveways within the park accommodate various types of equipment, including trailers and RVs (though equipment longer than 35 feet may face restrictions due to the forested, riverside setting). The park's main entrance is clearly marked along Route 7, ensuring straightforward navigation for first-time visitors.

Its accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to some of Connecticut's most significant natural and cultural landmarks. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate its location on the route of the Appalachian Trail, while boaters and anglers can take advantage of the direct river access. This central yet secluded spot makes Housatonic Meadows an ideal, effortless weekend getaway for any Connecticut resident looking to maximize their time outdoors.

Services Offered

As a Connecticut State Park Campground, Housatonic Meadows provides essential services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in a rustic, natural environment. The services balance traditional camping simplicity with necessary modern amenities.

Overnight Camping: Offers 61 sites for tents, trailers, and RVs (note: there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups at the campsites, though a sanitary dump station is available).
Rustic Cabin Rentals: Four rustic cabins are available for rent, featuring two rooms with five beds (double and two bunk beds), electricity, a porch, fire ring, and picnic table. Cabins do not have running water, kitchens, or bathrooms, but share nearby facilities.
Essential Amenities: Campers have access to modern flush toilets, hot showers (may require a fee), and potable drinking water stations.
Reservations: Campsites and cabins can be reserved in advance through the state's reservation system, highly recommended due to the park’s popularity.
On-Site Supplies: Firewood can be purchased locally at the campground office to comply with state regulations against importing firewood from other states, which protects Connecticut's forests from invasive pests.
Off-Season Availability: The park remains open year-round for day-use activities such as hiking and picnicking, even when the campground loop is closed for the winter season.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of Housatonic Meadows lies in its unique, natural features and the wealth of recreational activities they support, providing a quintessential Connecticut outdoor experience.

Housatonic River Frontage: Nearly all campsites are located along or near the riverbank, providing a constant, soothing sound of rushing water and beautiful views, as noted by enthusiastic visitors.
World-Class Fly-Fishing: A two-mile stretch of the Housatonic River along the park shore is reserved exclusively for fly-fishing, making it a premier destination in the state for trout and bass fishing.
Appalachian Trail Access: The famous Appalachian Trail runs through or is easily accessible from the state park, providing ample opportunities for day hikes or longer backpacking excursions along the scenic Sharon Mountain section.
Non-Motorized Boating: The river is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and tubing, allowing visitors to explore the valley from the water.
Year-Round Recreation: The park's trails are maintained for hiking and mountain biking in warmer months, and the area offers opportunities for cross-country skiing in the winter.
Rustic Cabins: A limited number of popular rustic cabins offer a comfortable, semi-primitive alternative to tent camping, complete with electricity and the benefit of a riverfront location.

Contact Information

For reservations, specific campground rules, and seasonal operating hours, contact the Housatonic Meadows Campground Camp Office directly. Reservations should be made well in advance through the official state parks reservation service.

Address: Housatonic Meadows Campground, 90 US-7, Sharon, CT 06069, USA

Camp Office Phone: (860) 672-6772

Mobile Phone: +1 860-672-6772 (Often the same or an alternative line for the Camp Office)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Housatonic Meadows Campground is perfectly suited for Connecticut residents because it delivers an accessible, authentic wilderness experience without requiring a drive to distant states. As a state-managed park, it offers highly favorable rates for Connecticut residents, making a getaway more affordable than private options. This financial benefit, combined with its central location in the scenic Northwest Hills, means a short drive can lead to a significant change of scenery.

The campground's suitability is rooted in its dedication to preserving the natural environment while fostering outdoor recreation. Locals can use it as a true basecamp for enjoying the state’s natural treasures: the Appalachian Trail, the protected fly-fishing area of the Housatonic River, and the rugged Litchfield County landscape. The availability of both basic tent sites and rustic cabins provides flexible options for every type of camper, whether someone is looking to hike for a week or simply spend a peaceful weekend by the water with their family.

For Connecticut residents, Housatonic Meadows is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a point of regional pride, a hub for outdoor hobbies like hiking and fly-fishing, and a necessary escape from the pace of modern life. The peaceful environment and friendly atmosphere, repeatedly praised by past visitors, ensure that every return trip feels like coming home to the best of Connecticut's natural world.