Point Folly

- 123 N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750

Introduction / Overview

For Connecticut residents searching for the quintessential, unspoiled, and deeply peaceful camping experience, Point Folly Campground in Bantam is a true local treasure. Managed by the esteemed White Memorial Conservation Center, this special destination is situated on a beautiful peninsula that juts out into the crystalline waters of Bantam Lake, the largest natural lake in Connecticut. Point Folly offers a decidedly traditional and rustic style of camping, consciously avoiding the common modern frills to maintain a focus on natural beauty and tranquility.

The campground features 47 sites, many of which are situated directly along the shoreline, offering campers stunning waterfront views and easy access to the water. This is the place to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with the natural world. It’s a haven for those who cherish quiet time, the simplicity of a campfire, and the beauty of being surrounded by water and mature trees. Visitors consistently describe the area as undeveloped, peaceful, and clean, highlighting its suitability for families, anglers, and anyone seeking a low-key retreat within the scenic Litchfield Hills region. If your perfect getaway involves casting a line, launching a kayak right from your site, and falling asleep to the sounds of nature, Point Folly is waiting for you.

Location and Accessibility

Point Folly Campground is idyllically located at 123 N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA. Its unique setting on a peninsula means that nearly every campsite benefits from proximity to Bantam Lake. The campground is nestled within the extensive 4,000-acre property of the White Memorial Foundation, providing an unparalleled natural buffer and direct access to one of the state’s most significant conservation areas.

For Connecticut locals, the location in the picturesque Litchfield Hills makes it an easy and beautiful drive from many parts of the state. It is close to the charming and historic towns of Bantam and Litchfield, which offer quaint dining options, local shops, and cultural sites for a day trip. The proximity to major state routes ensures that while the campground feels secluded and 'away from it all,' it remains easily accessible. The location is perfect for those in New Haven County, Hartford County, or even Fairfield County looking for a refreshing change of scenery and a return to traditional camping without traveling out of state.

Services Offered

In keeping with its rustic, conservation-focused atmosphere, Point Folly Campground provides fundamental services designed to facilitate a comfortable but primitive camping experience. Campers should note the intentional absence of many modern amenities found in commercial parks, ensuring the natural environment remains the main attraction.

• Campsite Options: The campground offers 47 sites for both RVs (up to approximately 30 feet) and tents. Sites are primitive, meaning there are no individual hookups for electricity, water, or sewer. Sites are generally shaded and fairly level, with picnic tables and fire rings provided.
• Water Access: Water spigots for drinking water are conveniently located throughout the sites on the peninsula. Campers must manage their water needs using these centralized points, as there are no private water connections at individual sites.
• Sanitary Facilities: Pit toilets (non-flush) and clean restrooms are provided throughout the campground. There is also a centralized dumping station available for RV campers to use before departure.
• Campground Store and Marina: Near the entrance, the Campground Store provides essential supplies, including locally sourced firewood, ice, and basic provisions. A marina and boat launch are available for campers, who may moor boats near their campsites for easy lake access.
• Safety and Convenience: The park is pet-friendly, though pets must remain leashed and supervised at all times. Staff are regularly present to ensure a safe and peaceful environment, upholding quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Features / Highlights

The main draw of Point Folly is its stunning natural environment and the wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities it affords, directly linked to its setting on Bantam Lake and within the White Memorial Foundation:

• Bantam Lake Waterfront Access: Almost all sites are situated along the peninsula, offering campers direct, unimpeded access to Bantam Lake. The water is often noted in reviews for being clean and surprisingly warm during the summer months, making it excellent for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Campers can launch small watercraft directly from their campsite.
• Boating and Fishing: The area is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities. A Connecticut fishing license is required for anglers, who can cast a line from their site or take a boat out onto the large lake. The on-site marina and boat launch make it easy for locals to bring their own motorized or non-motorized watercraft.
• White Memorial Conservation Center Trails: Campers have free access to the White Memorial Foundation's extensive 40-mile trail system, which is open for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, allowing for deep exploration of the surrounding forested terrain and diverse habitats. The famous 'Boardwalk Trail' is a popular nearby attraction.
• Natural Seclusion and Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently praise the quiet, peaceful atmosphere and the underdeveloped nature of the sites, noting that sites are generally shaded and separated by ample foliage, offering a sense of privacy that is increasingly rare in modern campgrounds.
• Nearby Attractions: The camp is just a short distance from Sandy Beach (available for swimming for a nominal fee) and the White Memorial Conservation Center Museum, which offers educational exhibits and is a great resource for learning about the local ecosystem and history.

Contact Information

To secure your reservation or inquire about the unique rules and offerings at this pristine Connecticut campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 123 N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA

Phone: (860) 567-0089

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Point Folly Campground is exceptionally suitable for Connecticut locals looking for an authentic, budget-friendly, and easy-to-reach outdoor escape. For many residents, it represents a cherished return to traditional, simple camping—a concept increasingly hard to find. Its operation by the White Memorial Foundation provides an assurance that the environment is protected and maintained for conservation, appealing to those who prioritize nature over manufactured entertainment. This is not a 'resort-style' campground; it is a rustic haven that encourages genuine connection with the outdoors.

Its primary appeal for local users is the unparalleled waterfront access on Bantam Lake. Campers can spend their days swimming in clean water, fishing, or peacefully paddling a kayak, all within sight of their temporary home. The proximity to the massive White Memorial trail system means there are limitless possibilities for hiking and biking right outside the tent flap or RV door. By offering a serene, quiet, and beautiful retreat in the heart of the Litchfield Hills, Point Folly provides the perfect, uncomplicated weekend or week-long getaway for families and individuals across Connecticut who value natural beauty and the simple pleasure of a campfire by the water.

Point Folly

123 N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA