White Memorial Family Campground

- N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750

Introduction / Overview

For Connecticut residents seeking a truly nature-focused camping experience away from the noise and hookups of commercial parks, the White Memorial Family Campground—often referred to by its Point Folly location—is a premier destination. Nestled on a scenic peninsula that juts into Bantam Lake, the state’s largest natural body of water, this campground offers an unparalleled connection to the outdoors. It is an integral part of the extensive 4,000-acre White Memorial Foundation, Connecticut’s largest wildlife refuge, providing campers with access to an unmatched network of trails and natural habitats.

The tone here is decidedly rustic. Visitors should expect a primitive camping environment, which is precisely its charm. It appeals to those who prioritize sweeping lake views, direct water access, and the quiet beauty of a conservation center over modern amenities. While the breathtaking "view" and "access to water" are constantly praised by campers, the simple "pit toilets" (non-flush) and the lack of individual site hookups solidify its standing as a genuine, back-to-basics lakeside retreat. It is the perfect spot for locals who want to embrace the simple joys of a campfire, a beautiful sunset over the water, and days spent on the lake or the trails.

Location and Accessibility

The primary family camping area, Point Folly, is located at N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA. This places the campground strategically in Litchfield County, making it easily accessible for day trips or weekend escapes from most corners of Connecticut, including the Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield County areas. The setting on a peninsula means that many of the sites—there are 47 at Point Folly—offer highly coveted "water front" or "view of the lake" opportunities, a rare find in the state.

Accessibility extends beyond just driving. The campground is the gateway to the vast White Memorial Foundation property, which boasts over 40 miles of maintained trails. Campers can walk, hike, and bike directly from their site onto the trail system, which includes the popular Little Pond Boardwalk Trail. Furthermore, the location provides immediate access to Bantam Lake and the Bantam River, facilitating easy launching for canoes, kayaks, and motorboats directly from the adjacent Marina or, as some campers suggest, conveniently from their lakeside site.

Services Offered

In line with its rustic and primitive focus, White Memorial Family Campground offers essential services to support a comfortable, low-impact stay:

• Essential Sanitary Facilities: Pit toilets (non-flush) are provided throughout the camping area. Note: Campers should be prepared for this simple facility style, as mentioned in customer feedback.
• Fresh Water Access: Fresh, potable drinking water is available at designated communal taps, though not at individual campsites.
• Waste Management: A dumping station is provided for RVs, and designated dumpsters/recycling bins are available for campsite trash disposal.
• Campsite Furnishings: Each of the spacious campsites includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Campground Store: A Campground Store is operated near the entrance (at 123 North Shore Road) for check-in, visitor fees, and the purchase of essential items, including local firewood (required by state law).
• Boating Services: The nearby Point Folly Marina and Boat Launch offers public boat launching facilities. Campers may launch for a reduced charge and can moor boats near their campsites.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are permitted, provided they are kept on a leash, cleaned up after, and do not disturb other guests.

Features / Highlights

The genuine appeal of the White Memorial Family Campground lies in its unique natural features and the recreational bounty provided by the White Memorial Foundation:

• Waterfront Sites on Bantam Lake: The key highlight is the location on the Point Folly peninsula, offering 47 sites, many of which are waterfront or lake-view. This provides campers with a stunning and tranquil vista over Bantam Lake, perfect for sunrises and sunsets.
• Easy Boat & Canoe Access: The ease of putting a personal boat or canoe "in the water" right across from a site is a tremendous advantage for Connecticut water-sport enthusiasts, fisherman, and kayakers.
• 40+ Miles of Multi-Use Trails: Campers gain complimentary access to the Foundation's extensive trail system, which is open year-round for hiking, biking on designated roads, horseback riding, and winter activities like snowshoeing.
• Proximity to Nature Museum: A short distance from the campground is the White Memorial Conservation Center Museum, which offers engaging exhibits on local natural history and wildlife, making it an excellent educational feature for families.
• Outstanding Fishing Opportunities: Bantam Lake and the Bantam River offer fine fishing, with a valid CT fishing license. The entire property’s ponds and rivers are open for fishing, making it a dream spot for local anglers.
• True Primitive Camping Vibe: For those who feel that real camping means no electric hookups, no running water at the site, and a focus on nature, this "rustic" style is a beloved feature that fosters a deeper connection with the wilderness.

Contact Information

The White Memorial Family Campground operates seasonally, generally from early May through Columbus Day weekend. For reservations and general inquiries, please use the main contact numbers for the White Memorial Foundation:

Address (Seasonal Check-in Location):

N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA (Point Folly Campground)

Phone (In-Season May-Oct):

(860) 567-0089 or +1 860-567-0089

Phone (Off-Season Inquiries):

(860) 567-0857 (White Memorial Conservation Center Office)

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Connecticut residents, White Memorial Family Campground is an ideal local camping choice because it represents a pristine, accessible slice of the state’s natural heritage, preserved by the White Memorial Foundation. Its location on Bantam Lake offers a coveted lakeside experience without requiring a long drive out of state. It strikes a perfect balance: it’s remote and rustic enough to feel like a true escape, yet it’s part of a massive, well-managed conservation center offering more than 40 miles of trails and a Nature Museum for education and exploration. It offers Connecticut boaters, fishers, and hikers direct access to their passions. While the amenities are intentionally basic—catering to the primitive camping crowd—the stunning natural surroundings, the ample open space, and the unbeatable lake access make any minor sacrifice well worth the trip. It provides an authentic and affordable opportunity for local families to disconnect and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of the Litchfield Hills.

White Memorial Family Campground

N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA