Point Folly

For those seeking an authentic outdoor experience in the heart of the Litchfield Hills, Point Folly Campground offers a serene escape on the shores of Bantam Lake. As the largest natural lake in Connecticut, Bantam Lake provides a stunning backdrop for this rustic peninsula campground. Point Folly is a place where time seems to slow down, preserved by the White Memorial Conservation Center to offer an undeveloped, natural environment that has remained largely unchanged for decades. It is a favorite destination for Connecticut residents who prioritize tranquility, fresh air, and direct access to the water over the crowded amenities of modern resorts.

The campground is uniquely situated on a narrow peninsula, meaning that a vast majority of the sites offer either a direct view of the water or are just steps away from the shoreline. This layout creates an immersive experience where the sound of lapping waves and the calls of local owls and crickets define the atmosphere. Because the area is part of a conservation effort, the focus is on low-impact recreation. Campers here value the "unspoiled" nature of the park, often returning year after year to enjoy the shaded, level sites that provide a cool canopy during the humid Connecticut summers. It is a community of nature lovers, where the shared appreciation for the environment creates a friendly and respectful neighborhood of campers.

Located at 123 North Shore Road in Bantam, Connecticut, Point Folly is remarkably accessible for residents across the state. It is approximately a 25-minute drive from Waterbury and less than an hour from major hubs like Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. The drive into the Litchfield Hills is a highlight in itself, passing through rolling farmland and historic New England town centers. To reach the campground, visitors typically travel via Route 202, turning onto Bissell Road and following the scenic route toward North Shore Road. This accessibility makes it an ideal spot for spontaneous weekend getaways for those living in the busier coastal or central regions of Connecticut.

Accessibility within the park has been considered to ensure a wide range of visitors can enjoy the beauty of Bantam Lake. The campground features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a designated parking lot, allowing all guests to reach the check-in area and store with ease. While the terrain of the individual campsites can be rustic and occasionally rocky—consistent with the natural geology of the Litchfield Hills—the main facilities are positioned to be as accommodating as possible. The peninsula's flat topography generally allows for easy walking between sites, the campground store, and the various water access points located throughout the park.

Point Folly Campground provides essential onsite services designed to support a traditional camping lifestyle. While the park intentionally avoids modern distractions like WiFi or electrical hookups at every site, it provides the fundamental infrastructure needed for a comfortable and safe stay. The staff is frequently praised by visitors for their helpfulness and presence, patrolling the grounds to ensure quiet hours are respected and assisting with site-related needs. For those traveling with trailers, the park includes specific amenities to handle the logistics of mobile living in a natural setting.

• Drinking water spigots strategically located throughout the campground for easy access.
• Individual tent sites and trailer-friendly sites (subject to size approval by the manager).
• A dedicated sanitary dump station for the convenience of trailer campers.
• An onsite campground store providing ice, local firewood, and basic camping supplies.
• Public restrooms and primitive pit toilets maintained for cleanliness.
• Managed check-in and reservation services to ensure a smooth arrival experience.
• On-site parking for both registered campers and their day visitors.

The features and highlights of Point Folly are deeply connected to Bantam Lake and the surrounding White Memorial Conservation Center. Fishing is a primary draw, with many campers casting lines directly from their campsites to catch bass or yellow perch. The campground also features a marina and boat launch nearby, making it a hub for non-motorized and small-craft boating. For families, the "Good for Kids" designation is earned through the safe, slow-speed environment and the abundance of natural exploration opportunities, from spotting local wildlife to enjoying a quiet picnic at the water's edge.

• Direct waterfront access from a majority of the 47 available campsites.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs to join the family on their camping adventure.
• A variety of shaded sites that offer protection from the sun and a sense of privacy.
• Proximity to the White Memorial Conservation Center’s extensive trail network for hiking and biking.
• Excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, with the ability to moor small craft near your site.
• Scenic picnic tables and fire rings provided at each site for outdoor cooking and social gatherings.
• Access to the nearby Sandy Beach for swimming and sunbathing on the lakefront.

To plan your visit or inquire about site availability for the upcoming season, you can reach the Point Folly management team at the Campground Store. Please note that the camping season typically runs from early May through Columbus Day, and reservations are highly recommended during the peak summer months and autumn foliage season.

Point Folly Campground
Address: 123 N Shore Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA
Phone: (860) 567-0089
Mobile Phone: +1 860-567-0089

What makes Point Folly worth choosing is its unwavering commitment to the traditional camping experience. In an era where many campgrounds are transforming into high-density RV resorts with paved lots and constant connectivity, Point Folly remains a "campground" in the truest sense of the word. It is the ideal choice for the Connecticut resident who wants to wake up to the sound of an owl rather than a neighboring television. The value lies in the location—it is rare to find a place where you can park your trailer or pitch your tent right on a peninsula with panoramic lake views for such a reasonable rate.

Furthermore, the connection to the White Memorial Conservation Center adds a layer of educational and recreational value that is hard to match. Choosing Point Folly means you have thousands of acres of protected forest, wetlands, and trails at your doorstep. It is a safe, family-friendly, and pet-friendly environment that respects the history of the land while providing a clean and well-managed space for modern recreation. Whether you are fishing at dawn, listening to the crickets at dusk, or exploring the bogs and woods of Bantam, Point Folly offers a restorative experience that reminds us why the Litchfield Hills are so special. Would you like me to help you look up the current reservation rates or provide a list of local hiking trails nearby?