American Legion Sf (Hawes)

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WEST RIVER ROAD (P.O. BOX 1), PLEASANT VALLEY, Connecticut, 06063, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

522 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens CT State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

522 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

The campground opera...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens CT State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

American Legion Sf (Hawes)

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for reserving a campsite at the Austin Hawes Campground is $14, as indicated by the authoritative content. Additional fees for firewood apply.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

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Campground Map

WEST RIVER ROAD (P.O. BOX 1), PLEASANT VALLEY, Connecticut, 06063, United States

American Legion Sf (Hawes)

WEST RIVER ROAD (P.O. BOX 1), PLEASANT VALLEY, Connecticut, 06063, United States

Driving directionsTake Route 44 east from Winsted to Route 318 east to Pleasant Valley, or use Route 44 west from New Hartford to Route 181 north to Pleasant Valley.

Access roads appear to be paved, with driving directions provided indicating well-connected routes to the campground from major highways such as Route 44.

Nearby places

Winsted and New Hartford are nearby towns, both accessible via Route 44

exact distances are not provided.

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: campground store, grocery store, fishing supplies, laundry, museum, picnic shelter, playing fields, restaurant, and softball field.

Best Time to Camp at American Legion Sf (Hawes)

Experience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal magic at this year-round destination. Spring arrives with a gentle awakening—crisp mornings give way to mild afternoons perfect for hiking and exploring. Summer transforms the forest into a lush green sanctuary, with warm days ideal for river activities and cool evenings around the campfire. Fall paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, offering spectacular foliage views and comfortable temperatures for extended outdoor adventures. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those seeking solitude and the beauty of a frozen landscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Water available and peak season for boating, fishing and hiking.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

New England foliage plus scenic overlooks make fall a top season here.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Mild hiking season; campground water available from early–mid May (early season limited).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but water is shut off; limited facilities, some trail snow use only.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak operational season runs from early to mid-May when water becomes available through early fall.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground operates with water available from early to mid-May. Portable toilets are available during the early season when water is not accessible.
Current Alerts: No active alerts specified.

About American Legion Sf (Hawes)

Nestled within the breathtaking 3,900-acre American Legion State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, this campground offers an authentic wilderness escape where rugged beauty meets riverside tranquility. Here, the legendary West Branch of the Farmington River—designated as a National Wild and Scenic River—carves through dramatic terrain of steep, rocky hillsides, creating a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Wander beneath towering 200-year-old white pines that have witnessed centuries of history, or settle into one of 29 thoughtfully placed campsites or 6 cozy cabins. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wild landscape, featuring clean restrooms, welcoming picnic shelters, and a seasonal museum that brings the forest's rich heritage to life.

The campground supports a variety of camping types, including tent camping, RV camping, and cabin accommodations. Group camping is also available for youth groups.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the ancient white pine groves, where trees planted two centuries ago still stand as living monuments to Connecticut's forestry heritage. These majestic giants have sheltered generations of visitors and tell the story of early American conservation efforts. The nearby Barkhamsted Lighthouse adds another layer of intrigue to your visit—this historic landmark serves as a cultural touchstone, connecting modern adventurers to the maritime and riverside heritage that shaped this region. Each trail and grove whispers tales of the past, inviting you to become part of this continuing story.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal magic at this year-round destination. Spring arrives with a gentle awakening—crisp mornings give way to mild afternoons perfect for hiking and exploring. Summer transforms the forest into a lush green sanctuary, with warm days ideal for river activities and cool evenings around the campfire. Fall paints the landscape in brilliant golds and crimsons, offering spectacular foliage views and comfortable temperatures for extended outdoor adventures. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for those seeking solitude and the beauty of a frozen landscape.

ElevationThe varied topography creates natural vantage points throughout the campground, offering ever-changing perspectives of the surrounding wilderness.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be captivated by a landscape that showcases nature's raw artistry. The campground's rugged terrain presents a thrilling tapestry of steep, rocky hillsides that challenge hikers and reward them with stunning vistas. Ancient white pine groves create cathedral-like spaces where sunlight filters through centuries-old branches, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor. The crown jewel of this natural masterpiece is the West Branch Farmington River, whose pristine waters wind through the property, offering both peaceful reflection spots and exciting rapids that attract anglers and paddlers from across the region.

Geological RegionThis spectacular 3,900-acre wilderness in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, showcases the raw geological drama of New England's ancient landscape. Carved by millennia of natural forces, the terrain features imposing rocky hillsides that rise steeply from the valley floor, creating a rugged paradise for adventurers. The West Branch of the Farmington River—honored with National Wild and Scenic River designation—has sculpted a natural corridor through this rocky wonderland, its waters continuing the eternal work of shaping stone and soil. Crowning this geological treasure are the remarkable 200-year-old white pine groves, their roots anchored deep in the rocky Connecticut soil, standing as testaments to the enduring power of this ancient landscape.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

The maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 29 individual campsites and 6 cabins, with additional facilities like restrooms and picnic shelters.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through CT State Parks official platforms.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot specified.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not explicitly provided.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not detailed in the source materials.

Site SizeThe campground has 29 campsites in a wooded area, but specific dimensions are not provided.

PrivacyThe wooded setting may provide some natural privacy, but no explicit statements about privacy levels are provided.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesNo recommendations provided for specific sites.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and bird watching. Seasonal interpretive programs and displays on topics such as forestry, mammals, and Native American culture are also available at the Stone Museum.

HikingThe Henry Buck Trail is the park's signature trail, leading visitors through the forest to the ruins of an old cheese box mill, climbing cliffs, and descending the north slope. The park has more than 11 miles of hiking trails that vary in difficulty.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingThe campground is adjacent to the West Branch Farmington River, a designated Wild and Scenic River. Trout fishing is a popular activity, although new regulations specify a year-round catch-and-release area near the Austin Hawes Campground.

BikingCycling is permitted on park roads, although specific details about bike trails are not provided.

BoatingThe West Branch Farmington River offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Tubing is also a popular activity.

Wildlife viewingBird watching and wildlife viewing are highlighted activities within the forest.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include steep terrain, rocky hillsides, and wildlife.

Active AlertsNo active alerts specified.

Fire PolicyCampfires are subject to restrictions, with a ban on firewood from outside Connecticut.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesWithin 10 miles: walk-in medical center; Greater than 10 miles: hospital.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground features a recycling center, but specific details about trash pickup or schedules are not provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly adjacent to the West Branch Farmington River.

Camp HostNo information about campground hosts is provided.

Weather at American Legion Sf (Hawes)

Reviews

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Limited Reviews

American Legion Sf (Hawes) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews specifically evaluating this campground are not provided in the source materials.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

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Common Concerns

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Pro Tips & Recommendations

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Seasonal Insights

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Camper Quotes

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Site-Specific Reviews

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Accessibility Features

No user reviews are available to evaluate accessibility features.

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews are available to assess pet policies or experiences.

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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