Looking for a peaceful escape in Connecticut’s wilderness? Mount Misery Campground in Voluntown offers a rustic retreat where you can unwind and reconnect with nature. Despite its unfortunate name, this hidden gem provides beautiful campsites with good privacy, making it perfect for those wanting to get away from daily stress.
The campground sits near Mount Misery Overlook, which stands at 441 feet and rewards visitors with stunning views of Pachaug State Forest and the surrounding area. You’ll find 22 well-maintained campsites equipped with basic amenities like water access, fireplaces, and pit toilets—just enough comfort while still enjoying an authentic outdoor experience. The nearby trails and natural beauty create the perfect backdrop for a refreshing weekend adventure.
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Mt Misery
Mt Misery is a beautiful mountain peak nestled in Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown, Connecticut. Despite its ominous name, you’ll find it’s actually a peaceful retreat with plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts. The wooded hiking trails wind through lush forest, offering a refreshing escape from everyday life.
You can spend the day exploring the trails before settling down at one of the picnic spots for a well-deserved lunch break. The surrounding nature provides a serene backdrop for relaxation and contemplation. The area is especially beautiful during fall when the leaves change colors.
If you’re looking to extend your stay, Mt Misery has a campground where you can spend the night under the stars. The camping facilities allow you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Pachaug State Forest. You’ll wake up to the sounds of birds and the fresh forest air.
The peak offers moderate hiking difficulty, making it accessible for families and casual hikers while still providing enough challenge to satisfy more experienced outdoor adventurers. You’ll find the effort well worth it when you reach viewpoints along the trails.
Rating: 4.7 (26 reviews)
Location: Voluntown, CT 06384
Exploring Mount Misery Campground
Mount Misery Campground offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beautiful Pachaug State Forest. This scenic retreat combines rustic camping with access to miles of trails and gorgeous natural views.
Camping Experience
When you stay at Mount Misery Campground, you’ll find yourself in one of Connecticut’s most peaceful outdoor settings. The campground is located in Voluntown and provides a perfect base for exploring Pachaug State Forest.
Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica, making it easy to plan your trip. The campground office can be reached at (860)376-4075 if you have questions before your visit.
What makes this spot special is its accessibility while still feeling remote. You can disconnect from city life without venturing too far from civilization.
Nearby, you’ll also find Green Falls Campground and Hopeville Pond State Park if you want to extend your adventure in the area.
Natural Surroundings
The campground’s most impressive feature is Mount Misery Overlook, standing at 441 feet elevation. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Pachaug Forest and Voluntown.
The area has an extensive network of trails perfect for:
- Hiking
- Snowmobiling (seasonal)
- Motorcycle riding
- Horseback riding
Water activities are available too. Rusty Beach Pond Boat Ramp Area provides access for fishing and boating enthusiasts who want to add water recreation to their camping trip.
The diverse landscape offers something for everyone, from dense forests to scenic overlooks. You’ll find yourself surrounded by Connecticut’s natural beauty at every turn.
For photography enthusiasts, the changing seasons create different but equally captivating scenes throughout the year.
Activities and Attractions
Mount Misery Campground offers plenty of outdoor fun for visitors of all ages. You’ll find miles of trails to explore and abundant wildlife throughout Pachaug State Forest.
Hiking Trails
The Mount Misery Trail is a 1.9-mile loop that offers a moderately challenging adventure through beautiful forest scenery. It typically takes about 47 minutes to complete, making it perfect for a morning or afternoon excursion.
Pachaug State Forest surrounds the campground with many miles of well-marked trails for hikers of all skill levels. You can explore these paths on foot, horseback, or mountain bike depending on the trail.
Some trails connect to larger networks, allowing you to customize your adventure based on your time and energy level. Don’t forget to bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Water bottle
- Bug spray (especially in summer)
- Trail map (available at the ranger station)
Wildlife Watching
Pachaug State Forest provides an excellent habitat for Connecticut wildlife viewing. Early mornings and dusk are the best times to spot animals when they’re most active.
Birds are plentiful here, making the campground a favorite spot for birders. Bring your binoculars to spot colorful songbirds, woodpeckers, and maybe even hawks soaring overhead.
You might encounter:
- White-tailed deer
- Wild turkeys
- Red foxes
- Various small mammals
The diverse ecosystem around Mount Misery Campground supports numerous plant species too. In spring and summer, wildflowers dot the forest floor, adding splashes of color to your wildlife watching adventures.
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