Places to Camp near Hartford, CT
Camping near Hartford, Connecticut
Camping near Hartford, Connecticut offers a diverse range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a serene lakeside retreat, a family-friendly campground with plenty of activities, or a convenient stopover on a road trip, the campgrounds around Hartford have something to offer. From established campgrounds with full amenities to more rustic sites, there's a spot for every type of camper.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the best campgrounds near Hartford, what you can do while camping, what campers like and dislike, and tips for families and RVers. We'll also include insights from real campers to give you a better idea of what to expect.
What to do
Camping near Hartford provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, paddling, or simply relaxing by the water, there's something for everyone.
At Wilderness Lake Park, you can enjoy paddling around the warm water pond with free canoes and kayaks available for guests. Greg S. mentioned, "The pond is warm water and seemed clean enough. The beach had several canoes and kayaks free for guests to use. We enjoyed paddling around." Read more.
For those who love amusement parks, Lake Compounce Campground is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park. Richard noted, "It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park. Stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend." Read more.
Hiking enthusiasts will find good trails at White Pines Campsites. Rebecca S. shared, "The lake is nice and the hiking is good. The staff was friendly and helpful." Read more.
What campers like
Campers appreciate the friendly staff, clean facilities, and the variety of activities available at the campgrounds near Hartford.
At Lake Compounce Campground, Cindy praised the cleanliness and staff, saying, "Campground was awesome! Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area." Read more.
Elijah R. enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere at Wilderness Lake Park, stating, "The areas are nice and relaxing. The community is very nice and the staff is very helpful with any questions! Would definitely come back!" Read more.
Daniel L. found Wilderness Lake Park to be a great spot for family visits, mentioning, "All in all a quiet campground, 5 kids enjoyed the playground, swimming on the beach, and of course the free canoes & kayaks." Read more.
What you should know
While camping near Hartford has many positives, there are a few things to be aware of to ensure a smooth experience.
Some campers at White Pines Campsites noted issues with noise and cleanliness. John shared, "The campground was very noisy (loud music blasting until 9pm) and the sites were all very close." Read more.
At Wilderness Lake Park, Greg S. mentioned, "Some of the full time/seasonal campers looked shady, and the trash dumpsters were overflowing significantly." Read more.
Sylvia P. had concerns about site cleanliness at White Pines Campsites, stating, "Our site was filthy. A bag of dog poop by a tree, trash under the picnic table, cigarette butts littering the rocks around the fire pit." Read more.
Tips for camping with families
Camping with families near Hartford can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation. Many campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities and activities to keep everyone entertained.
At Wilderness Lake Park, Daniel L. highlighted the family-friendly environment, saying, "5 kids enjoyed the playground, swimming on the beach, and of course the free canoes & kayaks." Read more.
Diane R. found Lake Compounce Campground to be well-planned for families, noting, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper." Read more.
Laura W. appreciated the isolation and space at White Pines Campsites, sharing, "We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much." Read more.
Tips from RVers
RVers will find several campgrounds near Hartford that cater to their needs, with amenities like electric hookups, sanitary dumps, and spacious sites.
At Lake Compounce Campground, Richard appreciated the amenities, stating, "Has electric, water and cable TV connections. Clean bathrooms and nice store." Read more.
Tina found Lake Compounce Campground to be a good overnight stop, mentioning, "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor." Read more.
Greg S. noted that Wilderness Lake Park is convenient for RVers, saying, "Close to 84, so a convenient one night stop for us." Read more.
Camping near Hartford, Connecticut offers a variety of experiences for all types of campers. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities, a convenient stopover, or a peaceful retreat, the campgrounds in this area have something to offer. With friendly staff, clean facilities, and plenty of outdoor activities, you're sure to have a memorable camping trip.
