Best Campgrounds in Connecticut

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Connecticut campgrounds offer a mix of developed sites and cabin facilities throughout the state's diverse regions. Hammonasset State Park Campground and Rocky Neck State Park Campground provide waterfront camping experiences along Connecticut's shoreline, while inland locations like Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in American Legion State Forest offer more secluded woodland settings. Many campgrounds across Connecticut accommodate various camping styles, with facilities supporting tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabin accommodations or glamping experiences at places like Brialee Family Campground or Mystic KOA.

Reservations are strongly recommended at Connecticut campgrounds, especially during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day when most state park campgrounds operate. Campers at Brialee Family Campground note that "the cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean. The activities were great and kept my grand children busy." Connecticut campgrounds typically open from late May through early September, though some private campgrounds like Mystic KOA offer year-round accessibility. Sites with water and electric hookups are common at both state and private campgrounds, while many state park campgrounds provide basic amenities including showers, toilets and picnic areas, though alcohol is prohibited at most state park facilities.

The camping experience varies significantly between Connecticut's coastal and inland campgrounds. Shoreline camping at places like Hammonasset and Rocky Neck provides beach access and water activities, while the state's forested campgrounds offer more traditional woodland experiences with hiking trails and fishing opportunities. As one visitor to Charlie Brown Campground noted, "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built-in entertainment for the kids!" Private campgrounds frequently offer more extensive amenities and planned activities compared to state parks, particularly for families with children. Many Connecticut campgrounds feature swimming areas, whether at beaches along the coast or at inland lakes and ponds, providing popular summer recreation opportunities when temperatures typically range from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit.

Best Camping Sites in Connecticut (98)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

    "I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."

    2. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-1339

    $20 - $70 / night

    "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."

    "Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."

    3. Mystic KOA

    25 Reviews
    North Stonington, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 599-5101

    "During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."

    "We stayed at Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, to be tourists in Mystic. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! "

    4. Crocker's Boatyard

    16 Reviews
    New London, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 443-6304

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Which was walking distance from the boat yard. Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."

    "Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good. Enjoyed the pool.

    Walked to Fort Trumbull.

    Recommend Crockers."

    5. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    16 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."

    "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."

    6. Brialee Family Campground

    15 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    Website
    +1 (800) 303-2267

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."

    "Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."

    7. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-6352

    $70 / night

    "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."

    "It’s a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us. Cute patio overlooking the lake as well with seating."

    8. Niantic KOA

    14 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-9308

    "His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area."

    "Close to level parking pad, with table and very nice brick firepit. Sites not too close together. I had woods behind me. I would definitely camp here again."

    9. White Pines Campsites

    14 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0124

    $74 / night

    "However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."

    "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 bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"

    10. Strawberry Park Resort Campground

    14 Reviews
    Griswold, CT
    Website
    +1 (860) 886-1944

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"

    "It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs. Live band on Saturday night was nice."

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Recent Reviews in Connecticut

507 Reviews of 98 Connecticut Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt Pro User
    Aug. 8, 2026

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Not what we expected

    We were told when we called to inquire about the boat yard that there were facilities to dump out our black tank and gray tank. What they failed to mention was that it was at the water filtration center. To get to the filtration center you had to drive under two over passes that were only 10’ and 12’ tall. Our RV is over 13’ tall. Needless to say we had to book an at a park a few miles down the road that did have full hookup for our four days in the area. We asked at the office about getting a refund, but have yet to hear back on that matter. Not happy campers.

  • Randall W.
    Aug. 7, 2026

    Gibson Hill RV Park

    Nice Community Feel

    Having our RV here for the season has made it so much easier to enjoy our time off. We can arrive after work, open everything up, and start relaxing instead of spending half the evening setting up. The campground has a really nice community feel, but we still have enough space to enjoy quiet time at our own site. It’s become the place we look forward to returning to every week.

  • Bailey G.
    Aug. 7, 2026

    White Pines Campsites

    Keep Our Camper

    We keep our camper here for the season and the kids look forward to coming back every week. They enjoy the pool and activities, while we’re happy just sitting outside and catching up with our campground neighbors.

  • Henry R.
    Aug. 7, 2026

    Gibson Hill RV Park

    Fun Atmosphere

    The campground had a fun atmosphere without feeling overwhelming. Everyone we spoke with was friendly, and we left wishing we had booked an extra night.

  • Gregory W.
    Aug. 6, 2026

    White Pines Campsites

    Had A Great Weekend

    Really fun family campground. The kids loved the pool and we spent a lot of time fishing at the pond. Everyone we talked to was welcoming and we had a great weekend.

  • Adam C.
    Aug. 3, 2026

    Gibson Hill RV Park

    Like Our Summer Home Base

    This is our first season keeping our camper here, and we’ve really enjoyed settling into the campground. Our site has plenty of trees around it, and it feels like we’re actually getting away even though we can easily come and go throughout the summer. We’ve met a lot of friendly people, enjoyed the live entertainment, and spent plenty of evenings just sitting around the fire. It has been a really comfortable place to make our summer home base.

  • Abel  T.
    Aug. 3, 2026

    White Pines Campsites

    Really Enjoyed It

    We’ve had our camper at White Pines for summer and have really enjoyed it. It’s nice having everything set up and being able to come up whenever we have a free weekend. The staff is friendly and there’s always something going on.

  • Jonathan H.
    Jul. 29, 2026

    Strawberry Park Resort Campground

    They will steal your money!

    Do not go here! Worst customer service i have ever experienced. I booked online through expedia. Paid in full for a cabin. They took my money no problem. Then emailed me the cabin was not available and to contact them, off site, to get a different camp site. One i didn't want or even ask for. It all sounded sketchy to me so I told them to just refund the money to me and I'll go somewhere else. The person emailing me instead of refunding the money told me to contact the office to get a new site. I responded with I would just like a refund please. They ghosted me. So I call the site to get my money, which is not a small amount remind you close to$500, and the first person I talk to hangs up on me before I can say anything. The second person starts blaming me for booking through expedia and not them. Because there inability to use third party websites is my fault? After all that the apparently only person able to give refunds conveniently isn't there but would call me back. Was told I would definitely get my money back... suprise they never called. Luckily expedia has protection and I can get my money back through them. Save yourself a headache and stay away! If the whole place is run by the people booking I would fear for my children going there

  • gary C.
    Jul. 27, 2026

    River Bend Campground

    Too close too old

    We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and they did seem have alot going on. It was Christmas in July. There was a live band and a few food trucks. The campsites are onto of each. Way too close for us. The roads that lead to the sites are way to narrow. I tow a 27ft travel trailer and my tires were off the road on both sides. The campsite itself was nice. No complaints there. Pool was gross. Mini golf was horrible. All the wood was rotted. We won't be back.


Guide to Connecticut

Camping in Connecticut offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.

What to do

  • Explore State Parks: Connecticut is home to several state parks with hiking trails and scenic views. For example, at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, you can hike to Chapman Falls and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One camper mentioned, “It was great to hike and see the waterfall.”
  • Visit Amusement Parks: If you're near Lake Compounce Campground, you can enjoy the rides at Lake Compounce Amusement Park. A reviewer noted, “It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park.”
  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Black Rock State Park Campground, offer fishing and swimming opportunities. One visitor said, “Fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review from Riverdale Farm Campsites stated, “The facilities are in good shape, friendly staff.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. At Waters Edge Family Campground, a camper shared, “The kids who work here are so friendly.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A review for Wolf's Den Family Campground mentioned, “Spacious lots very clean and organized facility.”

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gentiles Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, “I wasn’t crazy how close we were with the other campers.”
  • Seasonal Crowds: Popular spots can get busy on weekends. One visitor at Salem Farms Campground mentioned, “We were told by a seasonal that it's a whole different story on the weekend.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Lake Compounce Campground shared, “I also hear coyotes. Won’t be surprised if I see a bear in the morning.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Wolf's Den Family Campground offers mini-golf and playgrounds. A parent said, “Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Riverdale Farm Campsites mentioned, “The lake is perfect, the river needs work.”
  • Plan Group Activities: Organize games or campfire stories to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Salem Farms Campground noted, “We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gentiles Campground said, “Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers.”
  • Look for Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, but not all. A reviewer at Black Rock State Park Campground mentioned, “No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator.”
  • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in the summer. A camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground warned, “Bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!”

Connecticut camping has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Connecticut?

True dispersed camping is limited in Connecticut. Your best option is Pachaug State Forest, which offers primitive camping at designated sites. While not technically dispersed, these sites provide a more backcountry experience with minimal facilities. Camping is permitted only in designated areas, and you'll need to obtain a no-cost permit from the DEEP website before your stay. The permits are required year-round and typically have a 14-day limit. For those seeking a remote experience, the Mohawk State Forest also offers limited primitive camping options along the Appalachian Trail. Remember that true off-trail dispersed camping is generally not permitted in Connecticut due to the state's size and conservation regulations.

Are there any free camping options in Connecticut state forests?

Connecticut doesn't offer truly free camping options in its state forests. However, Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground provides affordable primitive camping with basic facilities at a nominal fee. Similarly, Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers reasonably priced campsites at around $33 per night with access to bathhouses but no hookups. The most budget-friendly option is primitive camping in Pachaug State Forest, which requires a permit but has minimal or no fees depending on the specific site. These permits must be obtained in advance through Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website. Remember that even when camping in these more affordable areas, you'll still need proper permits and must follow all state forest regulations.

What are the best campgrounds in Connecticut for families?

Hammonasset State Park Campground is excellent for families, offering beach access just steps from campsites, well-maintained shower facilities, and numerous amenities. Kids can bike to the playground, beach, and nearby ice cream shops. Another great option is Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, where families can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The park features bike-friendly paths for kids to explore, though watch out for the sneaky chipmunks! For those seeking a private campground experience, Wilderness Lake Park offers secluded tent sites alongside RV options and various recreational activities. Lone Oak Camp Sites is another family-friendly option with dedicated children's activities and nearby hiking opportunities to Connecticut's highest point.