Campground

Reviews12 Camper Reviews - Kettletown State Park Campground

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50%
33%
9%
8%
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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2024

Great location, but not a good experience

Camping Review:

This campsite is beautifully located in the woods, offering a peaceful and serene environment. There are no busy roads nearby, which ensures a quiet setting during the day.

However, there are several downsides to consider. The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers. Additionally, swimming at the nearby beach is restricted to residents of the village, so visitors are not allowed to swim there.

During our stay, there were multiple large groups, including a Christian group that preached (screamingly) and played loud music until midnight, despite the designated quiet hours. Unfortunately, the management did nothing to enforce the rules, which was disruptive.

Another significant issue was the state of the sanitary facilities. They were extremely dirty, with feces present in various places. It took a long time before anything was cleaned, which obviously kept us from using the facilities.

Overall, while the location is beautiful, the poor management, noise issues, and dirty sanitary facilities seriously detract from the experience.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2022

Great activities but compact sites

I tented here while doing a river stream reconstruction project in southern Connecticut.

To start, access to the river was great, though no swimming was allowed because of an algae bloom. The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful.

Site 32 and the upper loop was not great though. The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent. The picnic table seemed to be shared between sites and had boards missing, so it was challenging to use when available.

Overall, folks seemed to be there in larger groups for celebrations so things were loud well past midnight, which was challenging given how close each site was. I realize this is very time specific but there was no management presence around quiet time, and this happened both evenings I was there, so I got the sense that quiet times didn’t really apply.

The location was great especially for folks closer to the major metro areas, but I’ll be looking elsewhere if I’m ever in the area again.

Site32
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Stream on the hike
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  • Field by the lake 360 view
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  • Sites 31 - 40 360 degree view
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  • Field area 360 video
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  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Justin P., August 18, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2022

Great Local Getaway

We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. 

This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again.  Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over.  It was a walk up the hill to the bathhouse.  No hookups.  

It's quiet, clean, and exactly what we were looking for in a weekend.  Close to Southford Falls for a nice hike and waterfall views. 

Speaking of bathhouse - this one is really just in dire need of updating.  Having visited 2 other state parks in a neighboring state, CT should really invest in better quality bath houses.  This is the only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars.

Site11
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Kristin , July 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Kristin , July 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Kristin , July 11, 2022
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Kristin , July 11, 2022
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

July 2021

Great area to camp with kids. The lots were large. Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks.

Site005
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Ryan K., July 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Ryan K., July 23, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2020

Place is perfect for young kids!

The reason why I said that place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime! I went to there with campers for ten years. One thing that I have to say to watch out for raccoons and skunk, they love to find food. :) be sure put foods in the car!

Reviewed May. 28, 2020

Clean and convenient

Nice place. Sites are close together so recommend reserving two for more space. Well maintained and secure. Staff patrols for safety. Good place for families and large groups.

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Not well kept

I have been camping here since the early 90s. I am usually impressed by its cleanliness and upkeep. This past visit, Aug 2018, I was not impressed. It was run down, poorly kept and seems like the young employees just didn't care. I am aware of hurricane damage but no effect is made to keep the sites groomed and clean.In the first half hour I was there I cleaned up a bag of misc. trash. Did not see anyone cleaning or racking etc during the days I stayed. The trails are in real need of upkeep... I emailed the Dept of enviroment... u reiced a robot email stating that I'd hear from a human...never did. I hope the state funds a clean up.

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2018

Camping in nature, not too far from civilization

Kettletown State Park isn't just for camping. There are also hiking trails , a fishing area and a swimming hole, but the week I was there there was a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed. Also, when swimming is allowed, there isnt a lifeguard.

The campsites are varied, you can tent camp, use a camper, or they also have a few cabins you can rent. Be advised, there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!

Site9
Month of VisitAugust
  • Walking around the upper loop
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Reviewed May. 29, 2018

adorable small camp

I love kettletown, it’s a favorite that is very close to home. It’s a small camp ground and it’s absolutely beautiful. The bathrooms are always kept clean and stocked and there are a ton of watering spots.

  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Taylor C., May 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Taylor C., May 29, 2018
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  • Review photo of Kettletown State Park Campground by Taylor C., May 29, 2018