Paddlers, anglers, and hikers all have reasons to consider West Thompson Lake Campground, a small US Army Corps of Engineers facility in North Grosvenordale, Connecticut, open from mid-May through early September. The campground sits within West Thompson Lake, a forested area near both the lake and an adjoining river, giving campers direct access to water without traveling far from their site. Trails begin right at the campground edge, and a nearby tri-state marker where Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island meet makes for a worthwhile day hike.
The campground has only 22 sites, roughly half with electric and water hookups, and accepts RVs up to 40 feet. Lean-to sites are available, though reviewers note that sites sit fairly close together. Fishing on the lake is catch and release only, and swimming is not permitted. Disc golf, a basketball court, and a playground round out the on-site activity options. Boat races have drawn visitors on certain weekends, with the campground growing noticeably quieter once the racing wraps up each day. Campers consistently mention that the bathrooms are kept in good shape, with Cynthia K. noting the facilities are "kept neat as a pin all the time."
Reservations are available, and firewood can be purchased at check-in. Pets are welcome, and a grocery store sits less than two miles away. The gate closes at 9 p.m., which is worth noting for late arrivals. Campers interested in a different setup in the region can look at campgrounds near Grosvenor Dale or consider Buck Hill Campground across the state line in Rhode Island.
Description
Overview
West Thompson Lake Campground is located near the wooded shoreline of its namesake lake in northeastern Connecticut. The natural setting surrounding West Thompson Lake can be enjoyed year round. Visitors come to the lake for camping, fishing, boating, kayaking and hiking.
Recreation
West Thompson Lake provides great boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing opportunities. It has an excellent population of warm-water fish, including bass and small panfish. A boat ramp is located near the campground for easy access to the water. The Thompson Section of the Quinebaug River Water Trail offers a leisurely three-hour outing for paddlers who are comfortable with moving water. The trail has no rapids or portages and meanders through extensive wildlife habitats. An 18-hole disc golf course is located on the lakeshore and is free to the public. This challenging course is known for its long drives and scenic views of the lake and dam.
Facilities
The entrance gate to the campground is closed from 9pm - 8am. The campground offers 11 campsites with electric and water hookups, 11 basic sites without hookups and two Adirondack lean-to shelters. Amenities include accessible flush toilets and showers, and a dump station. An amphitheater, playground, basketball court, and interpretive trails are located on-site.
Natural Features
The campground is nestled in a forest of Eastern white pine, Northern red oak and Shagbark hickory. Shade is abundant throughout the campground, and autumn leaves put on a beautiful show. An overlook at the dam offers pleasing panoramic views for sightseers and photographers.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The West Thompson Lake Campground is not currently accepting reservations for the 2026 season due to extensive maintenance repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience. We will post updates as soon as they become available.
Map & DirectionsWest Thompson Lake Campground is located in Connecticut near Grosvenor Dale
Directions
From I-395, take Exit 50. Follow CT Route 200 east to Thompson Center. Turn right onto CT Route 193 south and proceed 2 miles to traffic light. Continue straight over the railroad tracks on Route 12. Take the first right onto Reardon Road. In 0.5 miles turn left onto West Thompson Lake Recreation Road and travel approximately 1,000ft to the campground entrance on the right. Follow up to the Campground Registration Building.
Address
400 REARDON RD
N. grosvenordale, CT 06255-9801
Coordinates
41.955623 N
71.899092 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/4/26
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/4/26
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 21 min from Worcester, MA
- 29 min from Norwich, CT
- 40 min from Providence, RI
- 53 min from Springfield, MA
