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Best Campgrounds near Bristol, CT

546 Reviews

Bristol, Connecticut provides access to several established campgrounds for tent, RV, and cabin camping within 30 miles of town. Lake Compounce Campground, located within city limits, offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals adjacent to Lake Compounce amusement park. Black Rock State Park Campground in nearby Watertown features more natural settings with wooded campsites and limited hookups. Gentiles Campground in Plymouth and Cozy Hills Campground in Bantam round out the developed camping options, with varying amenities and seasonal availability.

Most campgrounds in the Bristol area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping options. Lake Compounce Campground typically opens May 1 and closes October 31, while Black Rock State Park's camping season runs May through September. Weather conditions in western Connecticut include hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months, especially for weekend stays and holidays. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though signal may be weaker at Black Rock State Park. A visitor noted, "Black Rock State Park Campground has well-kept showers and bathrooms, and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

Family-friendly amenities are a common feature at Bristol-area campgrounds. Lake Compounce Campground provides direct access to the amusement park, making it popular for families with children. White Pines Campsites in Barkhamsted, about 20 miles north, offers a range of accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options with activities for all ages. One camper mentioned that "many families bring bikes" to Rocky Neck State Park, which is within day-trip distance. Campgrounds closer to water features like lakes and rivers tend to fill quickly during summer months. For those seeking more seclusion, Black Rock State Park provides hiking trails and more natural surroundings, though its popularity means weekends can still be busy, especially during peak summer months.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bristol, Connecticut (125)

    1. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."

    "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."

    2. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."

    "There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"

    3. Black Rock State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."

    "The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."

    4. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    18 miles
    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."

    5. Cozy Hills Campground

    8 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."

    "We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."

    6. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    18 miles
    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"

    7. Branch Brook Campground

    2 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8144

    "Sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road. The pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer."

    8. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    West Simsbury, CT
    13 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."

    "It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."

    9. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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. "

    "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."

    10. Point Folly Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers  fisherman and families.  I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake.   "

    "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"

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Recent Camping Photos near Bristol, CT

377 Photos of 125 Bristol Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bristol, CT

546 Reviews of 125 Bristol Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • j
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great!

    Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    I mean wow!!

    So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.

    We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.

    And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    Lots of Amenities

    The Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    Great amenities, staff and location

    Charming, full of wonderful amenities and nice extras. Nice staff, fun coin scavenger hunt, great pool, well stocked store, wide sites, lots of grass/trees and space to stretch out. Missing full hook ups but the staff and overall vibe more than make up for it. Community garden was something we hadn’t seen before - super fun.

  • John K.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Perfect place

    We stayed there with our RV for 2 nights.  We had a spot right next to the pool and the docks. Very convenient.  The staff does a great job.

  • Alicia B.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    River Highlands State Park River Campground

    Beautiful But Beware of Arachnids

    We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river. As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this). Otherwise, it’s a peaceful and scenic spot worth seeing!

Guide to Bristol

Camping near Bristol, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and sand at Hammonasset State Park Campground. Campers love that it’s just a short walk to the beach. One reviewer mentioned, “The beach was popular,” making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A visitor shared, “The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails,” highlighting the variety of hiking options available.
  • Fishing and Snorkeling: At Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, you can enjoy fishing and snorkeling. One happy camper said, “Had a great time, did some snorkeling & fishing!”

What campers like:

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Mystic KOA are known for their family-oriented activities. A reviewer noted, “The entire place is completely geared to families,” making it a hit for those with kids.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, one visitor said, “Bathrooms were average in cleanliness,” indicating a generally positive experience.
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Brialee Family Campground. A family shared, “The cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean,” which speaks to the quality of accommodations.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak times. A visitor at Wildwood State Park Campground mentioned, “The crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly,” so plan accordingly if you prefer quiet nights.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. For example, October Mountain State Forest has been noted for its “minimal cell phone coverage,” which might be a downside for some.
  • Reservation Policies: Some campgrounds, like Wells State Park Campground, require reservations in advance. A camper pointed out, “First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed,” so be sure to plan ahead.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Brialee Family Campground, one parent said, “The kids love their playground,” making it a great choice for families.
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on your kids, especially around water. A reviewer at Hammonasset State Park Campground warned, “Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car,” emphasizing the need for caution.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor toys to keep the kids entertained. One family at Mystic KOA mentioned, “There’s always something going on,” which can help keep kids engaged.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park noted, “Careful which site you choose,” indicating that some sites may be better suited for larger rigs.
  • Hookups Availability: Look for campgrounds with full hookups if you need them. At Mystic KOA, a camper appreciated the “50 AMP, sewer & water hookup,” which made their stay more comfortable.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Not all campgrounds have dump stations. A visitor at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, “There was no dump station on site,” so be prepared for that.

Camping around Bristol, CT, offers a variety of experiences, from family fun to peaceful retreats. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Bristol, CT?

For camping near Bristol, consider Lake Compounce Campground, which is closest to Bristol and offers convenient access to Lake Compounce Theme Park. Within a short drive, Black Rock State Park Campground offers a peaceful setting with hiking trails and a swimming area. Other excellent options within 30-45 minutes include Wolf's Den Family Campground near the Connecticut River and Wilderness Lake Park, which offers secluded tent sites despite being primarily an RV destination. For those willing to travel a bit further, Kettletown State Park provides beautiful hiking trails and river access.

How much does it cost to camp near Bristol, Connecticut?

Camping costs near Bristol vary by campground type. State parks like Kettletown State Park Campground and Rocky Neck State Park Campground typically charge $30-35 per night for sites without hookups. Private campgrounds offer more amenities at higher rates: expect to pay $40-60 for tent sites and $50-80 for RV sites with hookups. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays, off-season camping, or memberships. Connecticut state parks also offer a $14 discount for state residents, and some campgrounds have senior discounts available.

What amenities are available at Bristol, CT camping sites?

Campgrounds near Bristol offer varied amenities based on their type. Private campgrounds like Wolf's Den Family Campground and Wilderness Lake Park typically provide full hookups for RVs, modern restrooms with hot showers, camp stores, swimming pools, and organized activities for families. State parks such as Hammonasset and Devil's Hopyard offer more basic facilities including restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some campgrounds have specialized amenities—Lone Oak features children's activities, while others provide easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, or beach access. Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site and have dump stations for RVs.

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