Best Campgrounds near Bristol, CT

Searching for the best camping near Bristol, CT? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Bristol, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Bristol, Connecticut (118)

    1. Lake Compounce Campground

    11 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

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

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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
    Watertown, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8144

    "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 - $60 / 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. 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"

    6. 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."

    7. Cozy Hills Campground

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

    $72 - $122 / night

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

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 118 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bristol, CT

527 Reviews of 118 Bristol Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Bristol, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bristol, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 118 campgrounds and RV parks near Bristol, CT and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Bristol, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bristol, CT is Lake Compounce Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bristol, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Bristol, CT.

What parks are near Bristol, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Bristol, CT that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.