Best Campgrounds near Chaplin, CT

Campgrounds around Chaplin, Connecticut range from family-oriented private resorts to more secluded woodland areas, creating a variety of camping experiences. The region includes established campgrounds like Nickerson Park Family Campground, situated directly in Chaplin along the Natchaug River, as well as Charlie Brown Campground in nearby Eastford. Most facilities accommodate multiple camping styles, with options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Several properties feature river access, making them popular destinations for fishing and summer water activities like tubing.

The camping season in this area typically runs from mid-April through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, while sewer connections vary by location. Facilities like Brialee Family Campground and Peppertree Camping provide organized activities for families, particularly during peak season. Accessibility generally requires no special vehicles, with most campgrounds located on maintained roads within a short drive of main highways. "The river that flows the length of the campground seemed clean and awesome. Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk through the camp to start over again," noted one visitor to Nickerson Park.

Riverfront camping represents a significant draw for the Chaplin area, with multiple campgrounds positioned along waterways. Campers consistently mention water access as a highlight, particularly for fishing and cooling off during summer months. Family-friendly amenities are common, with playgrounds, organized activities, and camp stores available at many locations. Reviews indicate most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with adequate spacing between sites. Several visitors note the quiet, peaceful atmosphere as a key attraction, though some mention weekend crowds during peak summer months. More secluded sites are available at some campgrounds for those seeking privacy. As one camper described their experience at Peppertree Camping: "It's situated on the Nachaug River, so it's a popular fishing site; we had more fun tubing down the river. The area is peaceful and has sites right on the river some and further away for tents and trailers."

Best Camping Sites Near Chaplin, Connecticut (149)

    1. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    7 miles
    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."

    2. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    12 miles
    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."

    3. Charlie Brown Campground

    8 Reviews
    Eastford, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 974-0142

    "Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River. Great activities for everyone."

    "Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon."

    4. Nickerson Park Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chaplin, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 455-0007

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Nice spots on the Natchaug River in Chaplin, CT"

    "Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again. 

    Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."

    5. George Washington State Campground

    25 Reviews
    Pascoag, RI
    21 miles
    +1 (401) 568-6700

    $18 - $75 / night

    "So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first:

    This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."

    "The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."

    6. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 889-4144

    "Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."

    "Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."

    7. Salt Rock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hanover, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 822-0884

    $33 - $100 / night

    "we had a group from work head out here. we reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves, it was a bit of a walk to the shower from there, but we had our own outhouse, bring a light for night time"

    "We took a short walk/hike and were able to make it to a river where we floated in tubes and relaxed for the day. It was a blast and we had a great time."

    8. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."

    "This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."

    9. Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park

    4 Reviews
    Pomfret Center, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 928-6121

    $14 - $29 / night

    "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail. Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again."

    "Wished we had time to check out the hiking trails accessible from the campground."

    10. Peppertree Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    5 miles
    Website

    "It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning."

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Recent Reviews near Chaplin, CT

748 Reviews of 149 Chaplin Campgrounds


  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground

    Close to a beach, serenity hiding in city life

    Some areas to hike on a small scale. Nice view of the water. No ocean views. Many unlevel sites. Fairly close together.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.

  • Michael
    Sep. 20, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    The Quarry Campground

    Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire.

  • 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.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Fort Getty Campground

    Great Park Just Not for Camping

    Forty Getty Park RV Campground seems like a great location, with a good bit of history and a lot to offer to anyone visiting, which is why I was eager to visit it this past weekend while traveling through the Jamestown area of Rhode Island. I'd still call it a great place to visit, just not the best to attempt to stay at overnight or camp at. That is something else entirely in this case. 

    THE GOOD👍 Again, an absolutely gorgeous location on the shores of Jamestown😍 that being the park, NOT the campgrounds. The campground itself🏕 and particularly the⛺️ tenting section are pretty far removed from any of that and the water itself in reality. 

    THE Bad. In actuality, the campground looks to be a complete afterthought. More like, What should we do with this little grassy area next to the RV park?... oh maybe that can be for tents! Or,. Where the hell are we going to fit some tents⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️around here? Oh, I know, how about over on the hill by the bathrooms?🚻 next to the RV park fencing? Oh yeah, that sounds Perfect👍 

    The Ugly There's no Ugly. The people seem nice, the park is great,t and everyone working there was polite and courteous. It's just a shame they haven't given any real consideration to the camping section or provided a real space for campers to come enough the area. What you're left with is a grassy knoll with a bunch of tent sites tightly clustered together and right next to or on top of the RV park in a way that didn't seem necessary.

  • 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.


Guide to Chaplin

Camping near Chaplin, 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:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like George Washington State Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, "It does have some great things going for it, namely the hiking trails and views of the lake."
  • Swimming and Water Activities: Campgrounds such as Wawaloam Campground feature pools and splash pads. A visitor noted, "The pool and slide were great - wish the slides were open the whole day."
  • Fishing and Boating: Many sites, including Wilderness Lake Park, have ponds for fishing and kayaking. One reviewer shared, "The lake was nice for kayaking."

What campers like:

  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Brialee Family Campground are known for their kid-friendly activities. A happy camper said, "The sand beach is great for the kids and there is always something going on."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, one visitor remarked, "Bathrooms were average in cleanliness."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer large sites for tents and RVs. A camper at Wawaloam Campground mentioned, "Large sites, great stone fire rings, full hookups."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Rocky Neck State Park Campground, are only open from late May to late September. A reviewer noted, "Stayed one night at the end of the season."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers should be prepared for local wildlife. One camper at Mystic KOA said, "Everyone complains about the local small wildlife getting into your food."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near highways. A visitor at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, "The highway is very loud (I-90 is across the lake)."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities for kids. One family at Niantic KOA said, "So many activities for kids and family."
  • Choose the Right Campsite: Opt for sites that offer privacy and space. A camper at Wawaloam Campground noted, "We had good cover on our site & the area our site was in was super quiet."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Brialee Family Campground mentioned, "They have tons of activities and the kids love their playground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits comfortably in the site. A reviewer at Wilderness Lake Park said, "Some of the non-seasonal sites are very tight."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Niantic KOA mentioned, "They do provide a honey wagon pump service, once, free of charge."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Check the forecast and pack accordingly. A visitor at Wells State Park Campground noted, "We ran into a BIT of a storm."

Camping near Chaplin, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Chaplin, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chaplin, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Chaplin, CT and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Chaplin, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chaplin, CT is Brialee Family Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Chaplin, CT.

What parks are near Chaplin, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Chaplin, CT that allow camping, notably Westville Lake and Buffumville Lake.