Camping near Chaplin, Connecticut offers a mix of state-owned and private campgrounds nestled in the rural northeastern region of the state. The area sits at the edge of the Natchaug State Forest with elevations ranging from 300 to 500 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for campers. Most campgrounds in this region are open seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and evening temperatures dropping to 55-65°F.
What to do
Fishing in local rivers: The Natchaug River provides excellent fishing opportunities at several campgrounds. At West Thompson Lake Campground, one visitor noted that "the lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish. There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course."
Kayaking and canoeing: Many campgrounds offer water activities on nearby lakes and rivers. "Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release," writes a visitor to West Thompson Lake Campground.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature disc golf facilities for a fun outdoor activity. A recent visitor to Wilderness Lake Park mentioned that "the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes."
Hiking local trails: The region offers numerous hiking opportunities in and around campgrounds. One visitor to Wilderness Lake Park shared, "Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets. This campground was perfect for us and our dog."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many campers appreciate sites located directly on waterways. At Peppertree Camping, "The area is peaceful and has sites right on the river some and further away for tents and trailers. Very friendly staff," according to one reviewer.
Free water activities: Some campgrounds provide complimentary equipment for water recreation. A visitor to Wilderness Lake Park mentioned, "Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge," while another noted, "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake."
Privacy in tent areas: Several campgrounds offer more secluded spots for tent campers. A camper at Brialee Family Campground remarked, "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites."
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events for visitors. "There are events for the kids every weekend and it's such a fun environment!" wrote a visitor to Sunfox Campground, which features "a beautiful pool, playground and a large jumping pillow like a huge trampoline you can't fall off of."
What you should know
Seasonal camping dominates: Some campgrounds have large numbers of seasonal campers, which can affect the experience. At Brialee Family Campground, a visitor observed, "This is a large seasonal oriented campground. The staff was not well trained and or not oriented to short term campers."
Gray water vs. black water disposal: Check each campground's waste disposal rules. At Highland Campground, "There is no black water hookup, only gray water. You have to have them clean out the black or dump on the way out."
Payment methods vary: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. A visitor to Wilderness Lake Park noted, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Tent restrictions: Not all campgrounds welcome tent-only camping. Some properties prioritize RVs or require tents to be accompanied by an RV. Check with individual campgrounds about their current tent policies before making reservations.
Quiet hours: Most campgrounds enforce quiet periods, typically from 11pm to 8am. This helps ensure a peaceful experience for all campers, though enforcement levels vary between properties.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreation facilities: Many family-friendly campgrounds offer multiple activity options. At Sunfox Campground, they have "a beautiful pool, playground and a large jumping pillow like a huge trampoline you can't fall off of. There is a beautiful creek that many of the sites border."
Consider wagon rides for kids: Several campgrounds offer tractor-pulled wagon rides that children enjoy. A visitor to Charlie Brown Campground mentioned, "Crafts for kids a band a wagon ride. Good place overall and great price."
Check for family weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule special events on weekends. At Brialee Family Campground, "They make sure the weekends are for families," one camper noted, while another mentioned, "Have visited this campground many many times and have never been disappointed. Plenty of activities and things for kids to do."
Look for swimming options: Water features are popular with families. A Charlie Brown Campground visitor reported, "We had a beautiful river side site. Oversized and nicely unkept," making it ideal for families who enjoy water recreation.
Tips from RVers
Reserve large sites if available: Some campgrounds offer oversized RV spots. At Charlie Brown Campground, an RVer mentioned, "Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do. Crafts for kids a band a wagon ride. Good place overall and great price."
Check hookup specifications: Not all campgrounds offer complete hookups. A visitor to Highland Campground noted, "There are no 50 amp sites," and "There is no black water hookup, only gray water."
Ask about delivery services: Some campgrounds will bring supplies to your site. At Wilderness Lake Park, "they'll also bring firewood to your site," according to one reviewer.
Consider ease of access: Look for campgrounds with good road access, especially for larger rigs. Wilderness Lake Park is "conveniently located off I-84(exit 70)," making it accessible for RVs of most sizes.
