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Stefan H.
Scout
ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Room To Relax
Brought our camper up for a long weekend and had plenty of room to relax. The campground store was also super handy when we realized we forgot a few things.
Camping near Colchester, CT
153 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Colchester, Connecticut span from developed facilities to basic sites, with several options within a 15-mile radius of town. Waters Edge Family Campground in Lebanon and Witch Meadow Lake Campground in Salem provide tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with waterfront access. Devil's Hopyard State Park offers more primitive camping experiences with fewer amenities. The area features a mix of private campgrounds with full hookups and state park facilities with varying levels of development.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with state parks typically closing by late September. Waters Edge Family Campground operates from April to October, while Salem Farms Campground runs from May until Columbus Day. Winter camping options are limited throughout the area. Reservations are generally required, especially for weekend visits during summer months when many campgrounds reach capacity. Cell service varies across the region but is generally available at developed sites. As one visitor noted about Devils Hopyard, "There is no running water or electricity but the campground still served its purpose. The waterfall was a quick walk away and you could hike down to the river for a quick dip."
Waterfront campsites receive particularly high ratings from visitors, with several campgrounds offering lake or pond access. Odetah Camping Resort and Waters Edge feature lakefront sites that tend to book quickly during peak season. State park campgrounds like Devil's Hopyard provide more natural settings with hiking trails and fishing opportunities but fewer amenities. A camper at Devil's Hopyard described it as "a small state park and the campground here provides open sites with a few large trees near a stream and across the street from a waterfall." Many campgrounds offer recreational activities including swimming pools, fishing, and organized weekend events. Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between private campgrounds and state parks, with the latter typically providing more basic accommodations like vault toilets rather than flush facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Colchester (153)
1. Odetah Camping Resort
"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."
2. Waters Edge Family Campground
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
"There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly."
"The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites."
from $14 / night
Check Availability4. Rocky Neck State Park Campground
"The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."
"Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability5. Wolf's Den Family Campground
"This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."
"Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"
6. Salem Farms Campground
"We tent close to the restroom and the pool, which are very clean. We go mid week and the special is pay 2 nights, get third night free."
"It was too close to the road, and they wouldn't let him pull in so we were facing each other even though it would have easily worked out."
from $68 - $72 / night
Check Availability7. Witch Meadow Lake Campground
"Swimming pool, facilities, small lake as well larger lakes in the surrounding area. Great location and campground. Love it."
8. Hammonasset State Park Campground
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
"I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability9. Crocker's Boatyard
"Which was walking distance from the boat yard. Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."
"Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good. Enjoyed the pool.
Walked to Fort Trumbull.
Recommend Crockers."
from $50 - $75 / night
Check Availability10. Aces High RV Park
"We stayed at Aces High RV Park for a long holiday weekend to visit with our daughter in Connecticut. We paid$150/night for a‘Premium Waterfront FHU Site’ on the lake."
"Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it. It was a quiet area with ponds and creeks and a generally relaxing setting."
from $74 - $80 / night
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Drive Time
- 12 min from Norwich, CT
- 22 min from Hartford, CT
- 44 min from Waterbury, CT
- 48 min from New Haven, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Colchester, CT
226 Photos of 153 Colchester Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Waters Edge Family CampgroundR
Salem Farms Campground
Devil's Hopyard State Park CampgroundT
The Farm at Carter HillJ
Odetah Camping ResortE
Wolf's Den Family CampgroundJ
Selden Neck State Park Campground
Aces High RV Park
Sunfox CampgroundD
Starlit CampingG
Starlit Camping at Atlantic Coast Farms and EstatesG
Hidden Acres Campground
Recent Reviews near Colchester, CT
837 Reviews of 153 Colchester Campgrounds
- EEwan B.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Rest Of The Day
One thing I really liked was having wifi when we needed it. Nice to be able to check in on work and then put the phone away and enjoy the rest of the day.
- HHarvey G.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
Little Weekend Escape
We have been coming here seasonally and its become our little weekend escape. There is always something going on and the kids have made so many friends. Makes it easy to just pack a few things and head out.
- DDamien B.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Perfect Camping Day
Nice campground with a good mix of activities. We went fishing one morning, spent the afternoon at the pool and had a fire that night. Pretty much a perfect camping day.
- LLouis F.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
Just Walking Around
Nothing beats a slow morning at the campsite with a cup of coffee. We really enjoyed the trails and just walking around before everyone else was up.
- NNatasha R.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Cook And Hang Out
We stayed in a cabin and it worked out perfectly for us. Spent the days exploring the area and came back in the evening to cook and hang out. Would definetly do it again.
Ada R.
TravelerSun Outdoors Mystic
Less than stellar
When I arrived, I discovered this site they reserve for me was not level, and the picnic table was blocking access to the electric. When I asked the office for help, I was told maintenance had already left around 4 o’clock, and nobody could help me. I was offered a different side if I wanted to pay the extra price. I managed to wrestle the table out of the way and made it work. But the Wi-Fi was worthless.
Stephen B.TravelerWawaloam Campground
Halloween stay
Good place to come for Halloween trick-or-treating for kids, lots of activities to keep you busy
- EEva Y.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
It Was Nice
We rented a cabin for the weekend and it worked out really well for our family. It was nice having a comfortable place to come back to after being outside all day. The kids loved the pool and exploring around the campground.
Guide to Colchester
Campgrounds around Colchester, Connecticut offer a range of camping experiences from rustic tent sites to full-service RV facilities. The area sits within New England's transitional hardwood forest region at elevations ranging from 300-600 feet, creating varied terrain for camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with higher humidity levels in July and August when thunderstorms are common.
What to do
Fishing access points: Devil's Hopyard State Park provides trout fishing opportunities along a stream and across from a waterfall. "Our site was tent only and you couldn't pull your car up to the site so unloading and loading was a hassle. Beach is a short drive on site and the showers were one site over," notes a visitor to Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
Hiking options: Multiple trail networks exist throughout the region. "The surrounding area is great. We hiked and went fishing nearby," reports one camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground. Trails range from easy half-mile loops to more challenging 3-5 mile routes through varied terrain.
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer swimming and boating. "The lake is great!! The pool area is a little small, but the attraction is the lake. The splash area at the pool is great for little kids," shares a visitor to Odetah Camping Resort. Many sites offer kayak and canoe rentals ranging from $15-25 per hour.
What campers like
Pond-side camping: Water access ranks high on camper preferences. "The perfect spot on the perfect weekend. This is the best spot we've had all season. Beautiful view, peaceful and gorgeous," notes a camper at Waters Edge Family Campground.
Shade coverage: Many campers value tree cover for comfort in summer months. "Sites are a mix of field, shaded, and partly shaded," reports a camper at Salt Rock Campground. Tree cover provides relief during July and August when daytime temperatures frequently exceed 80°F.
Organized activities: Weekend programming enhances many camping experiences. "Each weekend has a big schedule of events- farmers' market, themed activities and a band. In addition there is good fishing on the pond, mini-golf, pool and splash pad, etc. Kids are not bored here!" shares a visitor to Odetah Camping Resort.
What you should know
Variable noise levels: Some campgrounds struggle with enforcing quiet hours. "Quiet hours are merely a suggestion, and folks turn up until 4AM on Friday nights. Music blaring from disrespectful campers until 10PM," reports a camper at Salt Rock Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer weekends. By mid-July at Rocky Neck State Park, there were "still 5 site available for the upcoming weekend, so it may be a reasonable option for last-minute plans."
Water availability: Some campgrounds have limited water access. "No running water or electricity but the campground still served its purpose," notes a Devil's Hopyard visitor. Campers should plan to bring sufficient water for drinking and cooking at more primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Scout the bathrooms: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Bathhouses and toilets were not as cleaned as I would have liked but passable. Coronavirus social distancing required," notes a visitor at Rocky Neck State Park, while others mention outdated facilities at several state parks.
Consider entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer extensive recreation. "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating. Very enjoyable time," shares a visitor to Odetah about their themed weekends.
Check for playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs! We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the Wolf's Den Family Campground dog park," reports a satisfied camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose carefully for big rigs. "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers," advises a visitor to Wolf's Den Family Campground.
Hookup variations: Services differ between campgrounds. "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp," notes another Wolf's Den camper. Many campgrounds offer electric and water but lack sewer hookups at individual sites.
Seasonal considerations: Some full-service campgrounds operate later than state parks. Wolf's Den remains open "1st weekend May to last weekend October" while Salem Farms operates "May 1 to Columbus Day," offering extended options for fall camping when state parks have closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Colchester?
Where are the best campgrounds in Colchester?
The Colchester area offers several excellent camping options. Wolf's Den Family Campground stands out for its convenient location off Route 9 on the east side of the Connecticut River, providing easy access to attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. For those seeking a more natural setting, Hopeville Pond State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking opportunities in a family-friendly environment. The area also features several well-maintained private campgrounds like Waters Edge Family Campground in nearby Lebanon and Salem Farms Campground, both providing various amenities for a comfortable camping experience.
What is the typical cost of camping in Colchester?
What is the typical cost of camping in Colchester?
Camping costs in the Colchester area vary based on campground type and amenities. At state parks like Rocky Neck State Park Campground, expect to pay around $33 per night for basic sites without hookups but with access to bathhouses and nearby beach areas. Private campgrounds typically charge more but offer additional amenities. Wilderness Lake Park provides both RV and tent sites, with tent sites often being more affordable but still offering access to facilities. Costs generally range from $30-35 for basic public campgrounds to $45-75+ for private campgrounds with more amenities, with premium weekends and holidays commanding higher rates.
Are there any campgrounds near Colchester CT that offer full amenities?
Are there any campgrounds near Colchester CT that offer full amenities?
Yes, several campgrounds near Colchester offer comprehensive amenities. Mystic KOA provides full-service camping with amenities including a pool, facilities, camp store, and is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Mystic's attractions. The campground accommodates both RVs and tents with well-maintained facilities. Hammonasset State Park Campground offers beautiful beach access, abundant well-kept showers and bathrooms, and a camp store with most necessities. For families seeking activities, Salem Farms Campground and Odetah Camping Resort also provide full hookups, water, toilets, and are big-rig friendly with various recreational facilities.
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