Several campgrounds in the Collinsville, Connecticut area offer both seasonal and year-round camping options for RVers and tent campers. The region sits within the Farmington River Valley at approximately 300 feet elevation, with surrounding hills reaching 700-800 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with limited winter options. Overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer months.
What to do
Fishing access points: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground borders the Farmington River with prime fishing spots. "Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," notes camper Tom C. The river features catch-and-release trophy trout fishing.
Water recreation: Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground, about an hour drive from Collinsville, offers swimming and boating options. "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards/kyacks etc. Worth every penny," according to Mellisa T. The lake has boat rentals and calm waters ideal for stargazing at night due to low light pollution.
Amusement park access: Lake Compounce Campground in Bristol sits adjacent to an amusement park. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area," mentions Ray B. While the campground itself doesn't have swimming options, the park facilities are nearby. The campground offers pull-through sites with water and electric hookups.
Hiking trails: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground connects to forest trail systems. "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place," writes Anthony and Kim C. Campers should bring bug spray as ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Rudd Pond Area — Taconic State Park receives praise for its new facilities. "New bath house with multiple shower rooms," notes Lisa S. Similarly, other campgrounds maintain high standards for restrooms despite heavy use during peak season.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas, with Prospect Mountain Campground offering a pool and fishing pond. "Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!" reports Stephanie. Families particularly appreciate designated swimming areas during hot summer months.
Varied site configurations: Campgrounds near Collinsville offer everything from basic tent sites to premium waterfront locations. "We stayed at Aces High RV Park for a long holiday weekend... We paid $150/night for a 'Premium Waterfront FHU Site' on the lake. A bit pricey, but really nice site including level concrete pad and patio," notes Matt S., highlighting the premium end of available rv sites near Collinsville, Connecticut.
Site privacy levels: Prospect Mountain Campground offers wooded sites that provide more seclusion. "Lots of trees and shade," mentions Stephanie. Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more separation between campsites than others.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-October), campgrounds fill quickly. At Lake Taghkanic, a camper notes, "We went on weekdays which is not crowded." For weekend camping, especially at larger facilities, reservations should be made weeks or months in advance.
Cellular connectivity: Cell service varies by location, with some more remote sites having limited reception. One camper at Sturbridge RV Resort reports, "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls." Working campers should verify connectivity options before booking.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges for larger rigs. At Gentiles Campground, a camper reports, "Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs." Call ahead to verify access for larger RVs before arriving.
Noise levels: Campground noise varies by facility type and proximity to roads. Thousand Trails Sturbridge receives mixed reviews, with one camper noting, "It wasn't too loud here in October." Weekend activity levels typically increase at family-oriented campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. Prospect Mountain Campground provides "a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," according to Sandra S. These amenities help keep children entertained during downtime at camp.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events occur at some family-oriented campgrounds. "They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides," notes Sandra S. about Prospect Mountain Campground. Check campground calendars when making reservations to align with planned activities.
Swimming options: When selecting a family campground, swimming facilities matter. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days," writes Kurt S. about Lake Taghkanic State Park. Some campgrounds offer both pool and natural water swimming options.
Emergency supplies: The Pleasant Valley General Store near Austin Hawes Memorial Campground "provides everything you need in addition to live bait and even a rod and reel to purchase if you forget yours!" according to Anthony and Kim C. Most campgrounds are within 10-15 minutes of basic supply stores.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV campers should verify exact hookup specifications when booking. Totoket Valley RV Park offers "good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner," according to Tara N., making it suitable for fully self-contained units requiring full-service rv sites near Collinsville, Connecticut.
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary widely between facilities. At Aces High RV Park, Matt S. appreciates that "utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should." Some campgrounds require significant leveling while others provide prepared pads.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer sewer hookups. Lake Compounce Campground "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. Plan tank usage accordingly when staying at electric/water-only sites.
Site spacing: RV sites at many campgrounds position units close together. At Lake Compounce, one camper observes, "You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded." Research campground layouts when privacy is a priority.
