Tent camping opportunities around Collinsville, Connecticut typically experience seasonal temperature variations of 20-30 degrees between day and night, particularly in spring and fall months. Located in the Farmington River Valley at approximately 300 feet elevation, the area features deciduous forest terrain with moderate hiking difficulty ratings across most trails. Most primitive sites require hikers to carry in all supplies with limited cell service throughout the region.
What to do
Hiking with water access: At Onion Mountain Park, campers can access multiple trail systems directly from tent sites. "We absolutely loved this little lean-to next to Bear Mountain. I'll make this review short, as we also stayed at the Brassie Brook lean-to which is located only about a mile apart from each other," notes a camper about nearby Riga Lean-To.
Wildlife observation: Connecticut White Memorial Campground at Windmill Hill offers peaceful forest settings for bird watching. "Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean," reports a camper about the woodland environment.
Photography opportunities: Fall foliage peaks in mid-October across most Collinsville-area campgrounds, with morning fog common along river valleys. "The fall views made it worth it. We did have some sun spots at least throughout the trip," shared one backpacker about their experience.
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Most primitive tent sites near Collinsville remain uncrowded even during summer weekends. "We ended up stumbling on this campsite on our way to the Riga lean-to, which was a very happy surprise," notes one camper about their discovery of Brassie Brook Shelter.
Bear boxes for storage: Many Appalachian Trail campsites provide secure food storage options. "There's also a bear box near by. Room to camp your tent on the ground too if you wanted to or had more ppl along," describes one tent camper at Laurel Ridge.
Summit views: Multiple camping areas provide access to panoramic vistas after moderate hiking. "Last thing; make sure to hit the summit of Bear Mountain; incredible view!" advises one enthusiastic camper about the area's hiking rewards.
What you should know
Limited water sources: Most primitive campsites require carrying in all drinking water, with natural sources needing treatment. "It's quite a hike to get to this dispersed campground, so be prepared! We packed on our backpacks early in the morning and arrived there mid-afternoon," warns a camper about preparation needs.
Varying difficulty access: Terrain difficulty varies significantly between sites. "Be prepared for steep inclines, and lots of rocks. After about a mile, you reach a trail intersection, stay left and continue up the hill," explains one hiker detailing their route.
Fire regulations: Seasonal restrictions often apply to campfires, particularly during dry periods. "I don't think you are supposed to make a fire, but am not sure. There was a fire pit there so we used it at night because it was pretty cold in the 50s and down to 40s late at night," reports a camper about Alander Trail Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Certain sites better accommodate first-time campers with children. "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it," explains a scout leader about Onion Mountain Park.
Pack extra layers: Temperature fluctuations can be significant, especially spring and fall. "Our trip was sadly cut short because we were freezing and it was raining a lot LOL but hey it's part of the experience," shares one camper about their preparation misstep.
Insect preparation: Bug activity peaks May-August across most Collinsville camping areas. "There are a lot of bugs so be prepared, and we did put a bear bag about 100 feet away," notes one camper about necessary precautions during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Collinsville lack RV amenities. "The campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river. As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders," mentions a visitor at River Highlands State Park.
Alternative accommodations: Some areas offer unique options beyond traditional tent camping. "It is a really fun place to spend a night, especially for a train enthusiast. The caboose is stationed on a big grassy field, near a real railroad. It sleeps 4 and you can set up tents outside too," describes a visitor to Chester Railway Station.
Road access considerations: Many forest service roads leading to primitive campsites have seasonal closures or condition issues. "You can park at the Undermountain Trailhead area. Once you hit the AT go to the right and it goes to the summit," advises one experienced camper about navigation logistics.
