Near Columbia, Connecticut, campgrounds operate primarily from April through October, with a mix of state parks and private facilities within a 30-minute drive. The region features gentle terrain with elevations typically ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. Most camping areas sit along or near waterways, creating opportunities for fishing and paddling during the summer months when water temperatures reach the mid-70s.
What to do
River activities: Nickerson Park Family Campground offers direct access to the Natchaug River where visitors can enjoy water recreation. A camper noted, "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."
Hiking trails: The region contains several trail systems through mixed hardwood forests. At Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, hikers can access falls within minutes of their campsite. "The waterfall was a quick walk away and you could hike down to the river for a quick dip. The river isn't deep enough for a full swim but still was good enough on a hot day," explains one visitor.
Outdoor games: Many campgrounds provide recreational facilities beyond natural attractions. The Quarry Campground features "large outdoor games; Rec hall with video games, 50¢ pool table, live music; volleyball; boat rentals; and even a baseball diamond!"
What campers like
Lake access: Wilderness Lake Park provides water recreation opportunities on a small, quiet lake. One reviewer appreciated how they "deliver wood to your site. It's a place to get away! I loved my time there." The campground offers free kayaks and canoes for guests to use on the lake.
Privacy levels: Campsites vary significantly in seclusion throughout the region. At Odetah Camping Resort, one guest observed, "We had two sites side by side for our group of 7 and two dogs. The staff will deliver wood right to your site. The only con is the sites are not very private...at all."
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds schedule events based on the time of year. One visitor to Odetah mentioned, "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."
What you should know
Noise levels: Some campgrounds struggle with enforcement of quiet hours. At Salt Rock Campground, a visitor reported, "Quiet hours are merely a suggestion, and folks turn up until 4AM on Friday nights. Music blaring from disrespectful campers until 10PM. Fights and arguments can be heard from across the campground."
Facility condition: State parks typically have more basic facilities than private campgrounds. A Salt Rock Campground visitor observed, "Bathrooms are atrocious - stall doors have no locks, metal fittings are rusty, paint is peeling, showers are lukewarm and temp cannot be changed. They aren't really dirty, just poorly maintained."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially on weekends. Charlie Brown Campground recommends reservations for riverside sites, which tend to book first. A camper advised, "If you go to Charlie Brown's request a site by the water. Rain had been sparse so didn't matter our weekend but I would imagine it would be great on a hot sunny day."
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Family-oriented campgrounds plan regular weekend events. At Brialee Family Campground, a visitor described, "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids! The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly."
Space considerations: When camping with children, site selection becomes crucial. One guest at Charlie Brown Campground noted their group "chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping. Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer water recreation for children. Brialee Family Campground provides "a 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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Sites with full hookups are limited at certain campgrounds. At The Quarry Campground, "They advertise full hu but turns out to be a lie when you pull in… all full hi is given to seasonal customers. We did receive a pull thru with 50/30/20 and water and that was about it."
Dump station access: Not all sites offer sewer connections. Charlie Brown Campground has "grey dump only due to river so no biggie. Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do. Crafts for kids a band a wagon ride. Good place overall and great price."
Site leveling: Terrain affects RV setup. Salem Farms Campground offers "most sites are a good size. Fire pits are nice and big made with large rocks." However, one visitor noted positioning challenges: "Our only complaint would be the spot they put the 5th wheel our cousin brought. 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."
