Best Campgrounds near Columbia, CT

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Columbia. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Columbia, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Columbia, Connecticut (145)

    1. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "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."

    2. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 889-4144

    "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."

    3. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 303-2267

    $25 - $150 / night

    "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."

    "Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."

    4. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-6352

    $70 / night

    "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."

    "It’s a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us. Cute patio overlooking the lake as well with seating."

    5. Salt Rock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hanover, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 822-0884

    $33 - $100 / night

    "we had a group from work head out here. we reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves, it was a bit of a walk to the shower from there, but we had our own outhouse, bring a light for night time"

    "We took a short walk/hike and were able to make it to a river where we floated in tubes and relaxed for the day. It was a blast and we had a great time."

    6. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 526-2336

    $14 - $24 / night

    "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."

    7. Nickerson Park Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chaplin, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 455-0007

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again. 

    Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."

    8. Salem Farms Campground

    4 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 859-2320

    $68 - $72 / night

    "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."

    9. Charlie Brown Campground

    8 Reviews
    Eastford, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 974-0142

    "Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River. Great activities for everyone."

    "Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon."

    10. Strawberry Park

    13 Reviews
    Griswold, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 886-1944

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs. Live band on Saturday night was nice."

    "It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 145 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Columbia, CT

674 Reviews of 145 Columbia Campgrounds



Guide to Columbia

Camping near Columbia, CT, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Hammonasset State Park Campground, are close to beautiful beaches. One camper mentioned, “The beach was popular,” making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore nature with trails available at places like George Washington State Campground. A reviewer noted, “The hiking trails and views of the lake” were highlights of their stay.
  • Fishing and Snorkeling: Campers at Rocky Neck State Park Campground enjoyed fishing and snorkeling, with one saying, “Had a great time, did some snorkeling & fishing!”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, “Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers.”
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. A family at Brialee Family Campground said, “The activities were great and kept my grandchildren busy.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One reviewer at Mystic KOA said, “The staff are amazing and the entire place is completely geared to families.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground noted, “My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy.”
  • Site Privacy: Privacy can vary by campground. A visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground mentioned, “The sites were very close together,” which might not suit everyone.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A family at George Washington State Campground advised, “If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Brialee Family Campground, where one reviewer said, “The sand beach is great for the kids.”
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options. A camper at Mystic KOA mentioned, “The camp store has a small variety of camp supplies, drinks and food.”
  • Bring Entertainment: Keep kids engaged with games or outdoor activities. A family at Odetah Camping Resort enjoyed “lots of activities” available for children.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Wilderness Lake Park noted, “The campground is kind of a random mix of full-time, seasonal, and overnight people.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be cramped. A camper at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce mentioned, “Some of the non-seasonal sites are very tight.”
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Not all sites have sewer connections. A visitor at George Washington State Campground pointed out, “There is no dump station on site.”

Camping near Columbia, CT, provides a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure for everyone. Whether you’re with family or enjoying a solo trip, there’s a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Columbia, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Columbia, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Columbia, CT and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Columbia, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbia, CT is Waters Edge Family Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Columbia, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Columbia, CT.

What parks are near Columbia, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Columbia, CT that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.