Campgrounds in the Connecticut countryside surrounding Andover offer a mix of family-oriented RV parks and tent camping options. Established campgrounds like Waters Edge Family Campground in Lebanon and Wilderness Lake Park in Willington provide varied accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The area contains both privately owned resorts and state-managed camping areas within 20 miles of Andover, creating a concentrated camping region in this part of central Connecticut.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October or early November, closing during winter months. Site reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. As one visitor noted, "The sites are a little close for those who don't have permanent spots, and sometimes the lights are way too bright depending on where you are, but it is a good family campground." Road access to most established campgrounds is suitable for large RVs, though visitors should check specific campground policies regarding amenities, as several reviewers mentioned discrepancies between advertised and actual hookup availability.
Family-friendly amenities dominate the camping experience near Andover, with many campgrounds featuring swimming pools, fishing ponds, and organized activities. Several visitors mentioned enjoying the water features at campgrounds like The Quarry Campground. A camper described it as having "2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming; large outdoor games; Rec hall with video games, 50¢ pool table, live music; volleyball; boat rentals; and even a baseball diamond!" Tent campers seeking more natural settings may prefer state park options like Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground in East Haddam, which offers a more rustic experience. Most private campgrounds in the area accommodate both short-term visitors and seasonal campers, with mixed reviews about site spacing and privacy levels depending on the specific campground section.
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$45 - $68 / night
"We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"
$14 / 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."
$33 - $100 / night
"We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here."
"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"
"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."
$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."
$40 - $160 / night
RangerWe love Austin Hawes (Also referred to as American Legion). We have been coming here for years, and it is a great spot. Not too far, not too busy, tent sites, trailer sites, and cabins too. It is in a great location with plenty of hiking trails nearby, and lots of options for swimming, fishing, boating, etc.
RangerWe did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.
RangerWe stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.
ScoutCamped early in the season mid week, and it was nice and quiet. The "new" park rangers are take their jobs delightfully serious.
Our site had plenty of sun for solar but in seagull loop there is loads of shade
ScoutCampground was great. Site was in great shape, everything in order. Portapotties were large. The road made the trip horrible for peace and quiet lovers. I knew it was close to the road, but right on top of it AND a heavily traveled route.
ScoutCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
RangerOur first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.
GuideBeautiful large site. Can walk the trail down to the river. Beware of bears. Bathhouse was shut down for renovation but there was porta potties. Can hear road noise but wasn't bad. This and site 3 is one of the best sites.
ScoutWe went last week to visit my brother and sister-in-law in the park was clean. Everybody was friendly. The staff was awesome and they even checked on us while we were there to see if we need anything. The neighbors were wonderful definitely will come back.
Camping options near Andover, Connecticut range from rustic tent sites to riverside locations with full amenities. The region experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through August, with cooler spring and fall camping seasons often preferred by outdoor enthusiasts. Most private campgrounds in central Connecticut operate within a 20-mile radius of Andover, creating convenient access for weekend getaways.
Riverside recreation: Charlie Brown Campground offers direct access to the Natchaug River where visitors can enjoy tubing. "They had a beautiful river side site. Oversized and nicely unkept... Good place overall and great price," notes Johnny W. The river is shallow enough for family-friendly water activities during summer months.
Fishing opportunities: Wilderness Lake Park provides year-round fishing in their on-site lake. "Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," mentions Rob L. The campground maintains several fishing spots along the shoreline, accessible to campers of all ages.
Hiking trails: Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground connects to multiple hiking paths leading to Chapman Falls. A camper observed, "Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it's a pretty waterfall." The park offers additional trails ranging from 0.5 to 3 miles through mixed hardwood forest.
Water features: Waters Edge Family Campground receives consistent praise for its lake. "There's a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend. I camp here seasonally and love it," explains Laura M. The campground maintains both swimming and fishing areas on the lake.
Affordability: Nickerson Park Family Campground offers competitively priced sites with river access. "We got a nice spot backing up to the river. Very secluded, clean sites," states Jason E. Weekend rates remain lower than many comparable private campgrounds in the region.
Quiet locations: Tent campers appreciate the secluded sections at Wilderness Lake Campground. One visitor noted, "While this is about 60% RVs, the tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring." These tent-specific areas provide greater separation from RV sections.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds near Andover operate from April through October, with limited winter options. "Wilderness Lake Park is open April 1 to December 1," making it one of the extended-season options in the area.
Payment requirements: Several campgrounds maintain specific payment policies. A visitor to Wilderness Lake Park observed, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared." Similar restrictions exist at other family-owned campgrounds in the region.
Site spacing considerations: Salt Rock Campground has limited privacy between sites. One camper mentioned, "You can basically see every Campsite from anywhere in the park, barely any trees in between sites to add privacy." Sites along the perimeter tend to offer slightly more separation than central locations.
Activity planning: Brialee Family Campground organizes regular children's events. "They make sure the weekends are for families," notes Linda L. Their structured activities typically run hourly during summer weekends and include organized sports competitions.
Beach and pool options: The Quarry Campground maintains separate water areas for different activities. A visitor shared, "2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming; large outdoor games; Rec hall with video games, 50¢ pool table, live music; volleyball; boat rentals; and even a baseball diamond!" These dual water features allow families to separate swimming and fishing activities.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature recently updated play equipment. Charlie Brown Campground receives positive feedback: "The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"
Hook-up limitations: Many campgrounds advertise full hookups but provide restricted services. At The Quarry Campground, one RVer noted, "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."
Site accessibility: Odetah Camping Resort accommodates larger rigs with pull-through sites. "Resort is the right word! The staff will deliver wood right to your site," reports one camper. Most of their RV sites can accommodate units up to 40 feet in length.
Late check-out options: Some campgrounds offer extended departure times for a nominal fee. Michael at Charlie Brown Campground reports, "We did a late checkout for $5 extra, but the noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue as well." This flexibility helps RVers manage their travel schedule without rushing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Andover, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Andover, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Andover, CT and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Andover, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Andover, CT is Waters Edge Family Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Andover, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Andover, CT.
What parks are near Andover, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Andover, CT that allow camping, notably Westville Lake and Buffumville Lake.
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