Camping spots near Danielson, Connecticut provide access to northeastern Connecticut's woodland areas that include portions of the Natchaug and Pachaug Forests. Many campgrounds in the area sit adjacent to rivers or small lakes, with elevations typically ranging from 300-600 feet above sea level. The camping season around Danielson typically runs April through mid-October, with some facilities closing after Labor Day weekend.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: West Thompson Lake Campground offers several well-maintained trails directly from the campsite. "Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release," notes one visitor to West Thompson Lake Campground.
Water activities: Both swimming and boating options exist throughout the region. At Hopeville Pond State Park, the canoe sites provide direct water access: "Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site!" according to one camper at Hopeville Pond State Park Campground.
Tubing on rivers: Several campgrounds offer river tubing during summer months. A visitor to Charlie Brown Campground mentioned, "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Campers appreciate the spacious areas at many local facilities. At George Washington State Campground, a camper observed, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)," which shows the value visitors place on personal space at George Washington State Campground.
Riverside locations: Many campsites back up to water features. "We got a nice spot backing up to the river. Very secluded, clean sites," commented a visitor to Nickerson Park Family Campground, highlighting the premium placed on waterfront locations.
Affordable prices: Off-peak season camping can be particularly cost-effective. One visitor to Stateline Campresort noted, "Called on Sunday morning and reserved a spot for 2 nights. Was very helpful on the phone, though was not informed that on Sunday the office and store closes early at 3 but was still able to check in easy enough. Clean bath house and restrooms, quiet despite there being a pretty full park. Overall not bad for the off season cost of $30."
What you should know
Seasonal camper populations: Many facilities maintain a mix of transient and long-term seasonal sites. "Mostly seasonal campers. Good for just spending the night. Price is good. Not many options this part of the country," reported a visitor to Stateline Campresort, indicating the social dynamic at certain facilities.
Traffic and noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise that impacts certain sites. As one camper at Charlie Brown Campground mentioned, "The staff was super pleasant and helpful, and were all working hard the entire time we were there to prep that campground for their official 'opening weekend'."
Gate hours: Some facilities restrict entrance after certain hours. One camper noted about West Thompson Lake Campground: "Large campsites, Nice basketball court, Decent bathrooms for a state campground, only complain is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm."
Tips for camping with families
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular weekend entertainment. One visitor to River Bend Campground described, "We just camped here for the first time over Columbus Day Weekend with a few other families. Great weekend to come - seasonal campers go all out decorating for Halloween. There are tons of activities for all ages: trick or treating one night, DJ/dance Saturday and Sunday, bingo/horseshoe/cornhole tournaments during the day."
Kid-friendly facilities: Playground equipment and recreational areas are common. At Brialee Family Campground, a camper noted, "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."
School break scheduling: Some facilities offer extended programming during school holidays. "We visited for our kids' spring break. Not many campgrounds open that early here in CT," commented a camper at Nickerson Park, highlighting the challenge of finding operational facilities during certain times.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Site sizes vary significantly between facilities. A Wolf Den Campground visitor observed, "The parking pads are paved and a few have overhanging branches, but the trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites that tend to open up toward the back with open areas for pitching tents. Site 20 is the only one with electric."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer hookups vary by campground and sometimes within the same facility. As noted about one campground: "There is no full service sewer hook up, only gray water. There was a dump station."
Delivery services: Some campgrounds offer convenient on-site services. "They do daily trash pickups from your site, pump outs and wood delivery upon request," mentioned a camper about River Bend Campground, detailing the conveniences that make RV camping easier.
