George Washington State Campground in Rhode Island provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options within 31 miles of Danielson, Connecticut. The park maintains cooler temperatures due to its forested location at 600 feet elevation, making summer camping more comfortable than coastal alternatives. Several campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, with Wilderness Lake Park extending its season into early December for late fall camping opportunities.
What to do
Fishing and hiking: George Washington State Campground offers both activities right within the park. "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park," notes Nick S. The campground features hiking trails circling several lakes with clean, warm swimming areas during summer months.
Kayaking and canoeing: Wilderness Lake Park provides complimentary watercraft for guests. "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," mentions Rob L. The small lake supports paddling activities with a lakeside patio area for relaxing between water adventures. For those bringing their own equipment, a $50 fee applies at some campgrounds for personal kayaks.
Disc golf: Several campgrounds are developing additional recreation options beyond water activities. "The host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property," notes Robert L. about Wilderness Lake Park. This expanding activity requires minimal equipment and provides structured outdoor recreation for campers of all ages.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: West Thompson Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its well-spaced sites. "The sites were not very secluded from each other, but there were not a lot of other campers when we went so it wasn't a problem for us," explains Jeremiah F. Many campgrounds near Danielson feature wooded sites that create natural separation between neighbors.
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally maintain clean, functional amenities. At George Washington State Campground, "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)," reports Nick P., highlighting the pay shower system common in the area.
Evening activities: Brialee Family Campground organizes structured programs for families. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy," mentions Mallory P. Many campgrounds schedule weekend entertainment including bingo, crafts, and occasional live music to enhance the camping experience beyond daytime recreation.
What you should know
Cash-only policies: Several campgrounds operate on cash or limited payment systems. At Wilderness Lake Park, visitors should "be prepared" because "they are cash or Venmo only," advises Hails L. Call ahead to confirm payment options before arrival to avoid payment complications.
Varied shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Peppertree Camping maintains basic facilities, while some campgrounds use portable facilities for tent areas. "Portopotties scattered about and showers and such near the entrance," reports Kay B. about Wilderness Lake Park's setup.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate mid-April through mid-October, with Wilderness Lake Park extending until December 1st. During shoulder seasons, water may be shut off at some facilities and fewer staff may be available. West Thompson Lake Campground operates "May 16 to September 6," offering a shorter season than other options.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Family-oriented campgrounds organize regular entertainment. "They make sure the weekends are for families," explains Linda L. about Brialee Family Campground. Weekend activities often include sports tournaments, crafts, and organized games to keep children engaged throughout their stay.
Swimming options: Charlie Brown Campground offers riverside recreation with tubing opportunities. "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built-in entertainment for the kids!" shares Michael. Families should note that swimming is prohibited at West Thompson Lake despite water access.
Yurt camping convenience: Yurt accommodations at Charlie Brown Campground provide an accessible option for families new to camping near Danielson, Connecticut. These permanent structures offer more protection from weather and eliminate the need for tent setup, making them ideal for families with young children or those testing out camping for the first time.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Strawberry Park offers full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. "Site was wide and allowed me to easily back in. Near perfect level," reports Michael C. RVers should specify hookup requirements when booking as availability varies significantly between campgrounds.
Gray water limitations: Environmental regulations affect dumping options at some campgrounds. At Charlie Brown Campground, there is "Gray dump only due to river so no biggie," notes Johnny W., highlighting that some locations restrict black water disposal on-site due to proximity to waterways.
Extended stay options: For longer visits, Strawberry Park offers RV storage and propane filling services not available at most area campgrounds. RVers requiring 50-amp service should check availability when booking, as many campgrounds only provide 30-amp connections. The 550 sites at Strawberry Park include numerous full-hookup options for extended stays.
