Tent camping options near Dayville, Connecticut range from primitive backpacking sites to riverside locations with basic amenities. The region sits within the quiet corner of Connecticut, characterized by rolling hills and waterways including the Connecticut River watershed. Winter camping is limited in most locations, with temperatures typically dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Paddle and camp: Access the four primitive campsites at Selden Neck State Park Campground via a 20-minute kayak trip from Deep River Landing boat launch. The island campground requires watercraft, making it ideal for paddlers seeking isolation. One camper at site 2 (Hogback) noted, "At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on. The sunset view was amazing."
Explore castle grounds: Gillette Castle State Park Campground provides access to unique historical attractions beyond camping. "Castle has tours at certain times," mentions Todd J., making this a good option for campers interested in combining outdoor recreation with cultural sites.
Fish from shoreline: Buck Hill Campground offers direct access to Wakefield Pond for fishing. "This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc.," reports Greg R., highlighting the simple, rustic appeal of this site.
What campers like
Island camping isolation: Selden Neck's boat-access-only requirement creates a secluded experience with minimal disruption. "There's a private outhouse" and "plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit," notes Jason S. about his experience camping with his 5-year-old.
Riverside views: Gillette Castle State Park camping areas on the Connecticut River provide scenic water views. Jackie G. shares, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
Rustic group sites: Buck Hill Campground features large clusters that can accommodate 10+ tents, making it suitable for group camping. The area is "heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities," according to Greg R., who appreciates its no-frills approach.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds near Dayville operate with limited seasons. Frontier Family Camper Park has a specified operating period from May 1 to September 30.
Boat launch permits: Accessing water-based campsites requires planning for boat launch fees. For Selden Neck camping, "Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day," advises Jason S.
Weather contingency plans: Morning fog can delay departures from island camping at Selden Neck. Jason S. mentions being "completely socked in with fog" which "would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long."
Limited facilities: Most sites provide basic amenities only. At Chapman Pond Preserve, Ben L. reports finding "good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse" with "CT river within view," but no additional services.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with swimming areas: Buck Hill Campground features "a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything. The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water," according to Greg R.
Consider boat access challenges: When planning water-access camping with children, prepare for boat wake. At Selden Neck, one camper advises, "If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags."
Reserve clustered sites: For family gatherings, some locations offer adjacent sites. Jackie G. notes about Gillette Castle State Park that "There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Few campgrounds near Dayville cater specifically to RVs. Water's Edge Campground (formerly Colwell's) offers some of the most complete RV amenities in the region with electric hookups, thirty-amp service, water hookups, and sanitary dump.
Know vehicle restrictions: Several campgrounds prohibit larger RVs. Arcadia Backpack Camping Area and Frosty Hollow Camping Area permit smaller recreational vehicles but aren't big-rig friendly, making them better suited for tent campers or small vans.
