Camping opportunities around Durham, Connecticut reflect the region's rolling hills and deciduous forests of central Connecticut. The area sits within the Connecticut River Valley where elevations range between 200-300 feet. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with peak season bringing temperatures between 75-85°F during summer months.
What to do
Hiking at Gillette Castle: Visit Gillette Castle State Park near Wolf's Den Family Campground. "Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. The campground itself is really nice," notes one visitor who appreciates the central location.
Beach access with shuttle service: Niantic KOA provides transportation to coastal activities. "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT," shares a recent camper, making it convenient to explore without moving your vehicle.
Water activities on ponds and lakes: Enjoy swimming, fishing or paddling at Wilderness Lake Park. "The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course," reports a tent camper.
Seasonal activities and events: Campsites organize weekend activities throughout the season. "They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards," mentions a Riverdale Farm visitor about their structured entertainment options.
What campers like
Lake and pond access: Water features rank highly among camper preferences. "This is a really nice family campground just a mile or so off I-95 in Clinton, CT. There is a playground, game room, 'adult' lounge, a laundry, a swimming pond, and river access for fishing and swimming," explains a guest at Riverdale Farm Campsites.
Free water equipment rentals: Some sites provide complimentary equipment for water recreation. "Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," reports a visitor to Wilderness Lake Park.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds serve as convenient baselines for regional exploration. "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there," notes a guest at Lake Compounce Campground.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Durham, Connecticut, Niantic KOA offers these unique accommodations alongside tent and RV sites. The campground provides a balance between comfort and outdoor experience with their yurt structures.
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility upkeep differs between locations. "Bathhouses and toilets were not as cleaned as I would have liked but passable. Coronavirus social distancing required," observed a camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
Site privacy considerations: Tent areas typically offer more seclusion than RV sections. "Quaint little campground. Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind," advises a Wilderness Lake visitor.
Payment policies: Check payment options before arrival. "To reserve, fill out the form on the website and you'll get a confirmation. You can pay at the office when you check in. They'll also bring firewood to your site," explains a frequent visitor to Wilderness Lake Park, while another notes, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate between April and October. "Stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend," reports a Lake Compounce visitor regarding off-peak timing.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Family-focused campgrounds offer multiple activities. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available," describes a visitor at Wolf's Den Family Campground.
Beach accessibility: Consider beach proximity when booking with children. "A great place to stay. Lots of friends and family. Very clean and has a lot of activity," notes a Riverdale Farm camper about their family-friendly amenities.
Weekend programming: Many sites offer structured weekend activities. "This campground is undergoing a much needed upgrade. The staff is very friendly and tries hard to make it fun for the kids including icecream socials wagon rides and a coin hunt," explains a visitor to Niantic KOA.
Halloween camping: Some campgrounds offer themed seasonal events. "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating," reports a visitor to Odetah Camping Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site layout and hookups: RV sites vary in configuration and available connections. "Very nice campground. Has electric, water and cable TV connections. Clean bathrooms and nice store," notes a Lake Compounce visitor about the practical amenities.
Pull-through options: Some campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with pull-through sites. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," explains a Lake Compounce camper about the site layout.
Seasonal differences: Occupancy varies throughout the operating season. "This is an RV park, they advertise internet so you would figure it would work," mentions a Riverdale Farm visitor who stayed during a busier period when wifi was strained by multiple users.
