Campgrounds near Eastford, Connecticut sit within the rolling hills of northeastern Connecticut's Quiet Corner region, typically at elevations between 500-700 feet. The area contains several tributaries of the Shetucket River watershed, with the Natchaug River being a central feature. Most campgrounds maintain water-oriented recreation areas with fishing access and variable gray water policies due to environmental regulations.
What to do
Water tubing opportunities: Charlie Brown Campground offers river access where many visitors enjoy floating downstream. According to one visitor, "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids."
Hiking nearby: West Thompson Lake Campground provides multiple trail systems including a disc golf course. A recent visitor noted, "with only 22 sitez and about half woth el3xtric and water, this basic family campground is perfect! centrally located bathrooms/showers basketball court, playground and ampitheatre to keep the kids busy. hiking trails galore, disk golf, and swimming nearby."
Free boating access: Wilderness Lake Campground provides complimentary watercraft for campers. A visitor reported, "Immediately entering the campground a kid (maybe early 20s) greeted us at our truck and showed us where to pull over for our paperwork. He escorted us to our site and made sure we had everything we needed as we set up. Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Peppertree Camping offers premium locations along the Natchaug waterway. A recent visitor shared, "We had our very first camping experience with our new camper at this campground and it was everything we could have imagined and more. It's a beautiful campground, the gentleman and his family who own it are sooooo nice and they helped us a lot when it came to learning how to properly use our camper."
Privacy between sites: Wilderness Lake Park provides separation between campsites in some areas. One visitor mentioned, "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."
Clean facilities: George Washington State Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor 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). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."
What you should know
Cash/electronic payment policies: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. A Wilderness Lake visitor noted, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds operate beyond the typical May-October season. A visitor to Stateline Campresort reported in October, "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."
Gray water limitations: River proximity affects waste disposal policies. At Charlie Brown Campground, "Not far off of 395, so that's always nice. Had a beautiful river side site. Oversized and nicely unkept. Grey dump only due to river so no biggie. Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do. Crafts for kids a band a wagon ride. Good place overall and great price."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Brialee Family Campground organizes regular programming for various ages. A visitor observed, "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. They provide a store with all the essentials, a game room, laundry room, Rec hall, and multiple bathhouses throughout the Campground."
Late checkout options: Some campgrounds offer flexibility with departure times. A visitor to Charlie Brown Campground reported, "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."
Playgrounds and recreation: Stateline Campresort provides multiple recreation options. As one visitor described, "Clean, wooded and open sites some overlook a large pond. Boat rentals, pool, game room available. The site we had overlooked the pond and was perfect."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have both open and shaded options. At Stateline Campresort, "The sites are very well set up. You have your pick of shady sites or sites with no trees."
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds near Eastford offer partial hookups. At Mashamoquet Brook State Park's Wolf Den Campground, "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. Sites have fire rings with grills and picnic tables. Site 20 is the only one with electric."
Staff assistance for setup: Many campground staff provide assistance with RV parking. As one visitor to Wilderness Lake noted, "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground."
