Northeastern Connecticut's woodland camping scene offers visitors a diverse landscape of pine forests, rolling hills, and elevation changes ranging from 650 to 850 feet above sea level. Campers enjoy mild summer temperatures averaging 80°F days and 60°F nights. The Natchaug State Forest creates a natural backdrop for many camping areas, with seasonal access typically running April through October.
What to do
Paddling and fishing ponds: Wilderness Lake Park provides free kayaks and canoes for use on their lake. "Quaint little campground. Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge," notes one visitor. The lake offers opportunities for fishing, though some areas operate on catch-and-release policies.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple hiking networks connect through the region's woodlands. At George Washington State Campground, "There's fishing and hiking right in the park," according to a regular visitor. The campground features trails that circle small lakes and connect to larger regional trail systems.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds have begun adding disc golf to their recreational options. As one camper at Wilderness Lake reports, "The host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property." This growing activity provides an accessible outdoor option that doesn't require extensive hiking.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Charlie Brown Campground offers spacious camping areas with natural separation. One reviewer notes, "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping." Sites range from completely wooded to partially open, with many offering water access.
Riverside camping spots: Multiple campgrounds feature sites along the Natchaug River. A recent visitor reports, "We had a beautiful river side site. Oversized and nicely unkept. Grey dump only due to river so no biggie." These water-adjacent sites tend to book quickly during summer months.
Organized activities: Brialee Family Campground specializes in structured recreation. "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," writes one camper. Most activity schedules run on weekends, with additional programming during peak summer.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate from mid-April through mid-October. At West Thompson Lake Campground, the season runs "May 16 to September 6," creating a narrower window than some other facilities. Winter camping is generally unavailable in this region.
Glamping alternatives: Luxury camping near Eastford, Connecticut continues to expand. One visitor at Charlie Brown Campground reports their cabin was "absolutely beautiful and clean. The staff were friendly and helpful." For those seeking elevated camping experiences close to Eastford, Connecticut, several campgrounds now offer cabins with electricity and some modern amenities.
Cash policies: Some facilities operate with limited payment options. As one Wilderness Lake visitor advises, "They are cash or check only!" Another adds, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared." Visitors should confirm payment methods before arrival.
