Searching for the best camping near Ellington, CT? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ellington, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Ellington, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
$70 / night
"Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."
"It’s a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us. Cute patio overlooking the lake as well with seating."
$25 - $150 / night
"Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."
"Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."
$45 - $68 / night
"We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"
$45 - $65 / night
"Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River. Great activities for everyone."
"Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon."
"Great location kids had a blast just wished they had more activities for them to do for the weekend we stay it poured everyday and they only had one craft and then an arcade to entertain them."
"I had a blast here when I was a kid, my family, neighbors and friends would all camp in the open field site and all the kids would get together and adventure the weekend away. From"
$45 - $100 / night
"We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."
"This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."
$45 - $55 / night
"Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again.
Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."
GuideQuiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.
TravelerThis was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.
The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.
ScoutGreat spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.
GuideSo much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.
We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.
And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!
ScoutNice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.
ScoutWe ended up at Indian Ranch Campground after leaving another local campground under less-than-ideal circumstances… and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best accidental discoveries we’ve ever made.
From the moment we arrived, the energy here was completely different—welcoming, relaxed, and full of life. The campground is beautifully laid out with well-kept sites, plenty of trees, and easy access to Webster Lake(aka Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg—yes, really).
🎶 The concerts? Incredible. Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer. It’s like a music festival that doesn’t require you to sleep in a muddy field. Huge bonus for music lovers!
🛺 Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views.
🏊♂️ The pool is clean and inviting—perfect for relaxing after a show or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.
🌅 The lake itself is stunning, with spots to sit and watch the boats, fish, or just take in the view. The vibe is very“lake life meets concert culture,” and it works perfectly.
🍔 There’s also an on-site restaurant inside the gates with great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back patio atmosphere that completes the experience.
🤝 The people here? Fantastic. Campers were friendly, staff was helpful, and there was an overall sense of community that you just don’t get at every park. In Summary: Awesome mix of camping+ concerts Clean facilities, full hookups, and spacious sites Golf cart rentals= a must! Pool, lake, and great food on-site Walkable access to live shows= chef’s kiss🎶 We stumbled in… and didn’t want to leave If you're looking for more than just a campsite—if you want an experience—this is it. We'll be back. Probably more than once.
ScoutI wish I wasn’t writing this.
Truly. But if sharing our experience helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then it’s worth it.
We booked two full weeks at Douglas Forest RV Resort, drawn in by its wooded setting and supposed family-friendly charm. The photos looked peaceful. The location sounded perfect. But within hours of arrival, we realized we had walked into something completely different.
Almost immediately, we witnessed aggressive, disturbing behavior—adults yelling and chasing children through the park. At one point, a child was literally being pursued by a vehicle. In a campground. On the roads where people walk, dogs are walked, and kids ride bikes. We were shocked. We kept expecting someone from staff to step in—but no one did. When we brought it up to another guest, they just nodded and said,“Yeah… it’s always like this.” Turns out, management is known to overlook certain behavior from“regulars.”
As we walked the grounds, we also noticed**several people clearly living out of tents—**not camping, not weekend warriors, but living there long-term. It gave the entire campground an uneasy, off-kilter feel. The line between traveler and transient is not well-maintained here, and it adds to the overall lack of safety and structure.
We were ready to leave that night, but with tight, poorly lit roads, towing out after dark just wasn’t safe. So we locked up, barely slept, and pulled out at first light. We had paid for 14 nights. We stayed one. And we didn’t ask for a refund—because honestly, we just wanted out.
And yes, we later discovered that many of the glowing reviews online were written by someone who works at the campground. That’s not just misleading—it’s reckless. Campers rely on those reviews to make informed choices.
Douglas Forest RV Resort could be something special, but it’s not. Not right now. Not while safety is ignored, accountability is non-existent, and some guests are clearly treated as untouchable. Please, do your homework before booking here.
We wish we had—just one day earlier.
GuideMixed Experience- Potential Hindered by Operational Issues
The new ownership appears committed to improvements, though the focus seems more on revenue generation than guest experience at this time.
Infrastructure Concerns: The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips. The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders.
Accommodations& Atmosphere: This is primarily a seasonal/long-term resident park rather than a traditional camping resort. The site composition includes many permanent residents, which creates more of a residential community feel. For those seeking a transient camping experience, this may not align with expectations.
Facilities: The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable. However, other amenities need attention- the playground equipment shows its age, and laundry facilities, while clean, have mechanical reliability issues. Currently, only one restroom facility is fully operational, with others being gradually brought online.
Accessibility: Most sites feature loose gravel surfaces that may present challenges for guests with mobility equipment. The playground uses mulch surfacing, which may also limit accessibility.
Management: Communication with management regarding concerns can be challenging, and families should be prepared for a more relaxed supervision environment.
Bottom Line: While the location has natural beauty and potential, current operational challenges and pricing don't align well with the amenity level provided. Those seeking a quiet, well-maintained camping experience might find better value elsewhere until improvements are completed. Positive reviews seem to be coming from investors of the campground or people with personal interest.
ScoutThe Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!
Camping near Ellington, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.
Camping near Ellington, Connecticut, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there primitive camping sites available around Ellington?
Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest offers a more primitive camping experience in the region. This first-come, first-served equestrian campground provides a back-to-basics approach. For those seeking primitive sites closer to Ellington, Charlie Brown Campground offers walk-in and hike-in access options that provide a more rustic experience. These locations typically have minimal amenities compared to developed campgrounds - expect vault toilets rather than full bathhouses, and you'll need to bring your own water. Primitive sites are generally less expensive but fill quickly during peak season, so mid-week visits offer the best availability.
What camping options are available for families in Ellington?
Wolf's Den Family Campground is ideally suited for families, with its location near attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. The campground provides easy access to the Connecticut River for boating activities. Hammonasset State Park Campground is another excellent family option with beautiful beach access, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and a camp store. Both locations feature clean bathrooms and showers, making them comfortable for families with children of all ages. Most family campgrounds in the area offer weekend activities during summer months, including movie nights, hayrides, and organized games to keep kids entertained.
What are the best campgrounds near Ellington?
The Ellington area offers several excellent camping options. Wilderness Lake Park is a standout choice with secluded tent sites despite being primarily RV-focused, making it a hidden gem in Connecticut's camping scene. Brialee Family Campground near Ashford is another top option with easy drive-in access and full facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Connecticut state parks like Hopeville Pond and Rocky Neck offer beautiful natural settings with beach access and hiking opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, typically operating from April through October, with summer weekends requiring advance reservations.
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