Connecticut's Farmington Valley features wooded terrain with elevation changes between 200-600 feet above sea level. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity. The area sits at the western edge of the central Connecticut valley, creating a mix of flat valley sites and hillier terrain in surrounding campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking trails: Lake Waramaug State Park offers a 0.65-mile trail with a lookout point where hikers can get cell service. According to a visitor, "There is a really great (but very short .65 miles) hiking trail behind the campground and a cool big rock to climb on near the bathrooms further away from the office."
Fishing opportunities: Wilderness Lake Park provides access to a small lake for fishing. One camper noted, "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 on the property."
Water activities: Free kayaks and canoes are available at some locations. A visitor to Wilderness Lake Park mentioned, "Free kayaks/canoes for the lake" while another noted they could "Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge."
Agricultural tours: Some locations offer unique local experiences. At Lone Oak Camp Sites, one camper reported, "We did an interesting tour of the neighboring farm where they make cow pots."
What campers like
Large, wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious accommodations. At Lake Compounce Campground, a visitor observed, "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Clean facilities: Modern bathrooms are a highlight at several locations. One camper at Lake Compounce noted, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Weekend entertainment: Social activities enhance the glamping experience near Farmington. At Brialee Family Campground, a visitor shared, "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."
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond traditional campsites, upscale options exist. A visitor to Lone Oak Camp Sites mentioned, "There are many ways to camp at Lone Oaks. Tenting to a RV, very family friendly. There's a full bar with adult only dancing up stairs in the lounge Saturday nights."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer equal amenities or terrain. At Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park, a visitor advised, "The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!"
Seasonal variations: Campground population changes dramatically throughout the week. A visitor to Lake Compounce noted, "Stayed in September 2021. CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend."
Bathroom maintenance: Cleanliness can vary by location and timing. At White Pines Campsites, one reviewer observed, "The bathhouse started out immaculate but quickly turned south with the sheer number of people using it. A cleaning log claimed it was tended to but it couldn't have been true."
Wildlife encounters: Some areas have frequent animal visitors. A camper at Lake Compounce reported, "This is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted. People left their left over food scraps in the grass by my camp so not only has my dog been eating it, I also hear coyotes."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds provide structured events. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "Nature Center has movies on weekends for kids."
Beach access: Several locations offer swimming opportunities. A visitor to Rocky Neck explained, "every campsite has its own fire pit with a grill attachment and a picnic table... beach is a short drive on site and the showers were one site over."
Recreation options: Multiple activities keep children engaged. At Brialee Family Campground, a camper noted, "They provide a store with all the essentials, a game room, laundry room, Rec hall, and multiple bathhouses throughout the Campground."
Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. A visitor to Lone Oak Camp Sites mentioned, "The pools are beautiful, great store and the activities are plenty. There is also a hiking trail with some gorgeous views once you get to the top."
Tips from RVers
Dump station logistics: Many glamping spots near Farmington have limited sewer connections. At Lake Compounce, a visitor noted, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
Site dimensions: Space can be tight at some locations. One camper at Lake Compounce explained, "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor."
Seasonal population: Many campgrounds have long-term residents. A visitor to Riverdale Farm Campsites observed, "There are a lot of seasonal residents, but still plenty of open sites for travelers."
Utility hookups: Availability varies between locations. At Lake Compounce, a camper noted, "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
