Bristol, Connecticut sits at the foot of the Berkshire Mountains in the central Connecticut valley at an elevation of around 650 feet. The region features rolling hills, hardwood forests, and several water features including lakes and rivers, creating varied terrain for campers. Most campgrounds in the area operate with limited hookups during Connecticut's humid summer months when overnight temperatures typically remain above 60°F.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: At Black Rock State Park Campground, hikers can explore multiple trail options ranging from easy lakeside paths to more challenging woodland routes. One camper noted, "Beautiful state park, very clean... fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers... stores within a 5 minute drive."
Fishing access: Lake Compounce Campground offers nearby fishing options, though some campers recommend bringing your own equipment. A visitor mentions, "This was good for an overnight stop on our way south. We couldn't find much else along our route, but this wasn't too bad."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds near Bristol restrict swimming during summer algae blooms. At Kettletown State Park Campground, one visitor explained, "Access to the river was great, though no swimming was allowed because of an algae bloom. The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. A camper reported, "Host was pleasant, campground fairly quiet. No planned activities so not great if you like that kind of thing, perfect if you don't. Trophy trout river with excellent fishing, but catch and release only."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Lake Compounce Campground, one camper shared an interesting experience: "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."
Spacious sites: Multiple campgrounds feature larger sites than typically expected. A visitor to Cozy Hills Campground wrote, "Very nice facilities. Most of the short-term sites are on a separate loop from the seasonals, which made for a nice short-term community. Sites are well maintained, with fresh wood chips and groomed gravel."
What you should know
Site variability: Even within campgrounds, site quality can differ significantly. At Gentiles Campground, a camper observed, "Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs. Very wooded area, looked like mostly full timers living there."
Weather considerations: Connecticut experiences frequent summer thunderstorms, particularly in July and August. Prepare for quick weather changes and potential flooding in low-lying sites.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require reservations 2-3 months in advance for summer weekends. Walk-up sites are limited and typically unavailable Friday through Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. While most sites near highways maintain reliable connections, those in more remote areas may have limited service, especially for carriers other than Verizon.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: White Pines Campsites provides facilities designed for families with children. A visitor noted, "We love this campground. It is a small family/dog friendly campground. Large clean pool my kids loved swimming in. Staff is super nice. Small arcade."
Weekend noise levels: Weekends tend to be louder at most campgrounds near Bristol. A family staying at Kettletown State Park mentioned, "Folks seemed to be there in larger groups for celebrations so things were loud well past midnight, which was challenging given how close each site was."
Playground options: Several campgrounds offer playground equipment for children. At Lake Compounce Campground, a visitor mentioned, "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park."
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer organized activities during summer weekends. At Cozy Hills Campground, a camper wrote, "Lots and lots of activities for kids! Arts & Crafts, Arcade, Bingo, Casino Night etc. Pool is very nice for families - with no deep end, really safe for younger kids."
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide full hookups. A camper at Lake Compounce noted, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out. The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the hilly Bristol region require leveling blocks. Bring extra blocks if your RV is longer than 25 feet.
Power limitations: Several campgrounds restrict air conditioner use during peak summer days. Verify electricity limitations before booking, especially for units requiring 50-amp service during July and August.
