Karen M.
Scout
ScoutCrocker's Boatyard
Awesome! people and location
great location, with pool, electric and bathrooms/showers. close to ferry
Best Campgrounds in Connecticut
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Connecticut campgrounds offer a mix of developed sites and cabin facilities throughout the state's diverse regions. Hammonasset State Park Campground and Rocky Neck State Park Campground provide waterfront camping experiences along Connecticut's shoreline, while inland locations like Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in American Legion State Forest offer more secluded woodland settings. Many campgrounds across Connecticut accommodate various camping styles, with facilities supporting tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabin accommodations or glamping experiences at places like Brialee Family Campground or Mystic KOA.
Reservations are strongly recommended at Connecticut campgrounds, especially during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day when most state park campgrounds operate. Campers at Brialee Family Campground note that "the cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean. The activities were great and kept my grand children busy." Connecticut campgrounds typically open from late May through early September, though some private campgrounds like Mystic KOA offer year-round accessibility. Sites with water and electric hookups are common at both state and private campgrounds, while many state park campgrounds provide basic amenities including showers, toilets and picnic areas, though alcohol is prohibited at most state park facilities.
The camping experience varies significantly between Connecticut's coastal and inland campgrounds. Shoreline camping at places like Hammonasset and Rocky Neck provides beach access and water activities, while the state's forested campgrounds offer more traditional woodland experiences with hiking trails and fishing opportunities. As one visitor to Charlie Brown Campground noted, "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built-in entertainment for the kids!" Private campgrounds frequently offer more extensive amenities and planned activities compared to state parks, particularly for families with children. Many Connecticut campgrounds feature swimming areas, whether at beaches along the coast or at inland lakes and ponds, providing popular summer recreation opportunities when temperatures typically range from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit.
Best Camping Sites in Connecticut (99)
1. Hammonasset State Park Campground
39 ReviewsClinton, CTWebsite+1 (203) 245-1817$20 - $70 / night
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
"I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
2. Rocky Neck State Park Campground
24 ReviewsSouth Lyme, CTWebsite+1 (860) 739-1339$20 - $70 / night
"The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."
"Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."
3. Mystic KOA
25 ReviewsNorth Stonington, CTWebsite+1 (860) 599-5101"During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."
"We stayed at Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, to be tourists in Mystic. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! "
4. White Pines Campsites
19 ReviewsWinsted, CTWebsite+1 (959) 251-1251$50 - $62 / night
"However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."
"We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"
5. Crocker's Boatyard
17 ReviewsNew London, CTWebsite+1 (860) 443-6304$50 - $75 / night
"Which was walking distance from the boat yard. Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."
"Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good. Enjoyed the pool.
Walked to Fort Trumbull.
Recommend Crockers."
6. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
16 ReviewsRiverton, CTWebsite+1 (860) 379-0922$17 - $50 / night
"We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."
"Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
7. Brialee Family Campground
15 ReviewsAshford, CTWebsite+1 (800) 303-2267$25 - $150 / night
"Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."
"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."
8. Wilderness Lake Park
14 ReviewsWillington, CTWebsite+1 (860) 684-6352$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."
9. Niantic KOA
14 ReviewsSouth Lyme, CTWebsite+1 (860) 739-9308"His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area."
"Close to level parking pad, with table and very nice brick firepit. Sites not too close together. I had woods behind me. I would definitely camp here again."
10. Strawberry Park Resort Campground
14 ReviewsGriswold, CTWebsite+1 (860) 886-1944$60 - $120 / night
"It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"
"It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs. Live band on Saturday night was nice."
Recent Camping Photos in Connecticut
136 Photos of 99 Connecticut Campgrounds
Jacob S.
Wolf's Den Family Campground
Jenn
Mystic KOA
Kevin H.
Ross Hill RV Park & Campground
Gail S.
The Quarry Campground
Kevin A.
Sun Ridge Resort
Dana C.
Odetah Camping Resort
Rob L.
Wilderness Lake Park
Megan P.
Charlie Brown Campground
Michael O.
Steep Rock Association
Kevin H.
Ross Hill RV Park & Campground
Lee D.
Niantic KOA
Nora S.
Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Recent Reviews in Connecticut
521 Reviews of 99 Connecticut Campgrounds
Richard T.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Nice Campground
Nice campground for a quick stop. Our site was easy to get into, everything worked like it should, and we had a peaceful night before getting back on the road.
Alan B.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Night Sitting By The Fire
Came here for a quick weekend away and had a great time. We walked around, checked out the pond, and spent most of the night sitting by the fire. Nice easygoing place.
Paul G.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Spent Several Seasons Camping Here
We’ve spent several seasons camping here and have made so many great memories along the way. We have gotten to know some of the campers around us, and the campground has a nice community atmosphere. The kids always have something to do, and we enjoy sitting outside, cooking dinner, and spending evenings around the fire.
Riley B.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Our First Season
This is our first season keeping our camper at White Pines, and we have really enjoyed it so far. It is great being able to show up on a Friday, open the camper, and start relaxing without having to tow and set everything up each weekend. Some weekends are a little busier than others, but everything still feels comfortable and easygoing. It has quickly become one of our favorite places to spend time during the summer.
Skylar M.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Enjoyable Campground
This was a really enjoyable campground for our family. We spent part of the day at the heated pool, walked around the property, and finished the evening playing games together at our site.
Anthony G.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Had A Great Time
We camped with a group of friends and had a great time. It was easy to spend the day together, cook outside, and hang around the campfire at night. The campground worked really well for our group.
- Ellen O.Scout
River Highlands State Park River Campground
Call before you go
Expected to be able to drive right in. But got there and found it's in a residential neighborhood period gates were closed period never seen anything like this before period disappointed
Mee L.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Our Kids Have Really Enjoyed
Our kids have really enjoyed spending the season here. They always seem to find something to do, whether it’s swimming, playing outside, or catching up with friends they’ve made around the campground. For us, the best part is having the camper already set up and ready whenever we have a free weekend. We’ve made a lot of good family memories here and still have plenty of summer left to enjoy.
Guide to Connecticut
Camping in Connecticut offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.
What to do
- Explore State Parks: Connecticut is home to several state parks with hiking trails and scenic views. For example, at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, you can hike to Chapman Falls and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One camper mentioned, “It was great to hike and see the waterfall.”
- Visit Amusement Parks: If you're near Lake Compounce Campground, you can enjoy the rides at Lake Compounce Amusement Park. A reviewer noted, “It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park.”
- Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Black Rock State Park Campground, offer fishing and swimming opportunities. One visitor said, “Fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review from Riverdale Farm Campsites stated, “The facilities are in good shape, friendly staff.”
- Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. At Waters Edge Family Campground, a camper shared, “The kids who work here are so friendly.”
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A review for Wolf's Den Family Campground mentioned, “Spacious lots very clean and organized facility.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gentiles Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, “I wasn’t crazy how close we were with the other campers.”
- Seasonal Crowds: Popular spots can get busy on weekends. One visitor at Salem Farms Campground mentioned, “We were told by a seasonal that it's a whole different story on the weekend.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Lake Compounce Campground shared, “I also hear coyotes. Won’t be surprised if I see a bear in the morning.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Wolf's Den Family Campground offers mini-golf and playgrounds. A parent said, “Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available.”
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Riverdale Farm Campsites mentioned, “The lake is perfect, the river needs work.”
- Plan Group Activities: Organize games or campfire stories to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Salem Farms Campground noted, “We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gentiles Campground said, “Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers.”
- Look for Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, but not all. A reviewer at Black Rock State Park Campground mentioned, “No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator.”
- Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in the summer. A camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground warned, “Bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!”
Connecticut camping has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Connecticut?
Where can I find dispersed camping in Connecticut?
True dispersed camping is limited in Connecticut. Your best option is Pachaug State Forest, which offers primitive camping at designated sites. While not technically dispersed, these sites provide a more backcountry experience with minimal facilities. Camping is permitted only in designated areas, and you'll need to obtain a no-cost permit from the DEEP website before your stay. The permits are required year-round and typically have a 14-day limit. For those seeking a remote experience, the Mohawk State Forest also offers limited primitive camping options along the Appalachian Trail. Remember that true off-trail dispersed camping is generally not permitted in Connecticut due to the state's size and conservation regulations.
Are there any free camping options in Connecticut state forests?
Are there any free camping options in Connecticut state forests?
Connecticut doesn't offer truly free camping options in its state forests. However, Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground provides affordable primitive camping with basic facilities at a nominal fee. Similarly, Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers reasonably priced campsites at around $33 per night with access to bathhouses but no hookups. The most budget-friendly option is primitive camping in Pachaug State Forest, which requires a permit but has minimal or no fees depending on the specific site. These permits must be obtained in advance through Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website. Remember that even when camping in these more affordable areas, you'll still need proper permits and must follow all state forest regulations.
What are the best campgrounds in Connecticut for families?
What are the best campgrounds in Connecticut for families?
Hammonasset State Park Campground is excellent for families, offering beach access just steps from campsites, well-maintained shower facilities, and numerous amenities. Kids can bike to the playground, beach, and nearby ice cream shops. Another great option is Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, where families can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The park features bike-friendly paths for kids to explore, though watch out for the sneaky chipmunks! For those seeking a private campground experience, Wilderness Lake Park offers secluded tent sites alongside RV options and various recreational activities. Lone Oak Camp Sites is another family-friendly option with dedicated children's activities and nearby hiking opportunities to Connecticut's highest point.
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