Cabins near Glastonbury Center, Connecticut offer access to the scenic Connecticut River Valley with its mixed hardwood forests and rolling hills. The area sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Fall visitors can expect vibrant foliage displays from mid-September through late October, creating distinctive seasonal camping experiences.
What to do
Water activities at Rocky Neck State Park: Located about 25 miles southeast of Glastonbury, this park features a saltwater swimming area and shoreline trails. "The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails. A great family campsite with easy to get to activities," notes a camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The Farmington River near American Legion State Forest offers excellent trout fishing. "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," explains a visitor to Austin Hawes Memorial Campground, adding that it's an "Excellent campground for tent campers" with "Great rates on all sites."
Hiking trails exploration: Many campgrounds offer direct access to forest trails. According to one camper at Waters Edge Family Campground: "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs! We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites. "Our family likes to get out into the hiking trails and hit activities in the area vs the all inclusive campground experience and this camp site provided just that," writes a visitor about Hammonasset State Park Campground, adding that "If you like nice big private sites, peace and quiet while providing a great location for fishing and hiking (Henry Buck Trail) then this is your kind of place."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness. "Extremely friendly to my newbie lack of knowledge! The campground is very clean and the bathrooms are super clean," reports a visitor at Lake Compounce Campground. Another camper notes: "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious."
Scenic water views: Several cabin rental options provide water access. "The salt water pool was clean. Booked a site for October before we left," says a visitor at Waters Edge Family Campground. Another camper enthusiastically shared: "This is the best spot we've had all season. Beautiful view, peaceful and gorgeous."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from April/May through October. "CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend," notes a visitor to Lake Compounce Campground. The campground has "electric, water and cable TV connections" and "clean bathrooms and nice store."
Site variations: Cabin and site sizes differ significantly between locations. "Sites vary in size and privacy," explains a visitor to Austin Hawes Memorial Campground. "They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers."
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance, especially for summer weekends. "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. 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."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose family-focused campgrounds with structured programs. "Plenty of activities and things for kids to do; Rec hall, mini golf, shuffleboard, beach, pool, playground. Park is kept clean and tidy," shares a visitor at Brialee Family Campground.
Water safety considerations: Lakes and pools require supervision. "There is a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend. I camp here seasonally and love it," mentions a Waters Edge Family Campground visitor.
Weather preparations: Pack for variable conditions, even in summer. "The cabin was beautiful and rustic, and outfitted with cookware, dishes, a Bluetooth capable radio, essentials like coffee for purchase, books and a shovel for the snow," reports a Getaway Machimoodus visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Know what utilities are available at each site. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," explains a Lake Compounce visitor.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites than others. "We enjoyed our stay. Level sites and very nice owners," notes a visitor to GrandView CampResort & Cottages, which features "Not much privacy but very spaced out" sites.
Accessibility considerations: Check road conditions and site layouts. "This place has everything from a pool, splash pad, boats, food, ice cream, lots of activities, friendly helpful staff, delivery to your site from the camp store and nice shaded spacious sites," reports an Odetah Camping Resort visitor.
