Glamping and camping options surround Glastonbury Center, Connecticut, with elevations ranging from 40 to 1,200 feet across the region. Located where the Connecticut Valley meets rolling hills, the area experiences distinct seasons with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Most campgrounds close from November through April, with limited off-season options requiring advanced reservations.
What to do
Hiking at Gillette Castle State Park: Located just 25 miles from Glastonbury Center, this destination offers scenic trails with river views. Campers staying at Wolf's Den Family Campground appreciate the proximity: "Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. The campground itself is really nice," notes Kevin J.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. "At the back of the property, there's also a fishing pond, which my husband loved," mentions Laura L. about Wolf's Den. For more extensive fishing, Wilderness Lake Park provides "a beautiful lake" where "we saw kids swimming in it in the morning," according to Robert L.
Beach access: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides a combination of forest camping with beach access. "The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails," explains Mauricio R. Families particularly enjoy "the beach can be crowded. But it is worth it. Nice food shack."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers highlight adequate space at premium campgrounds. At Brialee Family Campground, visitors note the layout allows privacy: "Sites were spaced a decent amount of space apart," while another camper added, "Good size sites" and "50x30 sites common" at other locations.
Clean facilities: Multiple campers emphasize facility cleanliness as a standout feature. "The bathrooms and showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," notes Diane R. at Lake Compounce Campground. Similarly, Mallory P. shared, "They provide a store with all the essentials, a game room, laundry room, Rec hall, and multiple bathhouses throughout the Campground."
Water features: Access to swimming areas ranks high among camper preferences. "Great Value and Nice Family owned business. The lake is perfect," notes Nick H. at Riverdale Farm Campsites. Multiple campgrounds offer both pools and natural swimming: "Swimming pool, mini golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Glastonbury Center operate from early spring through fall. White Pines Campsites runs "April 16 to Columbus Day weekend," while others like Rocky Neck State Park operate "May 26 to September 29." Some extend their season: "April 1 to December 1" at Wilderness Lake Park.
Reservation requirements: Advance booking is essential, especially for weekend stays. "We booked a month and we were supposed to be staying right next to family," mentions Claire M. Popular spots fill quickly: "This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point."
Varying hookup options: Niantic KOA provides "No sewer hook up, but they do provide a honey wagon pump service, once, free of charge." Be prepared for limitations: "There was no WiFi service as advertised and cell service was poor. Sites are close together... not full service sewer hook up, only gray water."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-focused campgrounds offer organized events. "There were all kinds of activities (kick-ball, etc.) that everyone could participate in," shares Michelle D. Another camper adds, "Bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
Pool versus lake swimming: Consider your children's preferences and abilities when choosing between lake and pool access. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids," mentions Jeremy G. Some families prefer natural swimming: "The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this is an awesome small campground."
Playground access: For families with young children, select sites near recreational areas. "Great family campground with many activities for the entire family," notes Charles B. At White Pines Campsites, "The Gaga ball pit was great. The pool was nice, although, no seating due to covid. The camp store was convenient and well stocked."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers recommend inspecting sites beforehand when possible. "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped—I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand," advises Becca Z. For larger vehicles, "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers."
Full hookup limitations: Be prepared for service variations. "50€ has the for a smaller Camper cost. In October. The sanitation facilities were very clean and the staff friendly," notes Jenny S. Some offer partial hookups: "Power and water at every site. Very very clean. 50x30 sites common."
Dump station access: Many campgrounds provide dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. "No sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," reports Ray B. When full service isn't available, prepare accordingly: "$452 for the week, plus $10 for the poop truck."
