Camping spots near Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut sit within the Quinebaug and Shetucket Rivers Valley, an area designated as the "Last Green Valley" with over 1,085 square miles of forests and farms. The region features a mix of public and private campgrounds with an average elevation of 400-600 feet, creating varied terrain for hiking and exploration. Most campgrounds in this rural northeast corner operate from mid-April through October, with water access serving as a key attraction.
What to do
Disc golf course access: West Thompson Lake Campground offers an on-site disc golf course with trails connecting directly to the course. "We've camped here twice so far and can't wait to be back... There are plenty of hiking trails that we have yet to explore, but from the trail heads they look very well maintained," notes a visitor to West Thompson Lake Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing access, though regulations vary by location. "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park," reports a camper at George Washington State Campground in nearby Rhode Island.
Water recreation: Several locations offer swimming, boating, or river tubing options during summer months. At Charlie Brown Campground, one camper shared, "This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature well-separated sites that provide privacy between campers. At Brialee Family Campground, a reviewer noted, "Overall had a really great weekend at this campground. 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."
Seasonal camping options: Several facilities in the area cater to both short-term visitors and seasonal campers who maintain sites throughout the summer. "We are first-year seasonal at Bowdish and have loved it. Even with Covid-related restrictions we have had a great year. Our site Blue 111 is spacious with lots of privacy," explains a camper at Bowdish Lake Camping Area.
Shaded camping: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds," reports a visitor to George Washington State Campground.
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Some public campgrounds have restricted bathroom amenities. West Thompson Lake Campground has "Decent bathrooms for a state campground, only complaint is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm," according to one camper.
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-April through mid-October, with specific opening dates varying by location. Charlie Brown Campground runs from April 15 to October 15, while West Thompson Lake has a shorter season from May 16 to September 6.
Reservation requirements: Booking in advance is essential during peak season, with holiday weekends filling months ahead. "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping. Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid," reports a visitor to Charlie Brown Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Family-oriented campgrounds typically offer organized events throughout the day. "We've camped here twice so far and can't wait to be back, This campground is very small and quiet, but the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft. Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings," shares a camper at West Thompson Lake.
Swimming options: Not all water bodies in the area permit swimming, so check regulations before planning water activities. At Wells State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."
Playground access: Many private campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids," comments a visitor to Brialee Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary significantly between campgrounds. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, a camper shared, "The sites are very well set up. You have your pick of shady sites or sites with no trees. Kids are welcome."
Site dimensions: Some locations have limitations on RV length due to narrow roads or small sites. "We stayed at site 47 which took a little leveling to get right but it was pretty nice having views of the water. The staff was very friendly. There's a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but it's quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues," reports a visitor to Sutton Falls Camping Area.
Internet connectivity: Cell service and WiFi availability are inconsistent throughout the area. "Without our antenna we only had 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint. With our antenna we got two bars of Verizon and AT&T but it wasn't enough to not drop a few calls," notes a Sutton Falls camper.
