Tent camping near Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut provides access to rustic wilderness experiences throughout northeastern Connecticut and nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The area sits at elevations between 400-600 feet with a humid continental climate featuring warm summers and cold winters. Most primitive camping sites in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with water-accessible locations closing after the first frost.
What to do
Paddling on Tully Lake: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers canoe and kayak rentals directly at the campground for exploring the lake's shoreline. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," explains one visitor to Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Hiking to waterfalls: Access multiple waterfall trails within a short drive of primitive camping sites. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls."
Geocaching adventures: The forests around tent camping areas in northeastern Connecticut contain numerous geocaches, particularly along entrance roads to campgrounds. "You'll find cellar holes throughout, remnants of the towns lost in the 30s to create the reservoir," notes a visitor to Federated Womens Club State Forest, adding that "There are several [geocaches] along the entrance road and in the area."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront access: Many primitive tent sites offer direct water access without crowds. A camper at Chapman Pond Preserve describes it as a "Middle of no where site" with "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view."
No-vehicle camping areas: Several campgrounds prohibit vehicles at the actual sites, creating a quieter experience. "This is a 'Carry In' campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites," notes a camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Family-friendly swimming spots: Natural swimming areas without lifeguards offer opportunities for families. One camper at Buck Hill Campground reports, "There's a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything. The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach')."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites near Grosvenor Dale require self-sufficiency. "This is a great rural no frills campground... The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities. A few of the clusters have a covered patio area with electricity. There are a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties," explains a Buck Hill Campground visitor.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is limited or non-existent at many camping areas. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," warns a camper at Federated Womens Club State Forest.
Reservation challenges: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game," advises a camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Cart logistics: When camping at walk-in sites with children, minimize gear. "Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea" at Tully Lake, where "you park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site."
Bathroom proximity: Choose sites closer to facilities with young children. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers," cautions one Tully Lake visitor.
Weekend noise considerations: Holiday weekends bring larger crowds and potential noise. "We went memorial day weekend few years ago, busy holiday of young teens partying. Park staff tried their best, but other campers definitely took away from our stay. Loud throughout," reports another Tully Lake camper.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Most primitive camping areas near Grosvenor Dale prohibit RVs entirely. "If you enjoy 'old fashioned' family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you," notes a visitor to Tully Lake Recreation Area about the tent-only policy.
Walk-in site preparation: For tent campers used to drive-up sites, prepare for longer distances to carry gear. "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road. It's possible to park at other sites; I'm guessing the gate at the beginning of the road toward the campground is open when the campground is open. If so, high clearance vehicle is definitely preferred," advises a Federated Womens Club State Forest visitor.
