Tent camping near Hanover, Connecticut provides access to the Connecticut and Thames River watersheds with elevations ranging from 300-700 feet above sea level. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with July and August averaging 80°F daytime temperatures. Most campsites require advance planning due to limited availability and seasonal restrictions affecting water access points.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Buck Hill Campground sits along Wakefield Pond, offering paddling opportunities without motorboat traffic. According to camper Greg R., "The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water (including the 'beach'). This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc."
Castle exploration: Gillette Castle State Park Campground provides tent sites combined with historical exploration. Todd J. notes, "Great place for a hike or a picnic. Castle has tours at certain times." The guided tours run hourly from 10am-4pm during summer months.
Island camping adventures: Paddling to campsites offers unique perspectives on the Connecticut landscape. Selden Neck State Park Campground requires about 20 minutes of paddling from Deep River Landing. One camper advises, "If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags."
What campers like
Privacy and quiet: Hidden Lake Farm provides secluded tent sites with minimal neighboring campsites. Ashley F. describes it as "Quiet and Private" with "2 lodging options to choose from. Pets welcome!"
Rustic simplicity: Chapman Pond Preserve offers basic amenities for campers seeking minimal development. Ben L. describes it as a "Middle of nowhere site" with "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view."
Scout-friendly group areas: Some campgrounds provide larger sites suitable for group camping experiences. Greg R. states that Buck Hill Campground "is a great rural no frills campground" where "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents)."
What you should know
Required permits: Deep River Landing boat launch requires permits between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Campers accessing Selden Neck should factor this into planning.
Limited facilities: Most tent sites provide minimal amenities and services. Greg R. notes Buck Hill has "a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties" and is "the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc. don't expect much else."
Water access considerations: Tent sites with river frontage can change with water levels. Jason S. from Selden Neck observed, "At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on" and morning fog can delay departures, noting "we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Shallow entry points provide safer swimming for younger campers. Greg describes Buck Hill's "small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything."
Noise considerations: River traffic can create ambient noise at waterfront sites. One Selden Neck camper reported, "There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up."
Capacity planning: Gillette Castle State Park Campground accommodates family gatherings with adjacent sites. One camper recommends, "There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal."
Tips for RVers
Alternative tent options: Most campgrounds near Hanover emphasize tent camping with minimal RV infrastructure. Jason S. recommends ensuring "your gear is in waterproof bags" when accessing boat-in sites like Selden Neck.
Limited hookups: Even campgrounds listing hookups may have seasonal restrictions. Arcadia Backpack Camping Area technically lists electric and water hookups but primarily serves tent campers with walk-in sites.
Parking limitations: Deep River Landing provides day parking for tent campers accessing Selden Neck by boat, but overnight parking requires proper permits and space is limited during peak season.
