Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Hartford, CT has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Connecticut camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Connecticut camping adventure.
"Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."
"It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
"We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."
"It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."
$17 - $60 / night
"We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."
"Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots.
Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
$70 / night
"Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."
"It’s a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us. Cute patio overlooking the lake as well with seating."
$74 / night
"However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."
"We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"
$45 - $100 / night
"We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."
"This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."
$45 - $68 / night
"We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"
$25 - $150 / night
"Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."
"Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."
$20 - $100 / night
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
" I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
LegendWe stayed at Aces High RV Park for a long holiday weekend to visit with our daughter in Connecticut. We paid$150/night for a‘Premium Waterfront FHU Site’ on the lake. A bit pricey, but really nice site including level concrete pad and patio, clean and well-maintained utilities, and beautiful view.
THINGS I LIKED:
Clean, well-maintained, and level site with concrete pad and patio(I love a clean, level concrete pad!).
Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right).
Beautiful pond and natural setting with lots of ducks, geese, chickens, and wild birds.
20-minutes drive to Mystic and all the touristy stuff to see and do.
The whole park is quiet and nicely-maintained. You might say that it should be for$150 per night, but we all know that not all parks are- even at higher prices.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
WOULD WE COME BACK?
ScoutGood tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view. Good site
ScoutWe had an incredible stay at Douglas Forest RV Resort! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by how peaceful and well-maintained everything was. The RV sites are spacious and easy to navigate, with full hookups and strong Wi-Fi— a big plus for us since we work remotely on the road. What really sets this place apart is the location. You’re literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical. It’s pet-friendly too, and our dog loved the wooded trails and open areas. The staff was super friendly and helpful, and the camp store had everything we needed. Even though the recreation area is still being built, the amenities already in place more than made up for it. We’re already planning our next trip for summer when the pool opens! If you’re looking for a relaxing spot that blends nature with convenience, look no further. Douglas Forest RV Resort is a true hidden gem!
ScoutHad a great time solo Motocamping here! The site aren’t too close, although I did hear some people through the evening. Once quiet time hit, you could hear a pin drop! Great place to stay.
ScoutGrateful I met the “owner”. Saved me from spending my money. Not welcoming or friendly AT ALL!
GuideThis is a large campground and overall it's pretty nice. But the gem is the canoe sites at the north of the campground. These are tent only. You park and walk about 100 yards to the site. There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site! There is an outhouse in the parking lot or you can walk 5 minutes to a nicer bathroom elsewhere in the park with showers.
TravelerThe Campers are very friendly and welcoming. This is a nudist Campground so you need to be nude around the pool and hot tub. Friday and Saturday night there are things going on in the Pavilion. Tennis courts have been converted into Pickleball courts.
LegendGeneral: There are three sections to this campground: five canoe sites; 16 sites including one cabin behind the ranger station and what I would assume is the main section with 61 sites. Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities. Note: Pets are not allowed at this campground!
Site Quality: We arrived in the rain after the Ranger station had closed and circled the main section several times trying to find the site with the least amount of water. We did not know until the next morning when we went to pay that we ended up in an ADA-accessible site. It was not marked in any way and I’m guessing that the only reason it was designated as such was its proximity to the restrooms. All sites appeared level and even though they were supposed to have gravel pads, they were mostly a mix of dirt (or mud) and grass with a little gravel.
Bath/Shower House: In the main section, there is a very large and clean indoor bathhouse with free showers. Did not use the shower so cannot comment. Appreciated that there was immediate hot water at the sinks. The other two sections have vault toilets.
Activities/Amenities: In season there is swimming, but the beach is very small. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular. There are also some trails for walking/hiking, a basketball hoop, a dump station, and recycling.
This was an overnight stay for us but the rate for out-of-state campers, while higher than for residents, was reasonable at $30. We would return to this campground.
ScoutVery peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not. It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite.
Camping near Hartford, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Hartford, Connecticut, has something for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there's a spot for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Hartford, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Hartford, CT and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hartford, CT is Lake Compounce Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Hartford, CT.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Hartford, CT that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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