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 - $50 / 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."
$5 / night
"We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."
$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 - $68 / night
"We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"
$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."
$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."
$55 - $150 / night
"Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."
"There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"
GuideQuiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.
TravelerThis was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.
The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.
ScoutGreat spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.
GuideSo much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.
We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.
And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!
ScoutNice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.
ScoutWe ended up at Indian Ranch Campground after leaving another local campground under less-than-ideal circumstances… and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best accidental discoveries we’ve ever made.
From the moment we arrived, the energy here was completely different—welcoming, relaxed, and full of life. The campground is beautifully laid out with well-kept sites, plenty of trees, and easy access to Webster Lake(aka Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg—yes, really).
🎶 The concerts? Incredible. Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer. It’s like a music festival that doesn’t require you to sleep in a muddy field. Huge bonus for music lovers!
🛺 Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views.
🏊♂️ The pool is clean and inviting—perfect for relaxing after a show or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.
🌅 The lake itself is stunning, with spots to sit and watch the boats, fish, or just take in the view. The vibe is very“lake life meets concert culture,” and it works perfectly.
🍔 There’s also an on-site restaurant inside the gates with great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back patio atmosphere that completes the experience.
🤝 The people here? Fantastic. Campers were friendly, staff was helpful, and there was an overall sense of community that you just don’t get at every park. In Summary: Awesome mix of camping+ concerts Clean facilities, full hookups, and spacious sites Golf cart rentals= a must! Pool, lake, and great food on-site Walkable access to live shows= chef’s kiss🎶 We stumbled in… and didn’t want to leave If you're looking for more than just a campsite—if you want an experience—this is it. We'll be back. Probably more than once.
ScoutI wish I wasn’t writing this.
Truly. But if sharing our experience helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then it’s worth it.
We booked two full weeks at Douglas Forest RV Resort, drawn in by its wooded setting and supposed family-friendly charm. The photos looked peaceful. The location sounded perfect. But within hours of arrival, we realized we had walked into something completely different.
Almost immediately, we witnessed aggressive, disturbing behavior—adults yelling and chasing children through the park. At one point, a child was literally being pursued by a vehicle. In a campground. On the roads where people walk, dogs are walked, and kids ride bikes. We were shocked. We kept expecting someone from staff to step in—but no one did. When we brought it up to another guest, they just nodded and said,“Yeah… it’s always like this.” Turns out, management is known to overlook certain behavior from“regulars.”
As we walked the grounds, we also noticed**several people clearly living out of tents—**not camping, not weekend warriors, but living there long-term. It gave the entire campground an uneasy, off-kilter feel. The line between traveler and transient is not well-maintained here, and it adds to the overall lack of safety and structure.
We were ready to leave that night, but with tight, poorly lit roads, towing out after dark just wasn’t safe. So we locked up, barely slept, and pulled out at first light. We had paid for 14 nights. We stayed one. And we didn’t ask for a refund—because honestly, we just wanted out.
And yes, we later discovered that many of the glowing reviews online were written by someone who works at the campground. That’s not just misleading—it’s reckless. Campers rely on those reviews to make informed choices.
Douglas Forest RV Resort could be something special, but it’s not. Not right now. Not while safety is ignored, accountability is non-existent, and some guests are clearly treated as untouchable. Please, do your homework before booking here.
We wish we had—just one day earlier.
GuideMixed Experience- Potential Hindered by Operational Issues
The new ownership appears committed to improvements, though the focus seems more on revenue generation than guest experience at this time.
Infrastructure Concerns: The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips. The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders.
Accommodations& Atmosphere: This is primarily a seasonal/long-term resident park rather than a traditional camping resort. The site composition includes many permanent residents, which creates more of a residential community feel. For those seeking a transient camping experience, this may not align with expectations.
Facilities: The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable. However, other amenities need attention- the playground equipment shows its age, and laundry facilities, while clean, have mechanical reliability issues. Currently, only one restroom facility is fully operational, with others being gradually brought online.
Accessibility: Most sites feature loose gravel surfaces that may present challenges for guests with mobility equipment. The playground uses mulch surfacing, which may also limit accessibility.
Management: Communication with management regarding concerns can be challenging, and families should be prepared for a more relaxed supervision environment.
Bottom Line: While the location has natural beauty and potential, current operational challenges and pricing don't align well with the amenity level provided. Those seeking a quiet, well-maintained camping experience might find better value elsewhere until improvements are completed. Positive reviews seem to be coming from investors of the campground or people with personal interest.
ScoutThe Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!
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
What campgrounds are available near Hartford, CT?
The Hartford area offers several excellent camping options within a reasonable drive. Black Rock State Park Campground provides a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and well-maintained grounds. Another option is Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, one of Connecticut's beautiful state parks offering camping facilities. Additional options include Rocky Neck State Park on Long Island Sound, Wolf's Den Family Campground with numerous amenities, and Wilderness Lake Park which offers both RV and tent sites. Most campgrounds in the region are within a 30-60 minute drive from Hartford, making them convenient for weekend getaways or longer stays while exploring Connecticut.
Where can I find cabin camping options around Hartford?
Hammonasset State Park Campground offers rustic cabin options with the bonus of being steps away from a beautiful Connecticut beach. The park maintains clean facilities with abundant showers and bathrooms, plus a well-stocked camp store. Mystic KOA provides comfortable cabin accommodations with access to amenities like a pool and on-site store. Their cabins remain available even during COVID restrictions with proper safety protocols in place. Additional cabin options around Hartford include Brialee Family Campground which offers a variety of cabin styles for different group sizes, and Lake Compounce Campground with its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to the amusement park. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months.
What tent camping sites are available in the Hartford area?
Wilderness Lake Park offers excellent tent camping about an hour from Hartford. While 60% of the campground caters to RVs, the tent sites are secluded and well-maintained, with hosts accommodating special requests for private spots. Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides tent sites with nearby bath houses and restrooms for $33 per night, plus easy access to Long Island Sound beaches. Other tent-friendly options include George Washington State Campground near the Connecticut-Rhode Island border, Frog Hollow Horse Camp in Pachaug State Forest for a more rustic experience, and Devil's Hopyard State Park with its scenic waterfall and hiking trails. Most tent sites in the region provide picnic tables and fire rings.
Are there RV campgrounds near Hartford, Connecticut?
Hartford area RV enthusiasts have several great options. Wolf's Den Family Campground offers full RV amenities including a pool, game room, and mini golf. The campground is conveniently located near attractions like Gillette Castle and a local winery. Douglas Forest RV Resort is another excellent choice, located about 62 minutes from Hartford. The resort has undergone significant upgrades with competitive rates for the value provided. Other options include Mystic KOA with full facilities and proximity to popular coastal attractions, and Waters Edge Family Campground which accommodates big rigs. Most RV campgrounds in the area offer water and electric hookups, with many providing full hookups.
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