Best Tent Camping near Hartford, CT

Recent Tent Reviews near Hartford, Connecticut

604 Reviews of 17 Hartford Campgrounds

• 

  Justin P.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 4, 2022

  October Mountain State Forest

  Peaceful and clean campground

  I tent camped here in night while exploring the fishing in Western Massachusetts.

  The campsite was peaceful and quiet and mostly tucked into the hillside.

  I did see the electrical station at the entrance but the sound didn’t reach where I was staying at site 33. To avoid that sound, I would suggest sites further up the road.

  The sites offered medium privacy. Site 33 was built into a slope in the hill, so it required walking up a short set of stairs, but the tent site was level.

  I didn’t explore the hiking trails but it seems very convenient that you could leave into the trails right from the campground.

  For any fly fishing folks, this campground is very close to the Housatonic (catch and release only!)

• 

  Michael C.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 15, 2018

  West Thompson Lake Campground

  West Thompson Lake Campground

  We'll run and very clean. Nice wooded tent sites with activities and fishing.

• S

  Scott I.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 19, 2021

  George Washington State Campground

  A wonderful escape

  This is my second time here with my Airstream. Clean and well kept campground. I’d easily tent camping here. A lake and great trails to hike.

• 

  Robert L.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2020

  Wilderness Lake Park

  How did I not know about this place?

  Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground.

  While this is about 60% RVs, the tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring. We didn't need bathrooms, water or electricity, but there was a bathroom within walking distance. It also looked like they were building a little outbuilding for Women and Men's bathrooms near the tent sites. 

  The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes. It's also conveniently located off I-84(exit 70).

• 

  AdventureStang

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 15, 2021

  Lake Compounce Campground

  Nice campground with nice facilities

  The playground was awesome for our two year old. The tent sites had some shade, the showers and bathrooms were really nice.

• 

  Lauren M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 10, 2018

  Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Campground — D.A.R. State Forest

  beautiful park, crowded beach

  beautiful place to take the family tent camping. Public beach area is small but you can find your own quiet spot away from the crowd. sites book up quick so reserve early!

• K

  Kayla B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 18, 2019

  Wilderness Lake Park

  Best. Campground. In CT.

  Man I love his place. Quiet rv and tent site park. Portopotties scattered about and showers and such near the entrance. Tent sites are nice and isolated, but not scary far apart. Lots of wildlife so keep your food sealed... Nice walking trails and free kayaks as available. I always get site 1, it's in its own area with pretty flat terrain. To reserve, fill out the form on the website and you'll get a confirmation. You can pay at the office when you check in. they'll also bring firewood to your site.the kid that works there is really nice but I always forget his name!

• 

  Ruth K.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Lake Compounce Campground

  Great Stopover or Amusement Park visit

  Campground is only years old. Sites were large enough for RV. NO privacy, bit tent sites were ok. Fre showers for number of campsites, but very clean. Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground.

• K

  Kailie G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 25, 2020

  Brialee Family Campground

  Large Family Campground

  Fairly large campground. Tent sites available but mostly RV/Campers. WiFi in common areas isn’t great so if you’re planning on working during some down time, this isn’t the place. Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families.

• 

  Todd J.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 30, 2018

  Hopeville Pond State Park Campground

  Great for families

  Stay at least once or twice a year. Always a good time. RV and Tent sites with one cabin as well as canoe sites off the beatin' path. Public beach with another beach for campers. Store on site for firewood and ice.

• 

  Will A.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 19, 2023

  Mystic KOA

  Great camping experience for all ages

  Stayed at a great wooded tent site - quiet during the week and packed out by the weekend. Close to the bathrooms, with water spigot and electric hook up. Two small ponds with enough blue gill action to excite the kids. Worth checking out!

• S

  Susan C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 25, 2020

  Wilderness Lake Park

  RV park

  $60 cash. Maybe tent sites less but not given the option. Not good value. (State parks in CT and MA requiring 24 hr advance rez.)Water/elec. Some porta potties in tents area. A little swampy lake. Mostly permanent summer residents parked with big rigs and plastic decor. But, almost nobody around mid week August. As prev reviews, woodsy, moderately secluded up in tent area. Visited in the time of COVID. WEAR A MASK!

• Y

  Yoni N.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 28, 2021

  White Pines Campsites

  Great for a group!

  We camped here with a group of friends - about a dozen in all. It was easy to coordinate with the staff to get a few tent sites and a cabin in close distance. Campsites were a bit minimal, and amenities were OK. Overall we were looking for a quiet and clean space and this was excellent for that.

• 

  Elaine C.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 23, 2018

  Kettletown State Park Campground

  Camping in nature, not too far from civilization

  Kettletown State Park isn't just for camping. There are also hiking trails , a fishing area and a swimming hole, but the week I was there there was a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed. Also, when swimming is allowed, there isnt a lifeguard.

  The campsites are varied, you can tent camp, use a camper, or they also have a few cabins you can rent. Be advised, there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!

• M

  Matthew

  Scout

  

  May. 24, 2021

  Wells State Park Campground

  Hiking Gem in Sturbridge

  Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts. The hiking is some of the best I have seen from a campground in the area, with a huge system of trails which are all very well marked. These trails vary greatly in terms of difficulty, a few of the trails are doable in less than 15 minutes if you maintain a quick pace. The harder trails, including the one going up to Carpenter's Rocks are more strenuous and feature a good amount of elevation gain, rocky terrain, and very worthwhile views for the trouble.

  Not usually too busy on the trails, though expect hordes of people at the parking lot especially during the warmer months. Firewood is easily available, if a bit pricey, and the tent sites are generously sized with plenty of room for multiple shelters. Have spotted beavers deep into some of the water-adjacent trails, as well as many species of birds.

  Definitely give this one a try if you're in the area. Rental fees for the tent sites are very reasonable, and it's worthwhile to come for the trails and views alone.

• 

  Diane R.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 12, 2021

  Lake Compounce Campground

  Great campground

  Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper. They have cabins, teepee and tent sites. This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother. If ever in the area again we will definitely stay again.

• K

  Kayla B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 18, 2019

  Hammonasset State Park Campground

  Nice family place

  Good family campground with access to the ocean. No fire pits in the ground but you can bring your own ($50 on Amazon) or rent one (bring cash). I've done tent camping here in the summer but don't know much about the RV side, although I believe they have dump stations and such. Restrooms and showers are pretty good too, but typical campground bathrooms. 4 stars cuz I'm not a huge fan of the beaches, if I could give 4.9 stars I would.

• 

  Megin F.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 16, 2020

  Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park

  Loved it

  I flew up here from Louisiana and met my sister in a primitive tent site. The grounds were absolutely beautiful and very well maintained! Pool was lovely and refreshing. I do wish they had more bathrooms though. Especially by the pool!!! Camp staff was very friendly and helpful. The kids had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around. We are going to make this a yearly thing from now on!!

• J

  John C.

  Traveler

  

  May. 28, 2019

  Thousand Trails Sturbridge

  Campsite

  I was probably the only person tent camping in the entire resort. The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins. It was right at the entrance however you did have to hike up a short 50ft hill to get to the site. It had a great new fire ring and the campsite was very clean/cleared. Running showers and flushable bathroom was very close. I dinged a star from this review because I have seen campgrounds with cleaner bathrooms

• 

  Justin P.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 4, 2022

  Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Campground — D.A.R. State Forest

  Good campground with easy lake access

  I tent camped here for a night in early July and enjoyed the stay. The camp sites were well kept though kind of light on privacy and space between campsites.

  I was staying over on the way to some fishing so I didn’t full explore the park but there looked to be plenty to do.

  There is a campers only beach on upper highland lake that was easy walking distance from the campsite and fishing opportunities there as well.

  The main beach had a swimming area, facilities, and a trail around that looked promising for some fishing.

  I’d stay here again when I have more time to explore.

• 

  Erin B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 18, 2018

  Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

  Would stay again

  Taconic State Park has a beautiful campground. No electric hookups, but plenty of water and tent sites are available with very large platforms. Bathroom facilities are adequate. There are 2 dog friendly loops at the back. Overall, very quiet and friendly.

  2 lIfeguarded swimming areas — a kiddie pool and a deep area with floating dock to jump off of. Very short hike (or drive) to the beautiful Bash Bish falls

  If you are traveling with a dog, be sure to bring proof of rabies— they ask.

  Fees are $15 residents and $20 non residents plus processing fees.

• 

  Casey L.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 21, 2022

  Copake Falls Area — Taconic State Park

  Close quarter sites in scenic campground

  There are a mix of platform and regular tent sites as well as some camper sites. We stayed on a platform site, which I questioned the structural integrity of after looking underneath lol… it held up though and there were also some new platforms which looked nice. Sites are a little close together for my liking. Luckily we checked out early before the weekend started so it was peaceful for us. The bathhouse was awesome! New building and it wasn’t a communal shower area with all the stalls in one room, there were all separate rooms each with their own bathroom and shower stall. Overall I would recommend if you’re not looking for too much peace and quiet.

• 

  Morrow L.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 8, 2018

  Sleeping Giant Picnic Shelter - CLOSED

  Pin

  Sleeping Giant has been closed since May 2018. A tornado came through and knocked down many trees near the main entrance to and major parking lot for the park (on Mount Carmel Avenue across from Quinnipiac University).

  This entrance area has been cleared and is being rebuilt. The picnic and pavilion areas were also affected (though less so) and will be renovated also.

  In the past the picnic shelter and pavilion areas were well shaded by trees and were a wonderful place to bring the family or even large groups of people for a party. This will presumably be so at some point in the future after the park re-opens.

  There were Sleeping Giant Park campground sites which could be reserved and used for tent camping back in the twentieth century. I remember them from the 1980s. They have not been available for many years now.

• 

  Trip Over Life

  Ranger

  

  May. 28, 2018

  October Mountain State Forest

  State Forest camping near Monument Mountain

  The campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites, middle has tent sites, and upper has a few yurts. Each level has a bath house (3 toilet stalls and 1 shower in the lower level; it was run-down but clean enough). Outside the entrance station (near the RV sites) is a HUGE power station that emits a hum constantly. Super annoying and an eyesore. You’ll see many vehicles drive-by with boats or ATVs in tow as the state forest also has areas suitable for their use. Accessible from the campground are a few hiking trails. Monument Mountain is a popular hiking spot about 20 minutes away and Bash Bish Falls State Park is about 45 minutes away. Note: Massachusetts does not allow alcohol in their parks.

• K

  Kailie G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 25, 2020

  Wilderness Lake Park

  Really enjoyed our time here

  Quaint little campground. Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind. And they’re cash or check only! Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets. This campground was perfect for us and our dog. Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge.

• 

  Alex S.

  Guide

  

  May. 13, 2020

  Rocky Neck State Park Campground

  Best New England beach campground!

  The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way. There are several osprey nests too. Many families bring bikes. 

  There are several camping areas at Rocky Neck - I think Crane is the best because it is quiet and the bathrooms are updated. 

  The tent camping area is in a field without much privacy or shade. I recommend setting up your tent at a traditional site.

  The beach is great for relaxing and beach combing. The water is warm and shallow, very calm. No floats or toys are allowed in the water, not sure why. Don't bring your kite either as the Amtrak is next to the beach, it's interesting when it goes by!

  Sometimes generators are an issue, but there are limited hours at which they can run.

  Lots of dumpsters for easy trash disposal. Firewood available for a low price on site, don't bring any outside wood. 

  Campground is not too far from a Walmart if you forget something. There's a gas station close by too for ice.

  This campground books up FAST, I usually book in the wintertime. I stay for a week at a time.

• 

  Angie G.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 19, 2019

  Northampton / Springfield KOA

  Not the best campsite

  We were able to book site 112 at the last minute and the staff waited for us to arrive. Although they were very friendly, they dropped the ball when it came to cleanliness and park security. We had other campers arrive back at their tent sites across from ours at 11pm and they were inconsiderate of all the sleeping campers with their lights already out. After Midnight I called the office and emergency line but got only the office answering machine. There was a host in a site 2 down from the party and nobody came to address the noise. I had to go and ask them to quiet down twice and lower their spotlight they were using to cook with. They stayed up (about 15 of them) til after 2am. I did email the owner and let him know the situation so I was able to contact someone about it, and he was going to check into it and where the ball was dropped by the staff not patrolling the campground like he said it was supposed to be. We had water and a 15 amp power box at our site and it was great for a tent but not for anything else. The sites are very close together. If you have kids, they have a lot of things for them to do, but when you want to get sleep, it wasn’t the beat place to stop.