Campers near Jewett City, Connecticut can access more than a dozen established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. This area sits at elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level with the Quinebaug River watershed creating a network of ponds and streams that complement many camping locations. Summer camping typically sees daytime temperatures in the 80s with nighttime lows in the 60s, though humidity levels remain high throughout the season.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: The region offers multiple swimming options ranging from natural ponds to developed pools. At Ross Hill RV Park & Campground, you'll find waterfront sites along the Quinebaug River. One camper noted, "The campground is set on the Q River and if you're lucky enough to see it from your site it's beautiful." For structured water facilities, Odetah Camping Resort provides "a pool, splash pad, boats, food, ice cream, lots of activities, friendly helpful staff," according to a recent visitor.
Hiking and trail exploration: Mount Misery Campground features multiple hiking trails within Pachaug State Forest. A camper reported, "We hiked to the overlook of Mt. Misery and had a great time geocaching and enjoying the trails." Trails range from easy loop walks to moderately challenging terrain with elevation changes of 200-300 feet.
Recreational activities: Many campgrounds organize structured recreation. Strawberry Park offers extensive scheduled activities, with one visitor explaining, "We watched a magician and played pickle ball on the courts. Kids had fun on the many play grounds." Seasonal events include live music, organized sports competitions, and themed weekends throughout the camping season.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Campers consistently mention water features as highlights. At Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, the special canoe sites receive particular praise: "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." These waterfront sites typically require advance booking.
Clean facilities: Facility maintenance varies across campgrounds but receives frequent mention in reviews. At Hidden Acres Campground, visitors consistently note the cleanliness: "Hidden Acres is a great family campground. Family-owned and it's got a really friendly group of family and staff. Sites are nice and the restrooms/showers are the cleanest I've seen anywhere."
Variety of accommodation options: The area offers everything from primitive tent sites to luxury cabins. Mystic KOA provides diverse options with "plenty of rental cabins and they were adding a dozen or so more when we were there. The cabins in the S section are off to themselves and have lots more space." This allows camping groups with different comfort needs to stay at the same location.
What you should know
Campground size affects experience: The scale of campgrounds varies dramatically. Burlingame State Park Campground represents the largest end of the spectrum: "Burlingame is HUGE with over 700 sites. The location is fantastic, but with this many people, there are bound to be pros and cons." Smaller campgrounds like Mount Misery offer a different atmosphere with fewer amenities but more seclusion.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Sunfox Campground runs from "Mid Apr to Mid Oct" with different amenities available depending on season. One visitor noted, "Stayed here for a month in the fall. Campground is situated in a beautiful valley with a little pond, hiking trails, playground, jumping pillow, swimming pool and hot tub."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for premium sites or holiday weekends. The canoe sites at Hopeville Pond State Park fill quickly, and as one camper observed, "There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground." Booking 3-6 months in advance is recommended for weekend camping during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Multiple campgrounds offer kid-friendly water facilities beyond natural swimming areas. At Mystic KOA, "The pool is small and usually crowded, but still very well kept. And then there's mini golf, hay rides, and lots of fun planned activities." These structured activities typically run on weekends with daily programs during peak summer season.
Family-focused programming: Scheduled activities can make or break a family camping trip. Odetah Camping Resort earns praise for its programming: "Each weekend has a big schedule of events- farmers' market, themed activities and a band. In addition there is good fishing on the pond, mini-golf, pool and splash pad, etc. Kids are not bored here!" Many activities are included in camping fees.
Privacy between sites: Site selection matters significantly for family camping. Hidden Acres Campground allows you to pick sites with appropriate spacing: "We all got separate sites scattered along the river it was beautiful. We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night." Sites along property edges typically offer more seclusion than central locations.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary widely between campgrounds. Hopeville Pond State Park offers limited hookup sites: "Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities." When available, hookups generally add $10-15 to nightly rates.
Site size and accessibility: Big rigs require careful site selection. Ross Hill RV Park accommodates larger vehicles, though one camper noted the compact nature of the grounds: "Campground is crowded and filled with older crowd that seem like they live here." Always check site dimensions before booking for RVs over 30 feet.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities. Salt Rock Campground provides a dump station, though visitors should note potential maintenance issues: "Dump station needed to be pumped, and therefore not operational." Most commercial campgrounds maintain year-round dump facilities with some charging additional fees for use by non-guests.
