Camping options near Unionville, Connecticut range from tent camping to RV accommodations across northwestern Connecticut and into neighboring Massachusetts and New York. The region features wooded sites within driving distance of the Farmington River Valley at elevations between 300-1,100 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with cooler evenings around 60°F, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: American Legion State Forest provides access to the Farmington River, a trophy trout stream. "Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," notes one visitor to Austin Hawes Memorial Campground.
Swimming and boating: Several campgrounds offer water recreation options during summer months. At Lake Taghkanic State Park, "The lake is beautiful and clean. Expect to pay $15 fee (I think) to use your paddleboards / kyacks etc. Worth every penny," according to a camper.
Stargazing: The rural location offers good night sky viewing opportunities. One camper at Lake Taghkanic State Park Campground shared, "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low."
Hiking trails: Many campgrounds connect to trail systems within state forests. "There is a huge area of woods with a walking trail starting at the edge of the campground. I enjoyed stretching my legs," writes a camper about Sturbridge RV Resort.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Some campgrounds offer elevated platforms that keep tents dry during wet weather. "This was our second time coming to this campground and our second time getting dumped on by the rain, but have no fear!! The platforms kept us off the ground and were helpful in setting up appropriate tarp protection!" notes a camper at Lake Taghkanic.
Clean bathroom facilities: Modern bathhouses are available at several campgrounds. A visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground mentioned, "The staff I encountered were all very friendly and helpful. It looked like the sites were close together, but I was there before there were leaves on the trees and could see how there would be more privacy once they filled out."
Waterfront sites: Premium locations along ponds and rivers are available but typically require advance booking. At Prospect Mountain, one reviewer noted, "We liked this campground a lot! Lots of trees and shade. Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!"
Privacy between sites: Campers value locations that offer separation between camping spots. A visitor to American Legion State Forest shared, "Love camping here the sites are spaced apart nicely."
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through October with limited winter options. Lake Taghkanic State Park specifically operates "May 6 to October 15" according to their listing information.
Variable cell coverage: Reception can be spotty at many campgrounds in the area. At American Legion State Forest, a camper notes, "No cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it."
Bug protection: Insect repellent is essential during summer months. "In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!" warns a camper about American Legion State Forest.
Water and electric hookups: Most rv sites near Unionville, Connecticut offer partial hookups with dump stations rather than full sewer connections. At Lake Compounce Campground, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out," explains one RVer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing," shares a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground.
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. At Lake Compounce, "The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there," notes one camper.
Swimming options: Dedicated swimming areas provide safe recreation for children. "Great beach, 5 minute drive from campgound. Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," reports a visitor to Lake Taghkanic about their family-friendly amenities.
Cabin alternatives: For families not ready for tent camping, cabin rentals provide a comfortable option. A visitor to Thousand Trails Sturbridge mentioned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and arrangements: RV sites near Unionville, Connecticut vary considerably in size and privacy. At Lake Compounce Campground, "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," notes an RVer.
Hookup reliability: Quality of utility connections can vary between parks. At Branch Brook Campground, a camper mentioned, "Better wi-fi than most campgrounds. My wife and I both were able to work with mostly no issues, though there were some situations where it would go out."
Limited sewer connections: Full-hookup RV sites are less common in this region. One RVer at Lake Compounce explains, "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. "Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers and rigs," cautions an RVer about Gentiles Campground.
