S
Sam M.
Scout
ScoutCrocker's Boatyard
Convenient and Safe
Friendly, clean and convenient. By chance, we were there during the annual fireworks.
Camping near Manchester, CT
164 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The camping landscape surrounding Manchester, Connecticut encompasses a mix of developed campgrounds and natural settings within a 30-mile radius. Several established campgrounds cater to different camping styles, including The Quarry Campground with its multiple accommodation options and Wilderness Lake Park offering tent, RV, and glamping experiences. Most campgrounds in the region provide amenities ranging from basic to full-service, with some featuring lakefront access, hiking trails, and recreational facilities.
Campground reservations are generally recommended throughout the region, particularly during the peak summer season when sites fill quickly. Most facilities operate from April through October or early November, with limited winter availability. "The staff is super nice, the sites aren't on top of each other, but close enough to say hi to your neighbors in the morning," noted one visitor about Nelson's Family Campground. Road access to most established campgrounds is suitable for passenger vehicles, though some tent-only areas may require short walks from parking areas. Cell service varies throughout the region, with more remote areas experiencing limited coverage.
Lakefront and riverside camping opportunities attract many visitors to the area's campgrounds. Water-based recreation forms a central part of the camping experience at locations like Wilderness Lake Park, where complimentary kayaks and canoes are available to guests. According to one camper, "The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property." Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities such as swimming areas, fishing ponds, playgrounds, and organized activities. While many sites offer electric and water hookups for RVs, tent campers can find secluded spots in wooded areas at several campgrounds. Seasonal campers occupy a significant portion of sites at some campgrounds, creating established communities during summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with natural settings providing habitat for various bird species and small mammals.
Best Campgrounds near Manchester (164)
1. Wilderness Lake Park
"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."
from $70 / night
Check Availability2. The Quarry Campground
"We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"
from $45 - $68 / night
Check Availability3. Waters Edge Family Campground
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Brialee Family Campground
"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."
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability5. Lake Compounce Campground
"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."
6. Odetah Camping Resort
"Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."
"Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."
7. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
"There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly."
"The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites."
from $14 / night
Check Availability8. River Highlands State Park River Campground
"We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."
from $5 / night
Check Availability9. Markham Meadows
10. Onion Mountain Park
"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."
Drive Time
- 8 min from Hartford, CT
- 32 min from Springfield, MA
- 34 min from Waterbury, CT
- 35 min from Norwich, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, CT
221 Photos of 164 Manchester Campgrounds
Gail S.
The Quarry Campground
Jason G.
The Farm at Carter Hill
Rob L.
Wilderness Lake Park
Laura M.
Waters Edge Family Campground
Saori A.
Your Huckleberry Farms - CLOSED
Garrett N.
Starlit Camping
Garrett N.
Starlit Camping at Atlantic Coast Farms and Estates
Rae A.
Brialee Family Campground
Ricky H.
Onion Mountain Park
Rob L.
Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds
Jason E.
Nickerson Park Family Campground
Tracy D.
Salem Farms Campground
Recent Reviews near Manchester, CT
700 Reviews of 164 Manchester Campgrounds
- JJohnScout
Totoket Valley RV Park
Very Friendly and quick check in/out!
I was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
Arthur D.ScoutPine Acres Family Camping Resort
4th of July weekend
It was a hot one! The pool was crowded but that’s to be expected when it was 96 for three days. Clean, fun, and friendly. My son said it was the best campground so far.
- UUA C.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
The fireworks-WOW
Had a wonderful 2 night stay, an added plus were the annual fireworks, a wonderful surprise. Highly recommend Crocker’s BoatYard, friendly, safe, convenient location and lovely pool as well.
- AAndrew B.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Beautiful and convenient
Easy to get to, great communication and lovely location. Recommended!
- BBlake N.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Awesome
This place is fantastic and I would definitely stay again. It is a working shipyard and marina. Excellent showers. Very nice pool and pool deck with umbrella right on the water. One mile from block island ferry.
- DDavid G.
TravelerCrocker's Boatyard
Great spot and great hosts
Crocker’s is a nice relaxing scenic place to stay in the New London area.
Walking distance to restaurants and to Fort Trumbull.
So much fun watching the boats and boating activities.
Electric and water included. There is a free dump station about a mile away (during regular business hours). *Can be found on The Dyrt.
Hosts were super friendly and had nice recommendations for places to see around town. Thank you !!!! We will definitely be visiting again. - AAshley H.Traveler
Mashamoquet Brook Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Cozy Rustic Campground
Due to the heat wave, I opted not to spend the night, but we did roll through and check out the area. First thing we noticed is how close and open the sites were, with a few exceptions. I attached photos of the more secluded sites I plan to choose next time. Site 49 is what I had reserved and it was large and partially secluded. The bathroom buildings are boarded up across the campground and state park with port o potties in front. I was not eager to check those out… a bucket started feeling like the safer option lol It was quiet but on the more secluded sites, there was ample road noise and you could see the road from some sites. I didn’t get a chance to look for the walkway to the park and river, but I plan to next time. The state park and river nearby was beautiful and quiet and serene with smattering Fourth of July picnics. Overall, I plan to return here when the weather is more cooperative and my car camper is better equipped :)
Julia B.TravelerLake Compounce Campground
Very clean, friendly staff and not crowded
We arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
Guide to Manchester
The region surrounding Manchester, Connecticut encompasses a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering experiences from rustic tent camping to full-service RV resorts with cabin options. Notable locations include Wilderness Lake Park in Willington, which provides tent, RV, and glamping accommodations along a scenic lake, and The Quarry Campground with its 115 sites featuring both tent and RV setups. Several family-oriented resorts like Nelson's Family Campground and Waters Edge Family Campground supplement the camping landscape, creating a mix of private resort-style facilities and more basic camping areas.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October or early November, closing during winter months. "The campground is peaceful and quiet. Lots of wooded sites available," noted one visitor about Nelson's Family Campground. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities frequently reach capacity. Many private campgrounds accept only cash payment, with Wilderness Lake Park specifically mentioned as accepting "cash or Venmo only." Full hookup RV sites are limited at some facilities, with several reviews indicating these premium spots are often reserved for seasonal campers, leaving shorter-term visitors with partial hookups.
Waterfront camping represents a distinctive feature across several properties, with lakes providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Several visitors highlighted the availability of complimentary watercraft as a significant amenity. According to one camper at Wilderness Lake Park, "The lake is nice and the hiking is good. The staff was friendly and helpful." Campground layouts typically include a combination of wooded and open sites, with varying levels of privacy. While some locations offer secluded tent areas set back from main camping zones, others feature more communal settings. Amenities range considerably, from basic facilities with portable toilets to comprehensive resorts with recreation halls, swimming pools, organized activities, and on-site stores. Public lands with primitive camping options are notably limited in this region compared to private campground options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping sites near Manchester?
Where can I find camping sites near Manchester?
Connecticut offers several excellent camping options near Manchester. Hammonasset State Park Campground is a beautiful beachfront option with well-maintained facilities, a camp store, and easy access to local amenities. For those seeking a more nature-focused experience, Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provides swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities with family-friendly biking trails. Both parks are within reasonable driving distance from Manchester and offer different camping experiences - coastal versus woodland settings. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months, so booking in advance is recommended.
Are there any cabin campgrounds available near Manchester?
Are there any cabin campgrounds available near Manchester?
Yes, there are cabin options available near Manchester. Mystic KOA in North Stonington offers cabin accommodations in addition to their regular campsites. This well-maintained campground is approximately an hour's drive from Manchester and provides excellent amenities including a pool and well-stocked store. It's strategically located just 15 minutes from Mystic attractions and about an hour from Newport, Rhode Island. For a more rustic experience, consider Waters Edge Family Campground near Lebanon, which offers cabin rentals with access to water recreation. Reservations are strongly recommended for both locations, especially during the peak summer season.
What are the best tent camping options near Manchester?
What are the best tent camping options near Manchester?
For tent campers near Manchester, Wilderness Lake Park offers excellent secluded tent sites despite being primarily an RV park. The campground provides a refreshing experience with lakeside settings and is considered a hidden gem in Connecticut's limited outdoor offerings. Another great option is Rocky Neck State Park Campground, which provides affordable tent sites ($33/night) with nearby bathhouse facilities. Located on Long Island Sound, it offers a unique coastal camping experience with beach access. Both locations have clean facilities and provide a true outdoor experience, though Rocky Neck doesn't offer hookups, making it perfect for traditional tent camping.
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