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Stefan H.
Scout
ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Room To Relax
Brought our camper up for a long weekend and had plenty of room to relax. The campground store was also super handy when we realized we forgot a few things.
Camping near Manchester, CT
166 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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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 (166)
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
"I like that there are some walking paths and a dog beach. We would return."
"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. 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 Availability4. 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 Availability5. White Pines Campsites
"We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening."
"We visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice."
from $50 - $62 / night
Check Availability6. 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."
7. 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 Availability8. 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 Availability9. 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."
10. Markham Meadows
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
224 Photos of 166 Manchester Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
The Quarry CampgroundG
The Farm at Carter HillJ
Wilderness Lake ParkR
Waters Edge Family CampgroundR
Your Huckleberry Farms - CLOSED
Starlit CampingG
Starlit Camping at Atlantic Coast Farms and EstatesG
Brialee Family CampgroundR
Onion Mountain Park
Mineral Springs Family CampgroundsR
Nickerson Park Family Campground
Salem Farms Campground
Recent Reviews near Manchester, CT
762 Reviews of 166 Manchester Campgrounds
- EEwan B.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Rest Of The Day
One thing I really liked was having wifi when we needed it. Nice to be able to check in on work and then put the phone away and enjoy the rest of the day.
- HHarvey G.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
Little Weekend Escape
We have been coming here seasonally and its become our little weekend escape. There is always something going on and the kids have made so many friends. Makes it easy to just pack a few things and head out.
- DDamien B.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Perfect Camping Day
Nice campground with a good mix of activities. We went fishing one morning, spent the afternoon at the pool and had a fire that night. Pretty much a perfect camping day.
- LLouis F.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
Just Walking Around
Nothing beats a slow morning at the campsite with a cup of coffee. We really enjoyed the trails and just walking around before everyone else was up.
- NNatasha R.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Cook And Hang Out
We stayed in a cabin and it worked out perfectly for us. Spent the days exploring the area and came back in the evening to cook and hang out. Would definetly do it again.
Ada R.
TravelerSun Outdoors Mystic
Less than stellar
When I arrived, I discovered this site they reserve for me was not level, and the picnic table was blocking access to the electric. When I asked the office for help, I was told maintenance had already left around 4 o’clock, and nobody could help me. I was offered a different side if I wanted to pay the extra price. I managed to wrestle the table out of the way and made it work. But the Wi-Fi was worthless.
Stephen B.TravelerWawaloam Campground
Halloween stay
Good place to come for Halloween trick-or-treating for kids, lots of activities to keep you busy
- EEva Y.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
It Was Nice
We rented a cabin for the weekend and it worked out really well for our family. It was nice having a comfortable place to come back to after being outside all day. The kids loved the pool and exploring around the campground.
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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