Cabins near Mansfield Center, Connecticut provide access to over 30,000 acres of state forest across the region. The area features moderate temperatures averaging 70-80°F during summer camping season with humidity levels typically higher than western Connecticut. Cabin rentals tend to be fully booked 6-8 weeks in advance during leaf-viewing season from late September through mid-October when temperatures drop to 50-60°F.
What to do
Paddle sports and fishing: 8 miles to river: West Thompson Lake Campground offers quiet water activities with river access. "The lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft. Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings. Fishing here is all catch and release," notes one visitor. All fishing at this location is catch-and-release only.
Hiking trail access: 5-10 minute walk: Multiple trail systems connect directly to cabin areas at Hopeville Pond State Park Campground. "There are many trails for hiking and a beach for swimming. There is a boat launch too," explains a camper. The park connects to broader trail networks through Pachaug State Forest.
Summer water activities: Most cabin sites provide swimming options, though water quality varies. One visitor at Charlie Brown Campground mentioned, "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon." Request a waterfront site when making reservations.
What campers like
Family programming: Multiple daily events: Brialee Family Campground schedules activities throughout the day. "They make sure the weekends are for families," according to a repeat visitor. Another camper notes, "My family used to camp at this ground on an annual basis. There were all kinds of activities (kick-ball, ect) that everyone could participate in, a great play ground, and easy to navigate." Most planned activities happen between 10am-8pm daily.
Privacy levels: Wooded vs. open sites: Waters Edge Family Campground features sites with varying privacy levels. A camper reports, "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs!" Request woodland sites specifically when booking for maximum privacy.
Off-season camping: Halloween events: Multiple campgrounds offer extended season camping. One visitor at Strawberry Park described, "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating. Very enjoyable time." Most Halloween-themed weekends run from late September through October.
What you should know
Seasonal campers dominate: Many campgrounds have a high percentage of seasonal residents. One camper at Brialee noted, "This is a large seasonal oriented campground. The staff was not well trained and or not oriented to short term campers. There was no WiFi service as advertised and cell service was poor. Sites are close together. The whole campground was dominated by seasonal campers."
Bathroom quality varies significantly: Facilities range from rustic to recently renovated. At George Washington State Campground, "Nice campground with big private spots. Nice bathhouse with pay showers. Pretty, man made lake with a beach area for swimming and paddling." Expect to pay $1.50 for 6-minute showers at most state park locations.
Reservation timing critical: Most cabin rentals require advance planning. One visitor to Odetah noted, "Resort is the right word! We went in cooler September during Covid, so we couldn't take advantage of all the amenities, but we've already decided we need to book a trip for peak season next summer." Make reservations 3-4 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Plan for down time: Campgrounds offer structured activities but kids need free time too. At Odetah Camping Resort, "This place has everything from a pool, splash pad, boats, food, ice cream, lots of activities, friendly helpful staff, delivery to your site from the camp store and nice shaded spacious sites." Allow 2-3 hours of unscheduled time between planned activities.
Recreation options: Multiple locations: Most cabin areas feature shared recreation areas. One camper mentioned, "There was a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend. I camp here seasonally and love it." Children under 14 typically need adult supervision at water features.
Noise considerations: Select sites carefully: Family campgrounds can be noisy. A camper noted, "Weekends tend to get loud but we don't mind that." Request sites farther from recreation areas if traveling with small children who need early bedtimes.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for cabin-RV mix: Groups using both RVs and cabins should coordinate bookings. "We had two sites side by side for our group of 7 and two dogs. The staff will deliver wood right to your site. The only con is the sites are not very private...at all." Groups should request adjacent sites when booking.
Utility connections at cabin areas: Most cabin campgrounds offer electric and water access. "Sites are close together. The sites in this loop offer more privacy; there's also a cabin at the beginning of this loop," explains a visitor. Expect additional fees ($5-15) for full hookup sites near cabin areas.
Campground services: Delivery options exist at many locations. "The staff will deliver wood right to your site," notes one camper at Odetah. Firewood delivery typically costs $8-10 per bundle with minimum purchase requirements.
