119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Meriden, Connecticut area encompasses a mixture of state park campgrounds and private camping facilities, providing options for cabin, tent, and RV camping within a 20-30 mile radius. Lake Compounce Campground in nearby Bristol features cabin and glamping accommodations, while state parks like Hammonasset Beach State Park and Kettletown State Park offer more traditional camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the region maintain similar seasonal operations, typically open from May through September or October, with few year-round options available outside of private RV parks.
Campground availability is highly seasonal throughout Connecticut, with most state park facilities closing after Labor Day weekend. A review noted, "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground." Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary at some of the more remote state park locations. Most campgrounds offer basic amenities including drinking water, toilets, and shower facilities, though hookup availability varies considerably between private and public camping areas.
State parks near Meriden tend to feature more natural settings with varying degrees of privacy between sites. Campers often mention the proximity to water as a significant draw, with Hammonasset Beach State Park providing direct beach access. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need." Site spacing and privacy can be concerns at popular locations, with reviews indicating some campgrounds have sites positioned very close together. Private campgrounds in the region typically offer more amenities like electric hookups, cable TV, and organized activities, making them better suited for RV camping and families seeking more developed facilities, while state parks provide a more natural camping environment.
"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."
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
"I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."
"There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"
from $55 - $150 / night
Check Availability"The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice."
"Sites are very close to one another. Level pull through site. Quit in the evening!"
"Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."
"The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."
"Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"
"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
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ScoutI 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
ScoutHad 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.
ScoutEasy to get to, great communication and lovely location. Recommended!
ScoutThis 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.
TravelerCrocker’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.
TravelerDue 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 :)
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutI have 4 kids, 8 and under and they had an absolute blast. We will definitely be back.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
Campsites near Meriden, Connecticut offer varied terrain with elevations ranging from 200 to 600 feet above sea level across the central Connecticut region. Most campgrounds sit within 30 minutes of Meriden and feature wooded settings with moderate to limited privacy between sites. Winter camping options are scarce with most facilities closing between October and April due to the region's cold temperatures and snowfall.
Swimming and water activities: Lake Compounce Campground provides water recreation options through its connection to the amusement park. "This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother," notes Diane R. in her review of Lake Compounce Campground, though some visitors mention that dedicated swimming areas for campers are limited. "Would have been nice if they had a place to swim (in the camping area) besides for at the main park," reports Danny A.
Hiking opportunities: Black Rock State Park offers multiple trail systems for different skill levels. According to Michelle B., visitors should "Check out Leather Man Cave, Whitestone Cliffs, Tory's Den, and Buttermilk Falls nearby." The park provides access to several natural features within walking distance of most campsites, making it suitable for day hikes without needing to drive elsewhere.
Wildlife viewing: Kettletown State Park features bird watching opportunities and wildlife observation areas. "The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful," according to Justin P., who visited Kettletown State Park Campground while working on a conservation project. The park's location alongside a river creates diverse habitat zones for various bird species and small mammals.
Bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean shower and restroom facilities. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, visitors note the cleanliness as a standout feature. "Very very clean. 50x30 sites common," reports Jeremy G. in his review of Wolf's Den Family Campground, highlighting both the site dimensions and maintenance standards that exceed expectations for the region.
Recreation options: Family activities beyond standard camping are available at several locations. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available," states Jeremy G. about Wolf's Den, showing the variety of structured activities available beyond natural features.
Campsite layout: Some parks offer sites with more privacy and natural separation. "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway," writes Kristin about Kettletown State Park Campground, though she notes site quality varies considerably. "Site 11, while large, was uneven and had some large tree roots that would be easy to trip over."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. "CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend," writes Richard about Lake Compounce Campground, indicating mid-week visits may have more availability than weekends.
Site-specific limitations: Many campgrounds have restrictions or particular site challenges. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, Emma C. reports varied experiences with facilities: "The one time we asked for the laundry they told us we have a 2 hour window we booked for 10 am and they booked another lady for 11 am." This indicates some amenities may require scheduling even after arrival.
Wildlife awareness: Campers should properly store food to avoid attracting animals. One camper at Riverdale Farm Campsites noted potential wildlife concerns: "People left their left over food scraps in the grass by my camp so not only has my dog been eating it, I also hear coyotes. Won't be surprised if I see a bear in the morning."
Activity planning: Schedule visits around campground-organized events. Nick H. from Riverdale Farm Campsites explains, "We did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
Swimming access: Riverdale Farm provides pond swimming separate from more crowded public beaches. "The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice," writes Nick H., indicating the dual water options available for children.
Playground options: Hidden Lake Farm offers quiet tent camping with limited facilities but private settings. With only 5 campsites total, families seeking quieter experiences may prefer this location over larger campgrounds. The farm welcomes pets, making it suitable for families traveling with animals.
Site arrangements: Many Connecticut campgrounds have particular RV site layouts. "Each site has grass and a picnic table," reports Tara N. about Totoket Valley RV Park, adding it's "Perfect for a stop over" with "good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner."
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup options exist in the region. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," notes Ray B. about Lake Compounce Campground, highlighting the common partial hookup situation at many area campgrounds.
Size restrictions: Older campgrounds may have difficulty accommodating larger rigs. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, Kevin J. advises "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in and around Meriden?
Several quality campgrounds are available within driving distance of Meriden, Connecticut. Wolf's Den Family Campground is located off Route 9 on the east side of the Connecticut River, near attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. For state park options, Black Rock State Park Campground near Watertown offers drive-in sites with water and toilet facilities. Other nearby options include Kettletown State Park, Devil's Hopyard State Park, and Hopeville Pond State Park, each offering unique natural settings for tent and RV camping. Most state park campgrounds in the region provide basic facilities with varying levels of hookups and amenities.
Are there any glamping options near Meriden?
While traditional camping is more common in the Meriden area, some nearby campgrounds offer upgraded accommodations that approach glamping. Wilderness Lake Park provides more upscale amenities in a scenic setting, making it a good option for those seeking comfort while camping. Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce near Bristol offers cabins and other accommodations that provide more comfort than traditional tent camping. For true glamping experiences, you may need to venture a bit further from Meriden, as luxury camping options are still developing in Connecticut compared to other regions.
What amenities do Meriden area campsites typically offer?
Campgrounds near Meriden typically offer a range of essential amenities. Hammonasset State Park Campground features well-maintained shower and bathroom facilities, a camp store with supplies, and proximity to beaches, playgrounds, and local shops. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, campers have access to bathhouses and restrooms, though sites typically don't include hookups. Most state park campgrounds in the region provide potable water, toilet facilities, and fire rings or grills. Private campgrounds often offer additional amenities such as swimming areas, camp stores, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and recreational activities. RV-friendly sites with hookups are more common at private campgrounds, while state parks generally offer more basic facilities.
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