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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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."
