Campsite options near Middlefield, Connecticut range from tent-friendly state parks to full-service RV resorts across the central Connecticut region. The area sits within a transitional climate zone where temperatures average 70-85°F during summer camping months and 45-65°F during spring and fall seasons. Winter camping is limited as most facilities close from November through March due to freezing temperatures and snowfall that averages 30-45 inches annually.
What to do
Hiking at Devil's Hopyard: Easy access to multiple trail networks within a 5-mile radius of most campgrounds near Middlefield. At Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, trails lead directly to Chapman Falls. One visitor notes: "Across the street from the campground is a trail to Chapman Falls, which will take less than 10 minutes to hike to, but it's a pretty waterfall."
Fishing opportunities: Local streams and ponds offer trout fishing within walking distance of several campsites. Near Markham Meadows, a camper reports: "Great trout fishing down the road. Everything you need is on the grounds. Swimming pool, kayaks and boats on the pond."
Amusement park access: For families seeking entertainment beyond nature, consider camping at Lake Compounce Campground which connects to an amusement park. "This was good for an overnight stop on our way south. We couldn't find much else along our route, but this wasn't too bad... It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site selection can significantly impact privacy at campgrounds in the Middlefield area. At Hidden Lake Farm, Ashley F. describes the experience as "Quiet and Private," a contrast to some of the more developed sites in the region.
Waterfront access: Swimming and water activities rank highly among camper preferences. One visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground shares: "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."
Family-oriented activities: Organized events and recreational facilities receive positive mentions. A camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground states: "I woke in the morning to a gray sky and hundreds of birds singing– it was my favorite part of the trip. I delayed getting up to enjoy the moment."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly from June through August, especially for weekend stays. Book 3-6 months ahead for prime dates.
Variable site quality: Sites within the same campground can differ dramatically in size, shade, and privacy. One River Highlands State Park River Campground visitor warns about natural conditions: "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river. As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders."
Wildlife encounters: Ticks are prevalent in Connecticut woodlands. A camper at Devil's Hopyard shares: "Be very careful with ticks, there were tons of them under our picnic table and by the campfire. Bring your own chairs to sit on and don't put to much down that they may be able to stick to. Our 2 nights we found over 25 ticks."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, one visitor explains the recreational options: "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available."
Beach proximity: Waterfront sites provide built-in entertainment. A parent camping at Hammonasset State Park Campground shares: "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have different noise policies and enforcement. A camper at Devil's Hopyard reports: "Some of the people there were camping in a group and were blasting music. I didn't see a single park ranger the entire night so I'm not sure how often they police it."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are standard at most RV sites, but sewer hookups are limited. At GrandView CampResort & Cottages, an RVer notes: "We enjoyed our stay. Level sites and very nice owners."
Dump station locations: For extended stays without full hookups, plan for dump station access. A camper at Lake Compounce Campground advises: "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
Site dimensions: Many older campgrounds weren't designed for larger modern RVs. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, one RVer explains: "50x30 sites common. I would recommend to stay here if in the area. Verizon LTE 1 bar."
