Best Campgrounds near Middletown, CT

Connecticut's southern region provides a variety of camping options within 30 miles of Middletown, including established campgrounds like Hammonasset State Park Campground and Wolf's Den Family Campground. These areas support mixed-use camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Riverdale Farm Campsites and GrandView CampResort offer water access along with traditional camping amenities. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate multiple camping styles, with several featuring glamping options alongside traditional tent and RV sites.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with most facilities operating from April or May through October or early November. "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," noted one visitor about Hammonasset State Park. Water access represents a significant feature at several campgrounds, with sites along the Connecticut River and near Lake Compounce providing opportunities for boating and fishing. Reservation systems are common across the area's campgrounds, with many requiring advance booking, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly.

Family-friendly amenities characterize many camping areas near Middletown, with playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities available at several locations. A camper mentioned, "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." Proximity to hiking trails and natural attractions adds recreational value to the camping experience. While some campgrounds offer more secluded sites with privacy between neighbors, others feature more communal layouts where campsites are positioned closer together. Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, with many also offering electric hookups and water access at individual sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Middletown, Connecticut (136)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "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."

    2. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "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."

    3. Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hadlyme, CT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 873-9681

    "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"

    4. Riverdale Farm Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 669-5388

    "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!"

    5. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 526-2336

    $14 / night

    "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."

    6. Markham Meadows

    2 Reviews
    North Westchester, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 267-9738

    7. River Highlands State Park River Campground

    1 Review
    Cromwell, CT
    5 miles
    +1 (203) 287-5658

    $5 / night

    "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."

    8. GrandView CampResort & Cottages

    2 Reviews
    Moodus, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 873-3332

    $30 - $70 / night

    9. Hidden Lake Farm

    1 Review
    Higganum, CT
    9 miles
    +1 (860) 301-6983

    $49 - $89 / night

    10. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Middletown, CT

573 Reviews of 136 Middletown Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • j
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great!

    Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    I mean wow!!

    So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.

    We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.

    And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

  • J
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Wildwood State Park Campground

    Our go-to spot

    My wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    Lots of Amenities

    The Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    Great amenities, staff and location

    Charming, full of wonderful amenities and nice extras. Nice staff, fun coin scavenger hunt, great pool, well stocked store, wide sites, lots of grass/trees and space to stretch out. Missing full hook ups but the staff and overall vibe more than make up for it. Community garden was something we hadn’t seen before - super fun.

  • John K.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Perfect place

    We stayed there with our RV for 2 nights.  We had a spot right next to the pool and the docks. Very convenient.  The staff does a great job.


Guide to Middletown

Camping near Middletown, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and sand at Hammonasset State Park Campground. It's just a short walk to the beach, and you can swim or relax without any extra fees. One camper mentioned, "The beach was popular, and there was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A reviewer noted, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails," making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Snorkeling: At Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, you can fish or snorkel. One visitor shared, "Had a great time, did some snorkeling & fishing!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground. A reviewer said, "Bathrooms are very nice," highlighting the well-maintained amenities.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the lively environment at Hammonasset State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "This is a fun campground for families," with kids riding bikes and playing.
  • Secluded Sites: Campers at Clarence Fahnestock State Park appreciate the privacy of some sites. A visitor mentioned, "Some sites are grouped in open areas, but others can have a trailer."

What you should know:

  • No Pets Allowed: If you're bringing a furry friend, be aware that Hammonasset State Park Campground has a strict no-pets policy. A camper warned, "NO PETS! Including dogs."
  • Noise Levels: Expect some noise at Rocky Neck State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Overnight noise was an issue. Lots of cars coming and going."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular campgrounds like Mystic KOA fill up quickly. A reviewer advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. At Mystic KOA, one parent shared, "The staff are amazing and the entire place is completely geared to families."
  • Choose the Right Site: When camping at Rocky Neck State Park Campground, opt for sites that are spacious and have some shade. A camper mentioned, "The site itself is not very private but very spacious."
  • Pack for the Beach: If you're heading to Hammonasset State Park Campground, bring beach gear. One visitor noted, "The beach area is large & very nice with outside showers for rinsing off the beach sand."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RVers should be cautious about site levels at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground. A reviewer advised, "The site we chose is very uneven so leveling the RV wasn't real easy."
  • Look for Full Hookups: For a more comfortable stay, choose sites with full hookups. At George Washington State Campground, one camper mentioned, "Full water and electrical hookup and a very unique and fun play area for kids."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Be aware that some campgrounds, like Wells State Park Campground, may not have dump stations on-site. A visitor noted, "There was no dump station on site."

Camping around Middletown, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Middletown, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Middletown, CT is Hammonasset State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 39 reviews.

What parks are near Middletown, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Middletown, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.