Camping options near Middletown, Connecticut span elevations from 30 to 450 feet across the central Connecticut River Valley. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited availability during winter months. The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the camping season, with July and August experiencing average temperatures between 70-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Waters Edge Family Campground, visitors can fish in the small lake on property. "There's a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend," notes a camper who stays there seasonally.
Waterfall viewing: Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground offers access to Chapman Falls within a short walk. "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," states one visitor. The park also features multiple hiking trails with river access.
Bird watching: Several campgrounds offer wildlife observation opportunities, particularly for birders. One camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "We've read some reviews, but we surprised how nice this place is, large sights, mostly families, not loud, descent bathrooms, warm showers, nice beaches, great hiking and bird watching."
What campers like
Beach proximity: Lake Compounce Campground provides swimming access at the amusement park. A camper notes, "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. The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, a visitor reported, "This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River. You need to cross the river via bridge to Goodspeed Opera house and past to get to the RV campground. Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera."
Nature accessibility: Campers appreciate how many sites offer direct access to natural features. "I have stayed here many times growing up, and it has begun to get very popular and crowded. I would recommend reserving early to get some of the more private campgrounds on the outskirts and near the woods or you may be in the field with everyone else," advises a visitor about site selection at Hammonasset State Park.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Devil's Hopyard, "The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites. Unfortunately our second night had some noisy obnoxious neighbors and there are no staff on site to monitor noise levels."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "The camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!" warns a camper about Hammonasset State Park.
Weather considerations: The Connecticut River Valley experiences variable weather patterns. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, a visitor mentioned, "This is a really nice family campground just a mile or so off I-95 in Clinton, CT. It is about 20 miles from Mystic and the historic seaport center. Most of the roads are paved, the sites are large and level, there are full hookups, and a dump station."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Waters Edge Family Campground, "There's a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend. I camp here seasonally and love it," notes a regular visitor.
Weekend activities: Many sites offer organized events for children. Lake Compounce Campground provides "a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," according to a visitor who stayed with family.
Site selection for families: Choose locations that balance privacy with safety. Wolf's Den Family Campground received this tip: "This campground has tons of amenities, but it was a little weird for us since there were so many seasonals there. However, they've got a nice pool, a game room, and mini golf for $2/person."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups. A visitor to Riverdale Farm Campsites noted, "There are a lot of seasonal residents, but still plenty of open sites for travelers. There is a playground, game room, 'adult' lounge, a laundry, a swimming pond, and river access for fishing and swimming."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, "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."
Dumping facilities: Not all sites have sewer hookups. A visitor to Lake Compounce Campground shared, "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
