Glamping options near Monroe, Connecticut provide modern comforts while maintaining proximity to nature. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 300 to 700 feet and a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Most glamping sites operate from May through October when temperatures typically range from 50°F to 80°F, though some locations offer year-round accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails at Wildwood State Park: The park offers numerous hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. One camper noted, "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk."
Water recreation at Lake Waramaug State Park Campground: The lake provides excellent kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing opportunities. According to a visitor, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones."
Fishing at Riverdale Farm Campsites: The campground offers fishing access to a pond and river. One camper mentioned, "There is a swimming pond, and river access for fishing and swimming."
Nearby attractions: Several glamping options provide convenient access to regional attractions. A visitor to Wolf's Den Family Campground reported, "Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. The campground itself is really nice."
What campers like
Extra-large sites: Some campgrounds offer exceptionally spacious sites compared to standard glamping facilities. According to a camper at Lake Waramaug, "Sites are HUGE. Bathrooms, water, showers are close by. You will almost always have a view of the water."
Well-maintained swimming areas: Lake Compounce Campground features a clean swimming pool that many families enjoy. One visitor commented, "Campground is awesome! Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area."
Family-oriented activities: Structured recreation provides additional value at some locations. A camper at Riverdale Farm noted, "Great Value and Nice Family owned business. The lake is perfect...They did a show on the beach one night that was fun too. We did bingo too."
Private sites for tent glamping: For those preferring more isolation, some campgrounds offer secluded sites. A visitor to White Pines Campsites shared, "We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated."
What you should know
Site cleanliness varies: Some glamping locations maintain better standards than others. A camper at White Pines Campsites reported, "Upon arrival, I liked the atmosphere and friendly service but our site was filthy. A bag of dog poop by a tree, trash under the picnic table, cigarette butts littering the rocks around the fire pit."
Seasonal population changes: Many glamping sites near Monroe transform during peak season. At Indian Island County Park, a visitor noted, "Stayed at this campground this past weekend and yes it was a long weekend so the campground was packed. All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines."
Weekend versus weekday experiences: For quieter glamping, timing matters. One Lake Waramaug camper advised, "If you go during the week the place is a ghost town...I would never camp here on a weekend.... it is a party place then."
Limited cell service: Some locations offer a digital detox by necessity. According to a Lake Waramaug visitor, "Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: At Indian Island County Park, a family noted, "The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot."
Kid-friendly amenities: Wolf's Den offers numerous facilities specifically for children. A camper shared, "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available."
Safety awareness: Not all glamping sites monitor traffic effectively. At Lake Waramaug, a visitor warned, "Watch your children, cars go racing through the campground!" and another mentioned, "True, people drive too fast on the road between the campground and lake AND in the campground."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential animal sightings. One camper at Lake Compounce reported, "This is an interesting camp ground. As I am set up for bed I see one other large green tent that looks deserted. 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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: At Lake Waramaug, an RVer warned, "If you have a pop-up or anything above the ground on wheels they make your life miserable and prevent you from camping in the front row where the sites are larger, level, and have a lake view."
Hookup variations: Different sites offer varying levels of service. A visitor to Lake Compounce noted, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out. The staff were very friendly and they had some activities like bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there."
Size considerations: Older campgrounds may not accommodate larger vehicles. An RVer at Wolf's Den shared, "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."
Leveling issues: Some glamping sites require additional preparation. A visitor to White Pines Campsites advised, "We stayed at site 85 in Sunny Crest and liked having some privacy. The sites nearby had some trees providing space between each site. A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand."
