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Best Campgrounds near New Britain, CT

577 Reviews

The area surrounding New Britain, Connecticut contains several campground options within a 30-mile radius, featuring a mix of private and state-operated facilities. Lake Compounce Campground in nearby Bristol offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations, while state park campgrounds like Black Rock in Watertown provide more rustic experiences. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October, though some private facilities like Gentiles Campground remain open year-round for campers seeking winter options.

Seasonal considerations shape camping experiences throughout Connecticut's central region, with most facilities offering full services only during the warmer months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer when demand peaks. The terrain varies from relatively flat areas suitable for larger RVs to more wooded settings ideal for tent camping. Facilities range from primitive sites with minimal amenities to full-service campgrounds with electric hookups, water, and modern bathhouses. One visitor noted, "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."

Central Connecticut campgrounds often feature forested settings with a mix of open and shaded sites. The proximity to water features enhances many camping experiences, though these premium spots tend to fill quickly during peak season. Several campgrounds provide recreational amenities beyond basic camping, including swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Campers frequently mention the family-friendly atmosphere at many locations. "The playground was awesome for our two year old. The tent sites had some shade, the showers and bathrooms were really nice," reported one camper about Lake Compounce. While some facilities cater primarily to seasonal residents, others maintain a good balance between permanent and transient campsites. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with those near highways or attractions experiencing more ambient sound than more secluded options.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Britain, Connecticut (131)

    1. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    7 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."

    2. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."

    "There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"

    3. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."

    "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."

    4. Black Rock State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."

    "The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."

    5. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    West Simsbury, CT
    14 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."

    "It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."

    6. River Highlands State Park River Campground

    1 Review
    Cromwell, CT
    9 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."

    7. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    31 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."

    8. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0124

    $74 / night

    "However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."

    "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. a little disappointed in the site"

    9. Branch Brook Campground

    2 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8144

    "Sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road. The pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer."

    10. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."

    "We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."

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Recent Camping Photos near New Britain, CT

281 Photos of 131 New Britain Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Britain, CT

577 Reviews of 131 New Britain Campgrounds

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.

  • Michael
    Sep. 20, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    The Quarry Campground

    Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire.

  • 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!

Guide to New Britain

Camping near New Britain, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of 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 visitor 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 George Washington State Campground, you can fish or even go snorkeling. One happy camper shared, "Had a great time, did some snorkeling & fishing!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at George Washington State Campground. A reviewer said, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities at Mystic KOA. One parent remarked, "The entire place is completely geared to families," highlighting the fun events like trick-or-treating and hayrides.
  • Nature and Wildlife: Campers love the natural beauty at Wildwood State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "The beach is in walking distance. You can swim or fish there."

What you should know:

  • No Pets Allowed: If you're bringing furry friends, be aware that some campgrounds, like Rocky Neck State Park Campground, do not allow pets. One camper noted, "NO pets allowed, including dogs."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots like Hammonasset State Park Campground fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
  • Traffic Noise: Some campgrounds, such as Rocky Neck State Park Campground, can be noisy due to nearby roads. A visitor mentioned, "Noisy during the day, but quiet at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer some privacy and space, like those at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. A reviewer said, "Some sites good. Some very poor," so pick wisely.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of family-friendly activities. One camper at Mystic KOA mentioned, "Daily activities for little ones," which can keep kids entertained.
  • Bring Snacks: Stock up on snacks and drinks, especially if you're camping at places without a camp store, like Hammonasset State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The camp store has a small variety of camp supplies, drinks and food."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Careful which site you choose," indicating some sites may not accommodate larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like October Mountain State Forest, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "There is a lot of noise, a lot of people, and not much enforcement of the rules."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: If you're staying at places without sewer hookups, like Wells State Park Campground, be aware of where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor mentioned, "There was no dump station on site."

Camping around New Britain, CT, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the best camping near New Britain, CT, and create lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any private camping sites available near New Britain?

Wilderness Lake Park is a standout private campground near New Britain, offering both RV and tent camping options. While about 60% of the sites accommodate RVs, the tent sites are particularly secluded and well-maintained. This campground is considered a hidden gem in Connecticut's camping scene. Another excellent private option is Wolf's Den Family Campground, located east of the Connecticut River. This campground provides convenient access to nearby attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. For additional private options, consider Branch Brook Campground or Cozy Hills Campground, both offering reservable sites with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly facilities.

How much do camping sites cost near New Britain?

Camping costs near New Britain vary between public and private campgrounds. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, expect to pay around $33 per night for a basic site with nearby bathhouse access but no hookups. This is fairly representative of Connecticut state park pricing. Kettletown State Park Campground offers similarly priced sites with beautiful hiking trails and river access. Private campgrounds like Wilderness Lake Park and Wolf's Den Family Campground typically charge more, with prices ranging from $40-70 depending on amenities and hookups. Most Connecticut state parks offer affordable camping in the $20-35 range for tent sites, while private campgrounds with full amenities can reach $80+ for premium RV sites with full hookups.

What are the best campgrounds near New Britain?

The New Britain area offers several excellent campgrounds within a reasonable driving distance. Hammonasset State Park Campground is a top choice, featuring beautiful Connecticut beach access just steps from your campsite, well-maintained facilities, and amenities like a camp store. Another great option is Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, which offers swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking opportunities. The park is family-friendly with many visitors noting the abundance of wildlife, including playful chipmunks. Other notable options include Devil's Hopyard State Park, Rocky Neck State Park, and Kettletown State Park, all offering unique natural features and recreational opportunities within a reasonable drive from New Britain.

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