The northwest region of Connecticut offers extensive woodlands and waterways with elevation ranging from 230-330 feet around New Britain. Summer temperatures average between 65-85°F, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Fall camping months (September-October) see cooler temperatures with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s, requiring extra layers at night.
What to do
Kayaking options: Wilderness Lake Park provides free kayaks and canoes for campers to use on their lake. A camper noted, "Immediately entering the campground a kid (maybe early 20s) greeted us at our truck and showed us where to pull over for our paperwork. He escorted us to our site and made sure we had everything we needed as we set up. Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake."
Hiking trail access: White Pines Campsites in Barkhamsted features multiple hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. According to one visitor, "Hiking trails were nice, good variety of easier and more difficult terrain." This campground is approximately 25 miles from New Britain and offers a natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
Beach swimming: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides direct beach access within walking distance of campsite areas. "Sites are nice, there is a dumping station and some great sites for group camping. Reasonable rates since it is a State Park," notes one camper. The beach can get crowded during peak summer months, so arrive early to secure a good spot.
Mini golf and recreation: Wolf's Den Family Campground supplements its luxury camping options with recreational facilities. A visitor shared, "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Compounce Campground in Bristol receives high marks for cleanliness. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great," one camper reports. The campground operates from May 1 to October 31.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the roominess at some glamping locations near New Britain. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, visitors noted: "Great people very nice! Spacious lots very clean and organized facility." Site dimensions typically range from 40-50 feet long by 20-30 feet wide, providing adequate space for glamping setups.
Lake and pond access: Riverdale Farm Campsites features water recreation opportunities close to glamping accommodations. A camper shared, "Update number 2: I told you I come here a lot, we did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost." The lake is accessible directly from the camping area.
Wooded privacy: Some glamping sites offer more secluded options. "We've stayed from F-Su. 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," noted a visitor to White Pines Campsites.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping facilities around New Britain have limited seasonal availability. Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park operates "May 1 to Columbus Day," requiring advance planning for peak season visits.
Site selection considerations: When booking glamping near New Britain, carefully review site details. "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped- I would recommend a drive though if you can beforehand," advises one White Pines visitor. Some campgrounds have sites with challenging terrain or specific layout constraints.
Proximity to neighbors: Privacy levels vary significantly between glamping options. At Lake Compounce, a camper noted: "You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded." Another visitor mentioned: "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."
Payment requirements: Some glamping facilities have specific payment policies. A Wilderness Lake Park visitor advised: "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared." Check payment options before arrival to avoid complications.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Brialee Family Campground offers extensive programming for children. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs," reports one visitor. Activities typically run from morning through early evening during peak season.
Kid-friendly accommodations: Several glamping options near New Britain cater specifically to families. A Prospect Mountain visitor noted: "Prospects mountain is a great campground for families with younger kids. They have activities every weekend such as dances, bingo, hayrides. They also have a great pool, playground and pond for fishing."
Playground access: Multiple glamping sites feature play areas for children. Lake Compounce Campground provides "a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," according to one family that stayed there.
Pool facilities: For families seeking water recreation beyond natural features, various options exist. "Very friendly and a great place for kids. Nice pool with time for adult only swim time," mentioned a visitor to Prospect Mountain Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV glamping sites offer different levels of service. At Wilderness Lake Park, "$60 cash. Maybe tent sites less but not given the option. Not good value. (State parks in CT and MA requiring 24 hr advance rez.)Water/elec. Some porta potties in tents area." Understanding exact hookup options prevents disappointment upon arrival.
Site layout awareness: RV glamping site configurations can impact comfort. "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out," noted one Lake Compounce visitor. Another mentioned, "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."
Dump station locations: Several glamping facilities provide dump services rather than full hookups. A visitor to Wolf's Den noted: "Honey wagon available. Grey dump at site. Power and water at every site. Very very clean. 50x30 sites common."
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies at glamping locations around New Britain. A Wolf's Den camper reported "Verizon LTE 1 bar," indicating limited but functional service. This is important for those needing to stay connected during their glamping experience.
