79 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and private campgrounds within an hour of New Haven, Connecticut provide diverse camping experiences along the Long Island Sound coastline and inland forests. Hammonasset State Park Campground in Madison, approximately 20 miles east of New Haven, features beachfront camping with both tent and RV sites. Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme offers similar coastal camping opportunities with trails connecting to beaches. Inland options include Kettletown State Park in Southbury, which provides more wooded settings along the Housatonic River. Private facilities like Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton and Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford supplement the state park system with extended seasons and additional amenities.
Most state park campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through early September, with reservations strongly recommended during summer months. According to one Hammonasset camper, "This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards, roller blades. Watch your speed!" Full hookup sites at popular coastal parks fill quickly, often booking months in advance. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some inland areas may have spotty coverage. Campgrounds near I-95 may experience highway noise, particularly at Rocky Neck State Park where, as one reviewer noted, "Located right off I-95 (which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."
Beach access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the region. Hammonasset features a two-mile beach with swimming areas just steps from some campsites. A longtime visitor shared, "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." Site privacy varies considerably between parks and specific loops. At Kettletown, one camper observed, "The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear," while others found more secluded options at Rocky Neck's Crane area where "the bathrooms are updated." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting deer, turkeys, osprey, and various waterfowl, particularly at coastal parks where salt marshes meet forest edges.
"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "
"Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."
"However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."
from $20 - $250 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $55 - $150 / night
Check Availability"The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."
"Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis place is fantastic and I would definitely stay again. It is a working shipyard and marina. Excellent showers. Very nice pool and pool deck with umbrella right on the water. One mile from block island ferry.
TravelerCrocker’s is a nice relaxing scenic place to stay in the New London area.
Walking distance to restaurants and to Fort Trumbull.
So much fun watching the boats and boating activities.
Electric and water included.
There is a free dump station about a mile away (during regular business hours). *Can be found on The Dyrt.
Hosts were super friendly and had nice recommendations for places to see around town. Thank you !!!!
We will definitely be visiting again.
TravelerWe arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
GuideTall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
GuideA really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
TravelerTo start, Andrew was phenomenal. I arrived at 6:40 PM and he was able to hook us up with the last campground and was so patient and friendly when answering our questions. Overall staff was great, I saw someone picking up trash after campers checked out. Bathrooms are clean, 1 mile walk from campgrounds to beach area. Very spider and tick heavy if you don’t stay on the walking trail. Campers were very respectful and friendly, overall an amazing first time camping trip. Paid about $32 for a night. Drinking water on site.
ScoutI was a solo female tent-camper and I stayed at the Austin Hawes campground for 2 nights. I had an excellent experience. The office is open daily from 9-5 and 2 young women were staffing it during my stay. They welcomed me with a smile, answered all my questions and sold me two bundles of firewood for$7 each. I camped in site#22 which overlooked the Farmington River. You could hear the river running by all night long. It was very peaceful. I did not know that this portion of the river offers excellent fly fishing, so it looked like something out of an Orvis Catalog as men(they were all men) in waders with serious fly fishing gear often passed by or were standing in the shallow river doing their thing. It is important to know that BLACK BEARS ran through the campsite at night.(The young women in the office had warned me to be careful with my food, and that bears were often sighted). I am an experienced camper and left no trace of food anywhere near my tent, fire or picnic table. The bears did not bother me. I heard they spooked one family who blew some airhorns, then packed up and left in the middle of the night. There are 2 bathhouses, but one was locked because it is currently under construction. I had no trouble using the 1 that was open for campers. There are 2 female(private) showers, 2 male(private) showers, 2 bathroom sinks and 3 toilets in each house. I had no trouble using them and the facilities were clean. All-in-all, it's a beautiful, but very rustic(no electricity) campsite. I look forward to returning in the future.
RangerWe love Austin Hawes (Also referred to as American Legion). We have been coming here for years, and it is a great spot. Not too far, not too busy, tent sites, trailer sites, and cabins too. It is in a great location with plenty of hiking trails nearby, and lots of options for swimming, fishing, boating, etc.
RangerWe did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.
Seasonal camping options near New Haven, Connecticut span from May through October, with most state parks opening Memorial Day weekend and private campgrounds extending into fall. Sites within an hour of the city range from 92 to 135 feet in elevation, offering varied terrain from coastal lowlands to inland forests. Many campgrounds in the region restrict alcohol, require advance reservations, and have specific quiet hours from 10pm to 8am.
Beach access at Hammonasset State Park: Several beaches feature varying swimming conditions from May through September. "We've read some reviews, but we were surprised how nice this place is... great hiking and bird watching. Friendly staff. Amazing sunset scene," says one visitor who stayed for three nights in mid-August.
Explore local attractions near Lake Compounce Campground: Located about 40 minutes from New Haven, this campground connects to an amusement park. "This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother," notes one camper. The campground offers activities like bingo and cornhole on weekends.
Hiking trails at Kettletown State Park: Multiple trail systems connect through wooded areas with varied difficulty levels. According to one visitor, "Beautiful trails, flat & hilly." Another camper mentioned, "Kettletown has everything you could want in a state park visit... Swimming area, Fishing area, Hiking, Woods, Camping, both primitive and hook up."
Wide sites at Riverdale Farm Campsites: These spacious sites accommodate various camping setups. A repeat visitor notes, "We did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
Waterfront views at Rocky Neck: The Long Island Sound provides scenic backdrops for camping. "The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails," mentions one long-time visitor. Another camper added, "Anyone with kayaks can't easily get to boat launch. It's 4-5 miles by car at 4 mile river boat launch."
Clean facilities at Wildwood State Park: Located across the Long Island Sound via ferry, this park features modern restrooms and showers. One visitor highlighted, "Among the most modern bathrooms I've seen at a State Park campground." The park enforces quiet time after sunset with a required stargazing permit to access the beach area.
Varying site privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options than others. At Kettletown State Park Campground, "Site 32 and the upper loop was not great though. The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent."
Seasonal restrictions: Most state parks close by early October. Many campgrounds have summer-only regulations, including pet restrictions. One Hammonasset visitor noted, "PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the summer. We were not aware of this."
Insect preparation: Wooded areas require bug protection, especially in June and July. A visitor at Kettletown warned, "We were there in early June, and were almost eaten alive by mosquitoes when we ventured into the woods. Take lots of bug spray and wear long sleeves/pants, even in the summer."
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's programming. At Hammonasset State Park Campground, "We've been going to Hammonasset for years as a large family gathering... Nice thing is it is fairly inexpensive and there's several beaches to choose from."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Kettletown, one visitor shared, "The reason why I said place is perfect kids? It has a huge land of campsite that the kids can run around until their energy out for the night! Plus you would see awesome stars during the nighttime!"
Safety considerations: Monitor children in busy campgrounds, especially during peak season. "Clean and spacious but very open, being a beach there are a few campers who enjoy staying up quite late and listening to music. I don't mind the noise but the gnats (little black flies) make it nearly impossible to enjoy an evening," notes one Hammonasset camper.
Limited hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer electric and water but lack sewer connections. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, sites include "one paved parking spot (ours was very muddy) a fire pit and a picnic table. No water or electric hookup. Wi-fi not available at this campground."
Dump station access: Most state parks have central dump stations rather than sewer hookups. Lake Compounce campers noted, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
Reservation timing: RV sites with full hookups book months in advance, particularly at coastal parks. A Wildwood visitor advised, "Stayed here for two nights with my popup and was surrounded by large motor homes/RVs. Sites had zero privacy and were all pull through. There was water, electric and sewer hookups at each site, but this was an expensive place to 'camp'."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any private camping sites near New Haven?
Yes, there are several private camping options near New Haven. Wolf's Den Family Campground is located on the east side of the Connecticut River, accessible via the bridge near Goodspeed Opera House. It's conveniently situated near attractions like Gillette Castle. Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford is another private option closer to New Haven. For a more secluded experience, Austin Hawes Memorial Campground offers private, tree-surrounded sites with amenities like ice and firewood available for purchase.
What are the best campgrounds near New Haven, CT?
Some of the best campgrounds near New Haven include Hammonasset State Park Campground and Rocky Neck State Park Campground. Hammonasset offers beautiful beachfront camping with well-maintained facilities, abundant showers and bathrooms, and a camp store. You can bike from your site to the playground, beach, and even local shops. Rocky Neck State Park provides affordable camping ($33/night) on Long Island Sound with bathhouses nearby, though without hookups. Both parks are within an hour's drive of New Haven and provide scenic coastal experiences that showcase Connecticut's natural beauty.
What camping options have swimming pools near New Haven?
Niantic KOA is a standout option featuring a swimming pool, with recent upgrades being made to their pool facilities. This KOA is conveniently located near downtown Niantic and beaches, with shuttle service available. The campground offers numerous activities for both adults and children. Another option is Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce near Bristol, which provides access to the water park facilities at Lake Compounce Theme Park during operating season. These campgrounds with pools are within reasonable driving distance from New Haven.
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