Best Campgrounds near New Haven, CT

Several good camping options sit within driving distance of New Haven, Connecticut. Hammonasset State Park Campground in Clinton has beach access and clean facilities, though summer spots fill fast and should be booked early. If you're willing to drive farther, Clarence Fahnestock State Park in Fishkill, New York has hiking trails throughout the grounds. The reservation system there gets busy during peak season too. Harriman State Park works well for fishing and boating trips, but watch for fire rules and how many nights you can stay. Most of these places have bathrooms, showers, and tables for meals. When you need a break from camping, Mystic Seaport and local fruit orchards make good day trips. Groups might need special permits at some parks. Spring and fall camping brings better temperatures around New Haven. Don't plan on gathering sticks for your fire - most parks ban collecting wood, so bring your own. The New Haven area has both beach and forest camping depending on what you prefer. Before heading out, check park websites for any recent rule changes or closures.

Best Camping Sites Near New Haven, Connecticut (77)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    19 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."

    2. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    3. Riverdale Farm Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 669-5388

    "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!"

    4. Wildwood State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $24 - $250 / night

    "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."

    5. Totoket Valley RV Park

    1 Review
    North Branford, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 484-0099

    $55 / night

    7. Lake Compounce Campground

    11 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    24 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."

    8. CRAIG'S place

    Be the first to review!
    Woodbridge, CT
    5 miles
    +1 (413) 250-9716

    $40 / night

    9. Gentiles Campground

    6 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    10. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-1339

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Haven, CT

423 Reviews of 77 New Haven Campgrounds



Guide to New Haven

Camping near New Haven, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. One camper mentioned, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and sand at Hammonasset State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "The beach was popular," highlighting its appeal for beachgoers.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Wilderness Lake Park, you can paddle around the pond and enjoy swimming. One reviewer noted, "The pond is warm water and seemed clean enough."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at Beaver Pond Campground — Harriman State Park. A satisfied visitor said, "I enjoy the beach/lakefront, and regularly cleaned bathroom and shower facilities."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities at Brialee Family Campground. One family mentioned, "The sand beach is great for the kids and there is always something going on."
  • Quiet and Relaxing: Campers often find peace at Kettletown State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "It's quiet, clean, and exactly what we were looking for in a weekend."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Wildwood State Park Campground noted, "The crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly."
  • Site Privacy: Campers at Rocky Neck State Park Campground found that "the site itself is not very private but very spacious," so be prepared for close quarters.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no on-site camp store for last minute necessities."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with scheduled activities. One camper at Strawberry Park said, "Lots of kids activities, friendly staff," making it a great choice for families.
  • Choose the Right Site: Some sites are better for families than others. A family at Mystic KOA found, "The wooded tent site - quiet during the week and packed out by the weekend."
  • Pack Essentials: Make sure to bring everything you need, as some campgrounds may not have stores. A visitor at Wilderness Lake Park appreciated the "camp store [that] is large with plenty of stuff."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mystic KOA mentioned, "Our site was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our 45’ motorhome."
  • Look for Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric and water hookups. At Hammonasset State Park Campground, a camper noted, "50 AMP, sewer & water hookup."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near roads. A visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground said, "Lots of late-night car movement and driving around."

Camping around New Haven, CT, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near New Haven, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Haven, CT is Hammonasset State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 38 reviews.

What parks are near New Haven, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near New Haven, CT that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.