Camping spots near Newington, Connecticut offer mixed woodland and field environments with elevations ranging from 50-350 feet. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within watersheds that feed the Connecticut River, making fishing a common activity. Summer camping conditions often feature morning fog in low-lying areas that burns off by mid-morning.
What to do
Trout fishing access: Austin Hawes Memorial Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities on the Farmington River. "Excellent campground for tent campers. Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots," notes Tom C.
Hiking near camp: Take advantage of the varied terrain at White Pines Campsites where "hiking trails were nice, good variety of easier and more difficult terrain" according to Becca Z. Trails range from flat, half-mile loops suitable for beginners to more challenging terrain with elevation changes.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds in the region offer swimming, either in pools or natural bodies of water. Waters Edge features "a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in," as Laura M. explains. Swimming areas are typically open from 10am-7pm during summer months, with some locations requiring children under 12 to be supervised.
Playground facilities: Family campgrounds in the area maintain play areas for children. White Pines Campsites gets praise for "a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball" according to reviews, making it ideal for families needing to burn off energy between outdoor adventures.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Onion Mountain Park offers more secluded camping experiences. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night. The spot is not very big so make sure to bring a smaller tent," shares Nora S.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as important. At Lake Compounce Campground, guests appreciate that "restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," according to Diane R.
Site spaciousness: The arrangement and size of campsites affects overall satisfaction. At Waters Edge Family Campground, campers appreciate that "our site was T3 and it was spacious and spread out from other tent sites. There was a tiny creek meandering behind the site and the woods just went on for miles."
Proximity to water features: Campers value sites with water access. "Campground was a bit crowded and not much shade but the short walk to the beach made it worth it," notes Stephanie S. about her experience at one of the coastal camping options near Newington.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak season (June-August), campsites fill quickly, especially for weekend stays. For popular campgrounds like Hammonasset State Park, Emily T. advises "the camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!"
Wildlife awareness: Black bears are present in the region's woodland areas. "Beware of bears. We and several other neighboring campers spied a pretty big black bear not far enough away in the late morning hours," reports one camper. Store food properly and keep sites clean.
Seasonal variations: Several campgrounds operate with limited services in spring and fall. "CG is pretty empty during the week and gets busy during the weekend," notes Richard about Lake Compounce Campground in September, making off-peak visits ideal for those seeking quiet.
Cell connectivity: Unlike the coastal areas, inland campgrounds may have limited service. One campground mentions "no cellphone service, which is either a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about it." Prepare accordingly if you need connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Best sites for kids: Black Rock State Park Campground offers family-friendly options with room for play. "The sites are very spacious and clean. The park itself is also well kept and clean. Lot of good hiking trails with a scenic view and waterfall to discover," says Tanya B.
Activity planning: Most family-oriented campgrounds schedule weekend activities. At Waters Edge, families appreciate that they have "activities every weekend" which helps keep children occupied during longer stays.
Noise considerations: Sound carries at campgrounds, affecting family sleep schedules. "Night fell and the place turned into Margaritaville. The seasonal RVers have really taken over the place and while some have tasteful decor and lights, others not so much," notes one review about weekend atmospheres.
Bug preparation: Insects are prevalent in Connecticut campgrounds, particularly in wooded areas and near water. "In the summer, this place is mosquito central, so bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!" advises Katherine P. about Austin Hawes Memorial Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should check site dimensions and terrain. At Lake Compounce Campground, Tina notes, "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."
Hookup limitations: Many state park campgrounds have limited or no hookups. "Most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have a RV," explains one reviewer about Hammonasset State Park.
Dump stations: Availability varies between campgrounds. At Markham Meadows, there's "electric and water available. Dump station on the way out," as Karena G. confirms, which affects how long you can comfortably stay.
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "A lot of the sites we drove by were pretty sloped—I would recommend a drive through if you can beforehand," suggests Becca Z., highlighting the importance of checking sites before committing.
