Best Camping near North Branford, CT

Join the fun near North Branford. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near North Branford, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in North Branford, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near North Branford, CT (101)

    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    71 Photos
    288 Saves
    Clinton, Connecticut

    Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest of Connecticut’s shoreline parks. Two-mile beach, facilities for swimming, camping (third weekend in May to Columbus Day), picnicking, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking and boating; concessions. Nature center and interpretive programs. Bicycle rentals available through Labor Day, rates begin at $10 per hour and range up to $75 per week, with discounts for children. Helmets provided free to use and are mandatory for riders 15 and younger. Note: Lifeguards on duty on Wednesday through Sunday. Pricing: Weekdays: free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm. Weekends and holidays: free for CT vehicles; $22/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm William F. Miller Campground. 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Saltwater swimming and fishing. Individual fireplaces not provided. No pets.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $20 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildwood State Park Campground

    2. Wildwood State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    64 Photos
    217 Saves
    Wading River, New York

    Take the Virtual Tour! - WILDWOOD STATE PARK

    Wildwood State Park comprises 600 acres of undeveloped hardwood forest, terminating on the high bluff overlooking Long Island Sound. Swimmers can take advantage of the cool waters of the Sound, and picnickers can relax at shaded picnic tables as their children enjoy the nearby playground. Visitors can fish and use the hiking and cross-country ski trails, making this an enjoyable place to camp and be outdoors in any season. Geography: Wildwood State Park is located near Long Island Sound, on the north shore of Long Island, in Suffolk County. Recreation: Considered a flagship facility, visitors can enjoy the beach, biking, camper recreation programs, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and cross-country skiing. During July and August, movies are shown weekly, and once a week, campers can enjoy an evening of line or square dancing. Facilities: The park has 2 miles of beach on the Long Island sound for fishing and swimming. Each campsite has a picnic table, and dumping stations are nearby. There are 10 cottages, each with a fire ring, screened-in patio, and are available for rent through mid-November. The campground recycles newspaper and cardboard. Other amenities include food concessions, a nature trail, twelve miles of marked hiking trails, a picnic area, basketball courts, ball fields, a playground, and showers. Firewood is for sale at the park; bring your own barbecue or metal fire container.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    3. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    62 Photos
    173 Saves
    South Lyme, Connecticut

    Situated along the scenic Connecticut coastline making great camping near New Haven, Rocky Neck State Park is a is a small recreation area that features white sand beaches, salt marshes, and the rocky remnants of Ice Age glaciers. The park is located about 1 hour southeast of Hartford, near the town of East Lyme, with a view across the sound of Fishers Island, Gardiners Island, and Long Island. The park showcases several examples of ancient glacial terrain, including rock scouring and polishing, potholes and erratic boulders. In some places, the overlying sediment has been completely eroded away to reveal interesting outcrops of banded granitic gneiss.

    The campground at Rocky Neck offers 160 drive-in campsites for tent and RV campers. Visitors can choose from open, grassy sites and wooded, shady sites. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, but RV hookups are not available. Sites can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 35 feet; some sites are tent-only. Water faucets, restrooms, and trash/recycling receptacles are located throughout the campground; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. Dogs are not permitted in this park. Camping is available from May through September; sites are $20–$30/night; reservations accepted.

    The main attraction at Rocky Neck is its wide, sandy beach, where visitors can lounge in the sun, or go for a dip in Long Island Sound. The park has several picnic areas for family and group gatherings, several miles of hiking trails for exploring the park’s salt marshes, waterways and natural features, and anglers can fish for saltwater bass, blackfish and flounder. Along the park’s western shore, the historic Ellie Mitchell Pavilion has concessions, and dining and lounging areas. The park also offers a variety of seasonal interpretive programs, guided hikes, wildlife viewing, and evening entertainment.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverdale Farm Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverdale Farm Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverdale Farm Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverdale Farm Campsites

    4. Riverdale Farm Campsites

    11 Reviews
    4 Photos
    51 Saves
    Clinton, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Compounce Campground

    6. Lake Compounce Campground

    11 Reviews
    4 Photos
    49 Saves
    Bristol, Connecticut

    Lake Compounce Campground is a one-of-a-kind family camping experience located steps away from Lake Compounce Family Theme & Water Park. Lake Compounce Campground provides one-bedroom cabins, two-bedroom cabins, cub huts, tipis, RV spaces, and tent sites. Plus, perks like discounted single-day admission to the park, themed weekends every weekend, family activities, and tons of amenities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf's Den Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf's Den Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf's Den Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7. Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    4 Photos
    38 Saves
    Hadlyme, Connecticut

    Owned & operated by the Gustine family since 1994, Wolf’s Den Campground is located on 35 scenic acres in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley. Whether for the day, week, month or season, the campground is an ideal place to camp, relax and enjoy the great outdoor life with your friends and family. Every year thousands of families, many of them repeat customers, find their way to Wolf’s Den to join us for loads of fun activities, visiting many nearby attractions, and just kicking back and escaping for a while. We cater to all ages and lifestyles and welcome tent & popup campers, full time travelers, seasonals, and weekenders alike. As we celebrate over 50 years in the camping industry, we invite you to visit and experience all the family fun and camping excitement that we have to offer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA

    8. Niantic KOA

    11 Reviews
    48 Photos
    70 Saves
    South Lyme, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    9. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    43 Photos
    56 Saves
    Salem, Connecticut

    The water at Devil's Hopyard State Park is unsafe for drinking. Please plan to bring your own water when camping or visiting the park.

    21 wooded sites near scenic waterfall. Stream fishing, no swimming. No pets.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $14 - $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park

    10. Indian Island County Park

    10 Reviews
    27 Photos
    97 Saves
    Riverhead, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
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Showing results 1-10 of 101 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near North Branford

Recent Reviews in North Branford

510 Reviews of 101 North Branford Campgrounds


  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hopeville Pond State Park Campground
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Hopeville Pond State Park Campground

    Small campground in three sections on Hopeville Pond

    General: There are three sections to this campground: five canoe sites; 16 sites including one cabin behind the ranger station and what I would assume is the main section with 61 sites. Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities. Note: Pets are not allowed at this campground!

    Site Quality: We arrived in the rain after the Ranger station had closed and circled the main section several times trying to find the site with the least amount of water. We did not know until the next morning when we went to pay that we ended up in an ADA-accessible site. It was not marked in any way and I’m guessing that the only reason it was designated as such was its proximity to the restrooms. All sites appeared level and even though they were supposed to have gravel pads, they were mostly a mix of dirt (or mud) and grass with a little gravel. 

    Bath/Shower House: In the main section, there is a very large and clean indoor bathhouse with free showers. Did not use the shower so cannot comment. Appreciated that there was immediate hot water at the sinks. The other two sections have vault toilets. 

    Activities/Amenities: In season there is swimming, but the beach is very small. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular. There are also some trails for walking/hiking, a basketball hoop, a dump station, and recycling. 

    This was an overnight stay for us but the rate for out-of-state campers, while higher than for residents, was reasonable at $30. We would return to this campground.

  • Ricky H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Onion Mountain Park
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Onion Mountain Park

    Quiet overnight

    Very peaceful overnight camping, no permit required. Small campsite, first come first served basis. Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not. 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.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Niantic KOA

    Future potential?

    We generally only stay in KOAs or similar RV parks when we need showers, laundry, or a dump station. This one was in a convenient location plus many campgrounds had not yet opened for the year when we were there. It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site. There was a sign that improvements are underway, but I am not sure what those planned improvements are and when they will be implemented.

    On the plus side:

    *Friendly and helpful staff. Not sure why when we are given a map an employee escorts us to our site but that is a KOA thing. Later an employee asked if I wanted help carrying our clothes to the laundry.

    * Warm showers (but it did take a while for the water to get warm)

    *Brand new pool that was uncovered but it was way too cold in April to use*Sites were spaced a decent amount of space apart (although there is little physical separation). This was helped by the fact that there was no one on either side of us during our stay.

    *In season, there are many activities to occupy families (pool, playground, mini golf, daily firetruck rides, complimentary shuttle into the town of Niantic); however, we could not take advantage of most of these.

    *Reasonably priced laundry, although the washing machines were smal, and it took two to do what should have been one load. However, the dryers give you 60 minutes so although it took longer to dry, I only had to use one. 

    On the negative side:

    *Unmaintained roadways. The main one was once paved but has not been maintained; others were dirt (and mud after a rain)

    *High price for what we received. Not sure if we received an off-season rate but at $87 per night for a water/electric site and not being able to take advantage of amenities seemed high.

    *Allowing political flags to be displayed at sites. I understand that on private property, this can be allowed at the owner's discretion, but this was offensive to us. 

    Again, this is not our preferred type of camping. Initially, I struggled to give this two stars but once the rain stopped, our stay improved somewhat.

  • Prashant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Indian Island County Park

    Very Busy! Close quarters! Can be loud and neighbors are ignorant of rules

    Stayed at this campground this past weekend and yes it was a long weekend so the campground was packed. All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines. Neighbors are loud and some of them are ignorant of the park rules. Staying on the phones in the middle of the night while talking so loud that all camping neighbors can hear their whole story

    Its a pity that they take a nice park and remove the fun out of camping. 

    However the walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip

    Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept , no fire ring (BYOFP)

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heckscher State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Heckscher State Park Campground

    Great for families, not for solitude

    The campsites are very close together without any defining borders so everybody just walks across each other site’s to get to a different one, a path, the bathroom, etc. No solitude, lots of families with kids, lots of music, I mean it’s basically a party. I didn’t realize this when I made my reservations. The place is great for families who want a safe space to camp and it’s a typical Long Island campground. Rangers came around checking on everyone often so it really did feel incredibly safe. I had a pick up truck w/ tinted windows follow me in the park for quite a while which was rather creepy and I couldn’t shake them. When I biked into the campground itself, the pick up truck couldn’t get past the check in area. Everyone I met was friendly and there’s a little shop in the front of the campgrounds that sells various items. I personally wouldn’t stay here again unless I was meeting up with friends or something and wasn’t trying to have more solitude. This is no fault of the park itself though, I’m just more of a woods girl.

  • Kathy T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Salt Rock State Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Salt Rock State Campground

    Clean, but dated facilities

    Campground is a bit crowded with sites close together. The facilities were clean but quite old. There are some nice hiking trails along the river.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    quiet and surrounded by boats. clean restrooms and lovely pool nice people

    Needed a place to stay for 2 nights , My wife and I were going to show at the Garde Theater. Which was walking distance from the boat yard.

    Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard.

    The next day we took the ferry to Block Island which was also walking distance from the boat yard. Block Island a must see. Took the 5 pm ferry back. 

    Had dinner at a Thai restaurant which was 5 minutes walking and it was great.

    Sunday we went and visited Fort Trumbull which is also walking distance away. Very nice place to visit and learn.

    Also took a tour of the Coast Guard Ship at Fort Trumbull.

    Head home around 12 pm stopped a Logee's Greenhouse on the way home.

    All and All it was a great get away weekend.

    Thank You Crocker Boat Yard!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kettletown State Park Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Kettletown State Park Campground

    Great location, but not a good experience

    Camping Review:

    This campsite is beautifully located in the woods, offering a peaceful and serene environment. There are no busy roads nearby, which ensures a quiet setting during the day.

    However, there are several downsides to consider. The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers. Additionally, swimming at the nearby beach is restricted to residents of the village, so visitors are not allowed to swim there.

    During our stay, there were multiple large groups, including a Christian group that preached (screamingly) and played loud music until midnight, despite the designated quiet hours. Unfortunately, the management did nothing to enforce the rules, which was disruptive.

    Another significant issue was the state of the sanitary facilities. They were extremely dirty, with feces present in various places. It took a long time before anything was cleaned, which obviously kept us from using the facilities.

    Overall, while the location is beautiful, the poor management, noise issues, and dirty sanitary facilities seriously detract from the experience.

  • ALEX H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great for a quick stop

    Secure and convenient location. Site can be a bit loud but calms down during the evening . Bathrooms were clean and the pool was amazing. Definitely going back!

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Connecticut

       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. They divide the loops with names. I unfortunately chose Pequot. This loop has THE WORST bathrooms/showers on the South side of the campground. Looks like they were built in 1950s with rotten wood siding. Dirty. The showers were outside the bathroom- there was a bench & hooks OUTSIDE! We found out all the other loops had modern bathhouses.

     My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road. I actually liked it! This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards,roller blades. Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car.

      I found out most people stay through Sunday & leave on Monday. There were still lots of campers left. Lots of tent campers. 

       I chose site 14 on the Pequot Loop because I thought I would have a view of one of the ponds. There was tall vegetation, so that was out.

     The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night. 

      There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny. 

       There's no electricity at most of the sites. Our site was full sun(yay for the solar panel!). On Beach Road in the campground there's 2 rows of full hookup sites, but they go FAST! I tried.

    NO PETS! Including dogs.

       No WiFi, but there's cell service. At least 5 dump stations. 

     The beach was popular. 

      There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in. 

     They have a beautiful Nature Center. A couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves.

      This was a good base camp for the area. Gillette Castle & other state parks are within driving distance. Connecticut is a beautiful state!!

  • carol T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waters Edge Family Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Waters Edge Family Campground

    BEWARE WATERS EDGE CAMPGROUNDS THEY WILL KEEP ALL YOUR MONEY

    JUNE 30,2024  my husband & I were seasonals at waters edge campground Lebanon Connecticuit  gave them a 30 day notice we were leaving this place wasnt for us just awful the owners are just money hungey thieves they told us they were keeping our deposit wich we expected because it says non refundable deposit so okay fine but we paid for the whole season its open april15 to october15 gave a 30 day notice left june 30 they refused to give us back the money for july ,august,september,to october 15 they ket 750 plus 2500 dollars told us were not getting our money back So iam sure they rented the site thats double dipping so fair warning I dont want this to happen to anyone else they will Rob you blind oh and they broke our ice maker when they dewinterized our trailer and never owned up to it came down to my floor in camper soaked with water from my freezer and didnr bother to clean tthe mess and said  it must have been broken nefore so they are also dirty liars I didnt want to even give a one star rating but had to put somethin i give the a big fat 0

  • Steve Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great night at the Marina

    Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good.

    Enjoyed the pool.

    Walked to Fort Trumbull.

    Recommend Crockers.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    boat yard camping!!!

    We were here on an extremely hot and humid couple days.  It was great to have electric and water hookups.  Also being able to use their pool with our grandchildren was great.  They were very accommodating with all our questions and needs.  No trees but its a boat yeard.  And very interesting to watch the goings on at a boat yard

  • Matt S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Mystic KOA

    Great campground for coastal CT & RI

    We stayed at Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, to be tourists in Mystic. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! 

    This campground is just 15-minutes from Mystic and about an hour’s drive to Newport, Rhode Island. It’s just a few minutes from I-95 and so close to Mystic Aquarium, downtown Mystic, Mystic Seaport, and all the local spots. 

    It’s a well-maintained campground with 2 pools(though the larger one was closed for maintenance during our stay), lots of play areas and daily activities for little ones, and a cool“pub truck” for adult drinks. Our site(#408) was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our 45’ motorhome and toad(and then some!). It was level and gravel with a nice fire ring and picnic table. The hookups worked fine with 50-amp electric and decent water pressure. Cable TV had nearly 50-channels, but the wi-fi didn’t quite reach our part of the park. 

    Due to a family issue, we needed to leave about a day-and-a-half early. We called the office as a courtesy to let them know as we were pulling out and received a partial credit for a night’s stay on our credit card. Didn’t even ask, they just did it. Thanks Mystic KOA! 

    We’ll definitely be back. This is a great place to stay when visiting the coastal Connecticut/Rhode Island area.

  • G Y.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Waramaug State Park Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    Quiet Rustic Camping

    My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view. Note that we are a Scout family and my husband and son have camped many days well off the grid with only the gear and food in their backpacks. That skews our point of view. 

    First off, Connecticut’s state campgrounds are not KOA’s. 

    Do not expect top of the line activities that private campgrounds have.

    What it does have are clean, large sites that are partially wooded and not out in the open. 

    The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing. Bring your own gear but kayak and canoe rentals are available. The swim area is marginal- best for little ones. 

    This park is remote from all conveniences- pack it in or expect a drive. There have been several times I’ve driven to the Dunkin Donuts miles down the road for coffee but I find using a French press is more convenient. For takeout there’s the White Horse on 202. It’s ranked a top restaurant in the state - the food is good. 

    Never have we had issues with wildlife besides squirrels and ducks. Leave no trace is important - it keeps the unwelcome wildlife out. 

    There have been issues with the bathrooms off and on over the decades. It seems like they’ve finally fixed everything. Our trip of 7/27-28 showed everything was fine.

    The only on-site services are firewood and ice sales. The little food shack is out of business. 

    Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years. Actually we were a bit disappointed because this camp ground is a great place to disconnect and relax. Being forced to put away the devices is heaven in my mind. You can drive about 5+ minutes out and get cell service. Regarding rowdiness, of the 20+ times we’ve camped only twice was it a problem. 

    Also, this place is not glamping. The area is rural, so cows do moo at 6am, and kids are up even earlier. If you like to sleep in skip and rent a B&B. 

    Also if you want a better place to swim go to Mt.Tom state park about 10 minutes up the road. It’s a day use only park-no camping- but the lake is gorgeous and there are very few people there.

  • Laura D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Brialee Family Campground
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Brialee Family Campground

    Best Camping Experience

    This was our families first time staying at Brialee Campground.  The cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean.  The staff were friendly and helpful. The activities were great and kept my grand children busy.  Swimming and the lake were fun.  I cannot say enough wonderful things.  We had such a great time I booked my reservations for Next July 2025 before I left.

    A special thank you to Sherri for the personal tour and showing us the ropes!  She is the best.

    The D'Avanzo Family

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Strawberry Park

    Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

    Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

  • Beth R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Mystic KOA

    Nice amenities

    Pros: 15 minutes from Mystic CT 50 AMP, sewer & water hookup Nice amenities

    Cons: Gravel site No shade Tight site & hard to get in/out for big rig

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Hither Hills State Park Campground

    Beachfront camping

    I took the train to Montauk on 6/20/24 and got a cab ($20) to the campsite.  All sites were reserved, but only 1/3 were being used. I was able to put my name on a waitlist and got a tent lot.  They wouldn’t let me register for more than 1 night.

    I was in A6, which is against the dunes (which are ~12ft tall), so I could hear the surf, but not see it. There was no one within 2 sites, so it was quiet.

    Friday morning, I put my name on the waitlist at 8am, I had to break down my site by 11am, and come back at 1pm to claim a site. I took J10 (which is on a bluff ~20ft above the beach and G, H and I areas). Strangely, I was offered a 2 night stay (Fri&Sat).

    Beautiful views of the ocean from my tent and I could still hear the surf. Area J has the best (newest?) facilities (bathrooms, showers, sinks (kitchen and personal)). Drawback is 10 minute walk to the general store/ranger station and 5 minutes to the beach (10 to swimming area).

    Almost no cell service! 2 bars was the maximum and finding that was rare. (Not enough service to get an Uber or play Spotify). There is a landline outside at the ranger’s station.

    General Store closed at 3pm, but Gurney’s is 1.5 miles down the beach if you want expensive bars and restaurants.

    FYI, guarded swimming area is ~100 yards wide and located next to the entrance circle.

  • Kerry G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Odetah Camping Resort
    Jun. 21, 2024

    Odetah Camping Resort

    “Camp”grounds that discriminates against tent campers

    Odetah Camping Resort called us today 24 hours prior to our arrival- after 4 years of camping there- to cancel our site unless we rented an RV and didn’t use tents. We were allowed to book and had the booking for 4 months. I was on the phone with them while I booked for assistance since it’s a group booking for 16. I called later to book a cabana too. They never once said anything. Then they called 24 hours in advance because our reservation said tent and that’s not allowed. Then they charged us a cancellation fee. Even tho they cancelled ON US. 

    But my favorite part is them saying that the camping industry is moving to no longer allow tents. They think they are*kind* to still allow tents-a handful of sites on a rocky hill that don’t have electricity or water. So those with medical needs cannot use those sites. Those with mobility limitations cannot either. 

    WHAT?! 

    Camping= tents. Change your name if you are going to discriminate. Don’t worry tho, you can put on a tent NEXT TO an rv on the sites. You just cant put only a tent. 

    Their customer service was horrendous. The experience was horrendous. What a shame.

  • G
    Camper-submitted photo from Smith Point County Park
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Smith Point County Park

    Lovely campsite

    Truly great spot. Amazing sites with plenty of room, though they are close together. But was worth it for the amenities and fantastic views. Stayed on the bayside (site 30), which had a fantastic direct bay view. Although most sites have views of the bay, some are blocked by seagrass (for example site 28 - huge corner spot but the flat spot to park has an obstructed view). Literally steps to the beach.

  • Topher L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Rock State Park Campground
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Great Place to Relax

    The staff greeted with warm welcomes and big smiles. Even when I arrived on a rainy Sunday. Stayed until Friday. And the grounds staff smiled and waved as they went by. 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. No body bothered me and I was right front and center. Kids riding around on the bikes and lots of laughter from other sites. It was nice. Was able to just relax and do some school work and watch some webinars and get some much needed work done. This was my first of many stops on my countrywide trip. From NJ originally. Spent almost a week here in CT hitting Hartford for the weekend then off to Rhode Island. It was great. No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator and they have a wash area for dishes and REALLY HOT showers. Lol I like my showers hot butt my biscuits were burnin lol. They also have a dump station and a place to fill up ur water tank as well. 5 star all the way. Side note...the map online is misleading. I thought site 1 was like away and sorta back by no one...ha noppeeee I was riiiight in the middle where EVERYONE saw me lmao. No tree cover or anything! Lol. All good tho. That was my own fault for not calling and asking lol helped me level up on my social anxiety 😂🫣🤗😅

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park
    Jun. 2, 2024

    Suffolk County Sears Bellows County Park

    Tick Kingdom

    This is a nice campground - not crowded and centrally located. However, I cannot walk ANYWHERE without picking up ticks. Even on the large sand paths, going to and from the bathroom I find ticks. It’s amazing!


Drive Time


Guide to North Branford

Camping near North Branford, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Rocky Neck State Park Campground, are just a short walk from the beach. Campers enjoy the convenience of heading to the beach without extra fees. One visitor mentioned, “Had a wonderful time love the fact you can walk or drive to the beach at no additional cost.”

  • Nature Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Kettletown State Park Campground. Hikers appreciate the beautiful shorter trails nearby. A reviewer noted, “The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful.”

  • Family Activities: Campgrounds like Brialee Family Campground offer tons of activities for kids. One family shared, “The activities were great and kept my grandchildren busy.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Clarence Fahnestock State Park said, “The bathrooms were very old and very clean. Flush toilets. Heated.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers appreciate the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Mystic KOA remarked, “The staff are amazing and the entire place is completely geared to families.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at places like Hammonasset State Park Campground. One camper noted, “The site was spacious only drawback is you have to walk everything in.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. A visitor at Kettletown State Park Campground mentioned, “Overall, folks seemed to be there in larger groups for celebrations so things were loud well past midnight.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground pointed out, “There is no on-site camp store for last minute necessities.”
  • Pet Policies: Some campgrounds, like Hammonasset State Park Campground, do not allow pets. A reviewer noted, “NO PETS! Including dogs.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities for kids. One family at Brialee Family Campground said, “There are tons of activities and the kids love their playground.”
  • Choose Sites Wisely: Some sites are closer to amenities, which can be helpful for families. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground mentioned, “The Osprey loop has the most woodsy campsites.”
  • Bring Essentials: Since some campgrounds lack stores, pack snacks and drinks. A visitor at Mystic KOA noted, “The camp store has a small variety of camp supplies, drinks and food.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to choose a site that fits your RV. A reviewer at Clarence Fahnestock State Park advised, “Careful which site you choose.”
  • Look for Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Mystic KOA mentioned, “50 AMP, sewer & water hookup.”
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Lone Oak Camp Sites said, “The sheer armada of golf carts constantly going up and down the road make you feel like you’re camping on a highway instead of in nature.”

Camping near North Branford, Connecticut, offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near North Branford, CT?

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

  • What parks are near North Branford, CT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near North Branford, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.