Best Campgrounds near North Westchester, CT

Campgrounds near North Westchester, Connecticut provide a mix of family-oriented facilities and natural settings within easy reach of Long Island Sound. Waters Edge Family Campground in Lebanon and Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam represent the range of options available, from full-service private campgrounds to more rustic state park experiences. Most facilities accommodate tent camping, RV camping with hookups, and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds like Odetah Camping Resort in Bozrah also offer glamping and yurt accommodations, providing alternatives for those seeking more comfort while enjoying the outdoors.

Seasonal operation is standard throughout the region, with most campgrounds open from April or May through October. A review noted, "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." Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds require advance booking through reservation systems, with some state parks allowing reservations up to six months in advance. Weather conditions remain mild during the camping season, though summer humidity can be significant. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, making navigation and communication straightforward for visitors.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw at several campgrounds in the region. Rocky Neck State Park Campground and Hammonasset State Park Campground both provide beach access along Long Island Sound, with hiking trails and nature centers adding to their appeal. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "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." Campground amenities vary widely, with private facilities typically offering more services like swimming pools, organized activities, and full hookups. State park campgrounds generally provide more natural settings with basic amenities such as restrooms, showers, and fire rings. Site privacy can be limited at some of the more popular developed campgrounds, particularly during peak season when facilities operate at capacity.

Best Camping Sites Near North Westchester, Connecticut (148)

    1. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."

    "This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."

    2. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 526-2336

    $14 / night

    "There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly."

    "The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites."

    3. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 889-4144

    "Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."

    "Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."

    4. Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hadlyme, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 873-9681

    "This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."

    "Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"

    5. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    23 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."

    6. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    20 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."

    7. Salem Farms Campground

    4 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 859-2320

    $68 - $72 / night

    "We tent close to the restroom and the pool, which are very clean. We go mid week and the special is pay 2 nights, get third night free."

    "It was too close to the road, and they wouldn't let him pull in so we were facing each other even though it would have easily worked out."

    8. Markham Meadows

    2 Reviews
    North Westchester, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 267-9738

    9. GrandView CampResort & Cottages

    2 Reviews
    Moodus, CT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 873-3332

    $30 - $70 / night

    10. Witch Meadow Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 859-1542

    "Swimming pool, facilities, small lake as well larger lakes in the surrounding area. Great location and campground. Love it."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 148 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near North Westchester, CT

738 Reviews of 148 North Westchester Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Green Falls Campground

    Inexpensive and primitive

    We like Green Falls. Again, it is inexpensive and kinda primitive, but it sure also quiet and a real woods camping environment. Take a hike around the pond, fish and swim in season, and enjoy a laid back approach to your time here.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Great spot for no frills camping

    We loved Mt. Misery. We spent $17/night, and we know what to expect at that price point. We stayed during fall foliage season and even though CT has had a drought this year, there were still pretty colors to see. We hiked to the overlook of Mt. Misery and had a great time geocaching and enjoying the trails. We found the campsites to be decent, and a number of them did afford privacy and space, we had 4 people and 3 dogs on our site, and had plenty of room for our travel trailer and 2 tents. We will be back here for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great spot and good communication

    Was in town for the Elvis show. This was minutes from downtown definitely walkable. Will be back again!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!


Guide to North Westchester

Campgrounds near North Westchester, Connecticut offer year-round access options with most facilities maintaining elevation levels below 500 feet. The region's inland location creates a buffer from coastal storms while still providing convenient access to Long Island Sound beaches and recreation areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with higher humidity in July and August.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Waters Edge Family Campground, campers can enjoy freshwater fishing in their lake. "There is a little lake for fishing, kayaking and swimming if you like. The camp store is adequately supplied and they had just enough activities for the kids to be engaged," notes reviewer Erin M. The campground's pond setting creates a peaceful environment for anglers of all skill levels.

Waterfall viewing: Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground features Chapman Falls, a scenic cascade just minutes from the campsites. As reviewer Robert L. states, "The waterfall was a quick walk away and you could hike down to the river for a quick dip. The river isn't deep enough for a full swim but still was good enough on a hot day." The falls create a cooling microclimate that's especially welcome during summer months.

Bird watching: Hammonasset State Park Campground offers extensive bird watching opportunities along coastal marshes. "Nice beaches, great hiking and bird watching. Friendly staff. Amazing sunset scene," writes reviewer Ossama B. The park's diverse ecosystems support migratory and resident bird species throughout the camping season.

What campers like

Lakeside camping: Many campers appreciate direct waterfront access at Odetah Camping Resort. "From a massage at the Spa to a fun band by the lake, to Bingo night, mini-golf and awesome ice cream Sundaes... tennis & basketball games, immaculate bathrooms....every night we went to bed tired and looking forward to doing it all again the next day!!" shares reviewer Happy Camper L. The resort's lake becomes the central hub for recreation.

Wooded privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options away from crowds. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs! We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park," writes Rob L. about Waters Edge Family Campground. Wooded sites typically fill faster than open field sites.

Beach proximity: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides convenient beach access within walking distance. Reviewer Carli V. notes, "Every campsite has its own fire pit with a grill attachment and a picnic table. My site was tent only and you couldn't pull your car up to the site so unloading and loading was a hassle. Beach is a short drive on site." The park's saltwater beach provides an alternative to freshwater swimming.

What you should know

Limited tent-only options: Some facilities have restrictions for tent campers. Odetah Camping Resort has drawn criticism for its tent policies, as Kerry G. reports: "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... But my favorite part is them saying that the camping industry is moving to no longer allow tents." Call ahead to confirm tent policies.

Off-season quiet: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides a different experience. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, campers find more space and tranquility outside peak times. Reviewer Kevin J. notes, "Very peaceful. There are activities on Friday and Saturday (like Bingo). Great store with extended hours. The camp staff will help you with anything." Many campgrounds reduce weekday rates by 20-30% during April, May, September and October.

Variable site privacy: Site selection impacts privacy significantly across campgrounds. Tim L. observes about Devil's Hopyard State Park: "Small campground and the sites are close together. I've stayed in site 8 and 11, seems like site 9 may be the best since only site 8 is directly next to it though. No amenities other than porta potty's." Review campground maps carefully when booking.

Tips for camping with families

Dog-friendly options: Several campgrounds near North Westchester welcome pets with specific amenities. Waters Edge Family Campground has dedicated pet recreation areas. Reviewer Rob L. mentions, "We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park. Every one of us had a great time with the perfect campsite deep in the woods." Check individual pet policies as restrictions apply.

Themed weekends: Salem Farms Campground and others offer special event weekends throughout the season. "We went tent camping with 3 other families. Loved the tent area and how close it was for the kids to use the pool and facilities. Everything was clean and well kept. We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing," reports Tara K. Many campgrounds post event calendars online by February.

Pool alternatives: During peak heat, campground pools can become crowded. Markham Meadows offers water recreation options beyond swimming pools. Erik G. notes, "Spacious sites that are not crammed together. Great trout fishing down the road. Everything you need is on the grounds. Swimming pool, kayaks and boats on the pond." Some facilities implement timed swim sessions during holidays.

Tips from RVers

Big rig accessibility: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. GrandView CampResort & Cottages provides suitable sites for bigger rigs. Reviewer Bill B. states simply, "We enjoyed our stay. Level sites and very nice owners." Call ahead to confirm turning radius requirements and site dimensions for units over 35 feet.

Utility connections: Witch Meadow Lake Campground offers full hookups, but WiFi can be problematic. According to John L., "Then there is the issue of no WiFi signal. I get you are camping but when you adjourn for the night and want to watch tc or work the websites the WiFi was very poor at best." Most campgrounds in the region now offer 50-amp service for larger RVs, but reservations for these premium sites fill quickly.

Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds near North Westchester typically operate from April through October with variable services. Wolf's Den Family Campground reviewer Kevin J. advises, "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers." Spring camping may involve muddy conditions while fall camping offers spectacular foliage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near North Westchester, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Westchester, CT is Waters Edge Family Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

What parks are near North Westchester, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near North Westchester, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.