Best Campgrounds near Northford, CT

Campgrounds near Northford, Connecticut provide a mix of established facilities and scenic locations within driving distance of Long Island Sound. Several state parks, including Hammonasset State Park and Rocky Neck State Park, offer tent and RV camping with varied amenities. Totoket Valley RV Park in North Branford provides sites closest to Northford proper, while more diverse accommodations including cabins and glamping options can be found at Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton and Lake Compounce Campground in Bristol. Most developed campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select locations offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional shelter.

Connecticut's coastal and inland campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with most state park facilities open from late May through early September. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Campground layouts vary significantly, from open field settings at Hammonasset to more wooded sites at parks like Kettletown State Park. Weather considerations include occasional summer thunderstorms and high humidity, with more moderate conditions in spring and fall. Several campgrounds implement quiet hours to manage noise levels across their closely situated sites. A visitor commented, "Most sites are quite level. Park-like settings surrounding a large lawn. Bathhouses are being rehabbed, deemed adequate; can be seedy towards the end of the season."

Waterfront locations consistently receive positive reviews, with campers highlighting beach access at coastal state parks as a major draw. Hammonasset State Park offers direct beach access and family-friendly amenities, though sites can become crowded during peak season. Rocky Neck State Park provides a beach experience with swimming areas and nature trails. Most campgrounds feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities. Campground layouts vary in privacy levels, with some visitors noting closely spaced sites at certain locations. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, family-oriented activities and nature programs are common at larger state parks, while private campgrounds often provide additional recreational facilities like swimming pools, fishing ponds, and organized activities. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though Wi-Fi availability varies by campground.

Best Camping Sites Near Northford, Connecticut (106)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    15 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. Riverdale Farm Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    12 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!"

    3. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    18 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."

    4. Totoket Valley RV Park

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

    $55 / night

    5. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    22 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."

    6. Hidden Lake Farm

    1 Review
    Higganum, CT
    11 miles
    +1 (860) 301-6983

    $49 - $89 / night

    7. Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hadlyme, CT
    19 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"

    8. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    29 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."

    9. Wildwood State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    30 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."

    10. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Northford, CT

558 Reviews of 106 Northford Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.

  • Michael
    Sep. 20, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    The Quarry Campground

    Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • j
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great!

    Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    I mean wow!!

    So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.

    We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.

    And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.


Guide to Northford

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

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and sand at Hammonasset State Park Campground. The beach is popular, and kids can play in the stream running from a pond. One visitor mentioned, "The beach was popular," making it a great spot for families.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Kettletown State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The shorter hiking trails in the area were really beautiful," perfect for a day of outdoor fun.
  • Amusement Park: Stay at Lake Compounce Campground for easy access to the amusement park. One camper shared, "It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park," making it a hit for thrill-seekers.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness at Odetah Camping Resort. A visitor said, "The campground was nice and large. Very family-oriented," highlighting the well-maintained amenities.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the helpful staff at Niantic KOA. One reviewer mentioned, "The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area," which can make your stay more enjoyable.
  • Spacious Sites: At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, visitors noted, "The site itself is not very private but very spacious," allowing for a comfortable camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground mentioned, "Overnight noise was an issue," so be prepared for some late-night activity.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots like Hammonasset State Park Campground fill up quickly. One family advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Kettletown State Park Campground, lack certain amenities. A reviewer noted, "This is the only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars," referring to the need for better bathhouses.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities. At Odetah Camping Resort, one camper said, "This place has everything from a pool, splash pad, boats, food, ice cream," making it a great choice for families.
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially at campgrounds like Waters Edge Family Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Noise was not a problem overnight," which is ideal for families with young kids.
  • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds have limited food options. A camper at Lake Compounce Campground noted, "The staff were very friendly and they had some activities," so plan ahead for meals.

Tips from RVers:

  • Site Size: Check the size of RV sites. A reviewer at Rocky Neck State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," which is a plus for RVers.
  • Dump Stations: Make sure to locate dump stations. One camper at Bear Creek Campground said, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out," so plan accordingly.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Odetah Camping Resort noted, "Some of the non-seasonal sites are very tight," so check site details before booking.

Camping near Northford, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Northford, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Northford, CT is Hammonasset State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 39 reviews.

What parks are near Northford, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Northford, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.