The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Manchester, CT

657 Reviews

Campers heading to Manchester, Connecticut have several good camping spots within driving distance. Hammonasset State Park Campground sits about 36 miles away and combines beach access with both tent and RV camping. The sandy shoreline and trails make it popular during summer months. If you prefer trees over beaches, George Washington State Campground near the Rhode Island border works well for campers who want to fish or kayak on Bowdish Lake. Connecticut weather makes camping best in late spring and early fall when humidity drops and temperatures stay moderate. Summer gets hot and sticky, while winter camping means dealing with cold and potential snow. Both campgrounds connect to good roads, though it's smart to check if any construction or seasonal closures might affect your drive. The areas around these campgrounds have hiking trails and small towns where you can grab a meal or supplies. Some campsites give you more space from neighbors than others. Trees provide good shade at most sites, which helps during hot days. These Manchester-area campgrounds work for quick weekend trips or longer stays.

Map showing campgrounds near Manchester, ConnecticutExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Manchester, Connecticut (161)

    1. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-6352

    $70 / night

    "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."

    "It’s a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us. Cute patio overlooking the lake as well with seating."

    2. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    15 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."

    3. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 303-2267

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."

    "Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."

    4. The Quarry Campground

    4 Reviews
    Tolland, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 875-8325

    $45 - $68 / night

    "We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"

    5. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    22 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."

    6. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    24 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."

    7. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    22 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."

    8. River Highlands State Park River Campground

    1 Review
    Cromwell, CT
    13 miles
    +1 (203) 287-5658

    $5 / night

    "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."

    9. Markham Meadows

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

    10. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    West Simsbury, CT
    19 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 161 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Manchester Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, CT

275 Photos of 161 Manchester Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Manchester, CT

657 Reviews of 161 Manchester Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • 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.

  • Jim R.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Indian Ranch Campground

    Live Music, Lake Views, and Laid-Back Vibes—One of Our Favorite Campgrounds

    We ended up at Indian Ranch Campground after leaving another local campground under less-than-ideal circumstances… and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best accidental discoveries we’ve ever made.

    From the moment we arrived, the energy here was completely different—welcoming, relaxed, and full of life. The campground is beautifully laid out with well-kept sites, plenty of trees, and easy access to Webster Lake(aka Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg—yes, really).

    🎶 The concerts? Incredible. Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer. It’s like a music festival that doesn’t require you to sleep in a muddy field. Huge bonus for music lovers!

    🛺 Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views.

    🏊‍♂️ The pool is clean and inviting—perfect for relaxing after a show or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.

    🌅 The lake itself is stunning, with spots to sit and watch the boats, fish, or just take in the view. The vibe is very“lake life meets concert culture,” and it works perfectly.

    🍔 There’s also an on-site restaurant inside the gates with great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back patio atmosphere that completes the experience.

    🤝 The people here? Fantastic. Campers were friendly, staff was helpful, and there was an overall sense of community that you just don’t get at every park. In Summary: Awesome mix of camping+ concerts Clean facilities, full hookups, and spacious sites Golf cart rentals= a must! Pool, lake, and great food on-site Walkable access to live shows= chef’s kiss🎶 We stumbled in… and didn’t want to leave If you're looking for more than just a campsite—if you want an experience—this is it. We'll be back. Probably more than once.

  • Jim R.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Douglas Forest RV Resort

    Please—Do Your Homework Before You Stay Here

    I wish I wasn’t writing this.

    Truly. But if sharing our experience helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then it’s worth it.

    We booked two full weeks at Douglas Forest RV Resort, drawn in by its wooded setting and supposed family-friendly charm. The photos looked peaceful. The location sounded perfect. But within hours of arrival, we realized we had walked into something completely different.

    Almost immediately, we witnessed aggressive, disturbing behavior—adults yelling and chasing children through the park. At one point, a child was literally being pursued by a vehicle. In a campground. On the roads where people walk, dogs are walked, and kids ride bikes. We were shocked. We kept expecting someone from staff to step in—but no one did. When we brought it up to another guest, they just nodded and said,“Yeah… it’s always like this.” Turns out, management is known to overlook certain behavior from“regulars.”

    As we walked the grounds, we also noticed**several people clearly living out of tents—**not camping, not weekend warriors, but living there long-term. It gave the entire campground an uneasy, off-kilter feel. The line between traveler and transient is not well-maintained here, and it adds to the overall lack of safety and structure.

    We were ready to leave that night, but with tight, poorly lit roads, towing out after dark just wasn’t safe. So we locked up, barely slept, and pulled out at first light. We had paid for 14 nights. We stayed one. And we didn’t ask for a refund—because honestly, we just wanted out.

    And yes, we later discovered that many of the glowing reviews online were written by someone who works at the campground. That’s not just misleading—it’s reckless. Campers rely on those reviews to make informed choices.

    Douglas Forest RV Resort could be something special, but it’s not. Not right now. Not while safety is ignored, accountability is non-existent, and some guests are clearly treated as untouchable. Please, do your homework before booking here.

    We wish we had—just one day earlier.

  • Glenn M.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Douglas Forest RV Resort

    Reviews seem to be disappearing for this property.

    Mixed Experience- Potential Hindered by Operational Issues

    The new ownership appears committed to improvements, though the focus seems more on revenue generation than guest experience at this time. 

    Infrastructure Concerns: The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips. The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders. 

    Accommodations& Atmosphere: This is primarily a seasonal/long-term resident park rather than a traditional camping resort. The site composition includes many permanent residents, which creates more of a residential community feel. For those seeking a transient camping experience, this may not align with expectations.

    Facilities: The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable. However, other amenities need attention- the playground equipment shows its age, and laundry facilities, while clean, have mechanical reliability issues. Currently, only one restroom facility is fully operational, with others being gradually brought online.

    Accessibility: Most sites feature loose gravel surfaces that may present challenges for guests with mobility equipment. The playground uses mulch surfacing, which may also limit accessibility.

    Management: Communication with management regarding concerns can be challenging, and families should be prepared for a more relaxed supervision environment.

    Bottom Line: While the location has natural beauty and potential, current operational challenges and pricing don't align well with the amenity level provided. Those seeking a quiet, well-maintained camping experience might find better value elsewhere until improvements are completed. Positive reviews seem to be coming from investors of the campground or people with personal interest.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    Lots of Amenities

    The Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!

Guide to Manchester

Camping near Manchester, CT, 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 plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Hammonasset State Park Campground, are close to the beach. Campers enjoy the convenience of walking or driving to the beach without extra fees. One reviewer mentioned, "The beach was popular," highlighting its appeal for families.
  • Nature Trails: Explore the beautiful hiking trails available at places like George Washington State Campground. A visitor noted, "There are some great hiking trails and views of the lake," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Snorkeling: Campers at October Mountain State Forest can enjoy fishing and hiking. One camper shared, "The trails were completely perfectly maintained," which is great for those looking to explore.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground stated, "Bathrooms are very nice," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Mystic KOA mentioned, "Our site was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our motorhome," making it comfortable for larger groups.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Pine Acres Family Camping Resort are designed for families. One reviewer said, "The entire place is completely geared to families," emphasizing its welcoming vibe.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "Overnight noise was an issue," which might be something to consider if you're looking for peace and quiet.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots like Hammonasset State Park Campground fill up quickly. One family shared, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
  • Pet Policies: Not all campgrounds allow pets. For instance, Rocky Neck State Park Campground has a strict no-pets policy, so check before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. A reviewer at Mystic KOA mentioned, "Daily activities for little ones," which can keep kids entertained.
  • Safety First: Be mindful of traffic in campgrounds like Pine Acres Family Camping Resort. One parent warned, "Not safe for little ones as there is too much traffic."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along items like bug spray and sunscreen. A camper at Wells State Park Campground noted, "The mosquitoes here were something out of a Soviet lab," so be prepared!

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Choose campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A visitor at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground mentioned, "The back half of the campground has 50@ full hookups with much longer and level sites."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Mystic KOA appreciated the "50 AMP, sewer & water hookup," which made their stay comfortable.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds may not have dump stations on-site. A camper at Wells State Park Campground noted, "No dump station on site," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Manchester, CT, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific amenities and policies of each campground to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping sites near Manchester?

Connecticut offers several excellent camping options near Manchester. Hammonasset State Park Campground is a beautiful beachfront option with well-maintained facilities, a camp store, and easy access to local amenities. For those seeking a more nature-focused experience, Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provides swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities with family-friendly biking trails. Both parks are within reasonable driving distance from Manchester and offer different camping experiences - coastal versus woodland settings. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months, so booking in advance is recommended.

Are there any cabin campgrounds available near Manchester?

Yes, there are cabin options available near Manchester. Mystic KOA in North Stonington offers cabin accommodations in addition to their regular campsites. This well-maintained campground is approximately an hour's drive from Manchester and provides excellent amenities including a pool and well-stocked store. It's strategically located just 15 minutes from Mystic attractions and about an hour from Newport, Rhode Island. For a more rustic experience, consider Waters Edge Family Campground near Lebanon, which offers cabin rentals with access to water recreation. Reservations are strongly recommended for both locations, especially during the peak summer season.

What are the best tent camping options near Manchester?

For tent campers near Manchester, Wilderness Lake Park offers excellent secluded tent sites despite being primarily an RV park. The campground provides a refreshing experience with lakeside settings and is considered a hidden gem in Connecticut's limited outdoor offerings. Another great option is Rocky Neck State Park Campground, which provides affordable tent sites ($33/night) with nearby bathhouse facilities. Located on Long Island Sound, it offers a unique coastal camping experience with beach access. Both locations have clean facilities and provide a true outdoor experience, though Rocky Neck doesn't offer hookups, making it perfect for traditional tent camping.

Keep Exploring