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Camping near Manchester, CT

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    The camping landscape surrounding Manchester, Connecticut encompasses a mix of developed campgrounds and natural settings within a 30-mile radius. Several established campgrounds cater to different camping styles, including The Quarry Campground with its multiple accommodation options and Wilderness Lake Park offering tent, RV, and glamping experiences. Most campgrounds in the region provide amenities ranging from basic to full-service, with some featuring lakefront access, hiking trails, and recreational facilities.

    Campground reservations are generally recommended throughout the region, particularly during the peak summer season when sites fill quickly. Most facilities operate from April through October or early November, with limited winter availability. "The staff is super nice, the sites aren't on top of each other, but close enough to say hi to your neighbors in the morning," noted one visitor about Nelson's Family Campground. Road access to most established campgrounds is suitable for passenger vehicles, though some tent-only areas may require short walks from parking areas. Cell service varies throughout the region, with more remote areas experiencing limited coverage.

    Lakefront and riverside camping opportunities attract many visitors to the area's campgrounds. Water-based recreation forms a central part of the camping experience at locations like Wilderness Lake Park, where complimentary kayaks and canoes are available to guests. According to one camper, "The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property." Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities such as swimming areas, fishing ponds, playgrounds, and organized activities. While many sites offer electric and water hookups for RVs, tent campers can find secluded spots in wooded areas at several campgrounds. Seasonal campers occupy a significant portion of sites at some campgrounds, creating established communities during summer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with natural settings providing habitat for various bird species and small mammals.

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    Best Campgrounds near Manchester (164)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Wilderness Lake Park

      4.2(14)15mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $70 / night

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      2. The Quarry Campground

      4.8(5)11mi from Manchester43 sitesRVs, Tents

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

      from $45 - $68 / night

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      3. Waters Edge Family Campground

      3.7(10)15mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $45 - $100 / night

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      4. Brialee Family Campground

      4.6(14)19mi from Manchester3 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $25 - $150 / night

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      5. Lake Compounce Campground

      4.5(11)22mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      6. Odetah Camping Resort

      3.9(13)24mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      7. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

      3.8(10)22mi from Manchester21 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $14 / night

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      8. River Highlands State Park River Campground

      4.0(1)13mi from Manchester2 sitesTents

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

      from $5 / night

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      9. Markham Meadows

      4.5(2)16mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents
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      10. Onion Mountain Park

      4.5(4)19mi from ManchesterTents

      "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."

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    Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, CT

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    Recent Reviews near Manchester, CT

    684 Reviews of 164 Manchester Campgrounds

    • Wild Essentials
      Jun. 18, 2026

      Cedar Valley Heritage Farm

      Purely Present

      ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

      Cedar Valley Heritage Farm has become one of those places that keeps calling me back. The campsites are simple and peaceful, with plenty of room to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of the land. Nights are quiet, the stars are bright, and mornings often begin with birdsong and mist hanging over the fields.

      What I appreciate most is the feeling of being somewhere real. This isn't a crowded commercial campground—it's a working heritage farm with character, history, and a sense of care. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to gather around a campfire, or a basecamp for exploring the surrounding area, there's something special here.

      The atmosphere encourages you to unplug, breathe deeply, and remember that sometimes the best experiences are the simplest ones. If you enjoy nature, authenticity, and a slower pace, Cedar Valley Heritage Farm is well worth the visit.

      Would happily camp here again.

    • Grant R.
      Jun. 17, 2026

      Village Green Family Campground

      Awesome campground

      This camp is very family and let friendly. From the check-in to check-out everyone was so friendly. We will be back

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 12, 2026

      Sun Outdoors Mystic

      Mixed feelings about the campground but love the area.

      We have stayed at this campground many times because we love the towns of Mystic and Stonington. The campground has changed hands many times and it seems things are always different. I’ll start off with the bad. At check-in, we were greeted by one of the rudest people we have encountered in fifteen years of full-time RVing. There is a page of rules but they don’t seem to be enforced– like dogs off leash and no fences at your campsite. There are seasonal campers that are proud to fly political flags but I suppose there are no rules against that. The park is a mix of seasonals (who seem to just come on weekends to party) and transients. There are lots of amenities (which we did not use) but still had to pay the$10/day resort fee which really drives up the cost. This is a Passport America park so we were able to get 50% off on our stay. The laundry was really dirty (including a wet, slippery floor) and very busy since there weren’t that many machines and some were broken. 

      As for the good. We had a long, level back-in site with lots of room on both sides of us. The grass was lush and nicely mowed (which our dog loved) and we had a nice shade tree. The utilities worked well but were placed at the back of the site and the water was a shared spigot on opposite side. Our water hose was long enough so I didn’t have to add another one to reach the spigot. There are no sewer sites but there are two dump stations available. 

      There is a hiking trail nearby (Hoffman Evergreen Presreve) that we like to visit and is great for dogs. The campground is very convenient to downtown Mystic, the aquarium, and Mystic Seaport Village. Our GPS routed us through the tiny town of Old Mystic which was really tricky to navigate. If you are in a big-rig, we suggest using the Cow Hill Road exit off I-95 and then HWY184 to the campground.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Quinebaug Cove Campground

      Eagles nest is nice

      If you stay in the eagles nest and get. Perimeter spot you overlook a lake, it’s nice and quiet. Everyone waves, nice lake to fish on. Front desk/owner? is a sweetheart.

    • Kaitlynn F.
      Jun. 6, 2026

      Douglas Forest RV Resort

      Great weekend.

      We spent the weekend here with our 4 kiddos ages 8,6,4, and 3. The kids had a blast. The bathrooms are spotless. They are in the process if renovating but that didnt interfere with our visit. They have a playground, pool, and yard games for the kiddos to use. Wish they had bigger grass sites. I think they will have some in the future.

    • C
      Jun. 1, 2026

      Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

      Excellent Solo Tent Camping

      I was a solo female tent-camper and I stayed at the Austin Hawes campground for 2 nights. I had an excellent experience. The office is open daily from 9-5 and 2 young women were staffing it during my stay. They welcomed me with a smile, answered all my questions and sold me two bundles of firewood for$7 each. I camped in site#22 which overlooked the Farmington River. You could hear the river running by all night long. It was very peaceful. I did not know that this portion of the river offers excellent fly fishing, so it looked like something out of an Orvis Catalog as men(they were all men) in waders with serious fly fishing gear often passed by or were standing in the shallow river doing their thing. It is important to know that BLACK BEARS ran through the campsite at night.(The young women in the office had warned me to be careful with my food, and that bears were often sighted). I am an experienced camper and left no trace of food anywhere near my tent, fire or picnic table. The bears did not bother me. I heard they spooked one family who blew some airhorns, then packed up and left in the middle of the night. There are 2 bathhouses, but one was locked because it is currently under construction. I had no trouble using the 1 that was open for campers. There are 2 female(private) showers, 2 male(private) showers, 2 bathroom sinks and 3 toilets in each house. I had no trouble using them and the facilities were clean. All-in-all, it's a beautiful, but very rustic(no electricity) campsite. I look forward to returning in the future.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 22, 2026

      Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

      Great smaller campground on the river!

      We love Austin Hawes (Also referred to as American Legion). We have been coming here for years, and it is a great spot. Not too far, not too busy, tent sites, trailer sites, and cabins too. It is in a great location with plenty of hiking trails nearby, and lots of options for swimming, fishing, boating, etc.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 22, 2026

      Salt Rock Campground

      Enjoyed our weekend here

      We did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.

    • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 22, 2026

      West Thompson Lake Campground

      Nice Campground!

      We stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.

    Guide to Manchester

    The region surrounding Manchester, Connecticut encompasses a variety of established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering experiences from rustic tent camping to full-service RV resorts with cabin options. Notable locations include Wilderness Lake Park in Willington, which provides tent, RV, and glamping accommodations along a scenic lake, and The Quarry Campground with its 115 sites featuring both tent and RV setups. Several family-oriented resorts like Nelson's Family Campground and Waters Edge Family Campground supplement the camping landscape, creating a mix of private resort-style facilities and more basic camping areas.

    Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October or early November, closing during winter months. "The campground is peaceful and quiet. Lots of wooded sites available," noted one visitor about Nelson's Family Campground. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities frequently reach capacity. Many private campgrounds accept only cash payment, with Wilderness Lake Park specifically mentioned as accepting "cash or Venmo only." Full hookup RV sites are limited at some facilities, with several reviews indicating these premium spots are often reserved for seasonal campers, leaving shorter-term visitors with partial hookups.

    Waterfront camping represents a distinctive feature across several properties, with lakes providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Several visitors highlighted the availability of complimentary watercraft as a significant amenity. According to one camper at Wilderness Lake Park, "The lake is nice and the hiking is good. The staff was friendly and helpful." Campground layouts typically include a combination of wooded and open sites, with varying levels of privacy. While some locations offer secluded tent areas set back from main camping zones, others feature more communal settings. Amenities range considerably, from basic facilities with portable toilets to comprehensive resorts with recreation halls, swimming pools, organized activities, and on-site stores. Public lands with primitive camping options are notably limited in this region compared to private campground options.

    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.

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