Plainville, Connecticut camping options sit at approximately 200 feet above sea level in the central Connecticut valley. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with several facilities offering extended seasons or year-round camping options for RV travelers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park offers pond fishing just 40 miles from Plainville. "We had a blast fishing and riding their bikes around," notes Megin F., who enjoyed the well-maintained grounds and refreshing pool after fishing sessions.
Explore hiking trails: At Taconic State Park, accessible within a 90-minute drive, campers can access multiple trail networks. "There's a trailhead at the end of the campground that connects to the other trails in Taconic State Park," reports Katherine P., who appreciated the platform camping sites that overlook Rudd Pond.
Visit historic sites: Several state parks and attractions surround the Plainville area, including Old Sturbridge Village. One camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge mentioned, "Close to Old Sturbridge Village and many cool hikes and MA cities," highlighting the campground's convenient location despite noting limited cell reception.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Lake Compounce Campground, one visitor noted, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper." This campground offers electric and water hookups for RVs but lacks sewer connections at individual sites.
Spacious sites: Several rv sites near Plainville, Connecticut offer good separation between campers. At Prospect Mountain Campground, campers enjoy "lots of trees and shade" and waterfront sites. One reviewer mentioned, "Great pool. The sites on the water looked nice- hoping to try for that next time!"
Family activities: Salem Farms Campground provides organized weekend events approximately 50 miles from Plainville. "We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing. We will definitely be back next year!" reports Tara K., who went tent camping with three other families and appreciated the proximity to the pool and facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. Prospect Mountain Campground operates from "May 1 to Columbus Day," while Salem Farms Campground runs during the same period. Year-round RV camping options are limited but available at select locations.
Varied cell reception: Connectivity can be inconsistent across campgrounds near Plainville. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, a camper reported, "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls." This consideration is important for remote workers needing reliable connections.
Site privacy differences: Site separation varies significantly across campgrounds. At Taconic State Park, one camper noted, "The campsites are pretty close together, so if the campground is full, you are rather close to your neighbors." Consider booking end sites or requesting specific locations when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access considerations: When camping with children, choose sites near recreational amenities. At Salem Farms Campground, a grandmother shared: "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."
Playground proximity: Branch Brook Campground offers sites with playground access. While one reviewer mentioned that "sites are pretty close together," the campground provides "clean pool and laundry areas" that appeared newer, making it convenient for families.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds near Plainville provide access to historic sites and nature activities. Salem Farms Campground is strategically located with "Devils Hopyard and Gillette Castle close and Rocky Neck State Park about a 25 minute ride," providing educational day trip options for families.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: RV campsites near Plainville, Connecticut offer varying levels of accessibility. At Lake Compounce Campground, a visitor noted: "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded." The campground lacks sewer hookups but does have a dump station.
Hookup configurations: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary across campgrounds. At Aces High RV Park, approximately 45 miles from Plainville, "Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should," according to Matt S., who stayed at a premium waterfront full-hookup site with a concrete pad.
Site levelness: Check campground reviews for information on site grading. One camper at Branch Brook Campground noted potential issues with their site: "Our site had a 'deck' outside which was great but it had some very weak boards that you could have easily fallen through." Request information about site conditions when making reservations.
