Best Campgrounds near Portland, CT

Searching for the best camping near Portland, CT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Connecticut camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Portland, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Portland, Connecticut (140)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    22 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. Lake Compounce Campground

    11 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    16 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."

    3. Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hadlyme, CT
    13 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"

    4. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    16 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."

    5. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    17 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."

    6. Markham Meadows

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

    7. Riverdale Farm Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    19 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!"

    8. GrandView CampResort & Cottages

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

    $30 - $70 / night

    9. Getaway Machimoodus

    1 Review
    Moodus, CT
    10 miles
    Website

    "Machimoodus is one of the newest outposts just outside Boston and NYC. My bf and I went during one of the snowiest weekends all winter, but it was completely worth it!"

    10. Hidden Lake Farm

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

    $49 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 140 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Portland, CT

641 Reviews of 140 Portland Campgrounds



Guide to Portland

Camping near Portland, CT, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From beautiful beaches to lush forests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to the beach. For example, at Hammonasset State Park Campground, you can easily walk or drive to the beach without any extra fees. One visitor mentioned, "The beach was popular," making it a great spot for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Nature Trails: Explore the trails at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground. A reviewer noted, "Very lush and green, and the showers are close to the sites," highlighting the beautiful surroundings and convenient amenities.
  • Fishing and Snorkeling: At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and snorkeling. One camper shared, "Had a wonderful time love the fact you can walk or drive to the beach at no additional cost."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at George Washington State Campground said, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A family at Mystic KOA mentioned, "Our site was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our 45’ motorhome," making it comfortable for larger groups.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Pine Acres Family Camping Resort are geared towards families. One reviewer noted, "Super friendly staff, clean bathrooms, nice sites and a beautiful pond."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, "You can hear traffic noise from the highway," which might be a concern for light sleepers.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
  • Pet Restrictions: Some campgrounds do not allow pets. For instance, Rocky Neck State Park Campground has a strict no-pets policy, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. At Mystic KOA, one parent said, "The entire place is completely geared to families," making it a great choice for family trips.
  • Safety First: Be cautious of traffic in busy campgrounds. A family at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort noted, "Not safe for little ones as there is too much traffic," so keep an eye on the kids.
  • Plan for Rain: Always have a backup plan for rainy days. A camper at Wells State Park Campground shared, "We did run into a BIT of a storm," so be prepared with indoor activities.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to check the level of your site before booking. A reviewer at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground mentioned, "Some sites are fairly level but not most of them," which is crucial for RV stability.
  • Hookup Availability: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. At George Washington State Campground, a camper noted, "Full water and electrical hookup," which makes for a more comfortable stay.
  • Plan for Tight Spaces: Be aware that some campgrounds have tight spaces. A visitor at Mystic KOA said, "Tight site & hard to get in/out for big rig," so choose your site wisely.

Camping near Portland, CT, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Portland, CT?

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

What parks are near Portland, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Portland, CT that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.