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.
$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."
"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."
"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"
$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."
$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."
"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!"
$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."
$30 - $70 / night
"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!"
GuideQuiet 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.
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutGreat spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.
GuideSo 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!
ScoutNice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.
ScoutMy wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)
ScoutThe Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!
LegendCharming, full of wonderful amenities and nice extras. Nice staff, fun coin scavenger hunt, great pool, well stocked store, wide sites, lots of grass/trees and space to stretch out. Missing full hook ups but the staff and overall vibe more than make up for it. Community garden was something we hadn’t seen before - super fun.
ScoutWe stayed there with our RV for 2 nights. We had a spot right next to the pool and the docks. Very convenient. The staff does a great job.
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.
Camping near Portland, CT, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is free camping available near Portland?
Free camping options near Portland are limited, as most established campgrounds charge fees. Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest operates on a first-come, first-served basis and offers more affordable camping than private facilities, though it does require a small fee. Similarly, Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground provides budget-friendly camping with basic amenities. For truly free dispersed camping, you'll likely need to venture further from Portland into more remote areas of Connecticut's state forests where permitted. Always check current regulations with the Connecticut DEEP before attempting dispersed camping, as rules change and permits may be required.
What are the best camping spots near Portland?
Portland offers excellent camping options for all preferences. Hammonasset State Park Campground is a standout choice with beautiful beachfront sites, well-maintained facilities, and numerous amenities including a camp store and playground. Families particularly enjoy biking from their sites to the beach, ice cream shop, and coffee shop. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Wilderness Lake Park offers exceptional tent sites in a peaceful setting, providing a welcome escape from urban life while still being accessible from Portland. Both locations offer clean shower facilities and are suitable for different camping styles, whether you prefer beachfront relaxation or woodland seclusion.
When is the best season for camping around Portland?
The optimal camping season around Portland runs from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer offers the fullest experience with all amenities operational. At Whispering Pines Campground, facilities like pools, splash pads, and recreation areas are typically closed during early spring visits. Hopeville Pond State Park Campground shines in summer when visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking in addition to camping. Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, while spring offers emerging greenery but potentially muddy conditions. Most campgrounds around Portland have limited or no winter operations, though some private year-round facilities exist for cold-weather enthusiasts.
Keep Exploring
