Campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Putnam, Connecticut provide a range of accommodation options from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. West Thompson Lake Campground, located about 6 miles west of Putnam, offers both tent and RV sites with electrical hookups in a wooded setting near the lake. Other notable options include Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park and Stateline Campresort & Cabins, both offering mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RVs, and in some cases, cabin rentals.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October. "Most sites are relatively short level pads, with little or no shade, but very pleasant," noted one visitor about Wolf Den Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Many developed campgrounds provide amenities such as drinking water, showers, and electric hookups, while primitive sites with fewer facilities are also available. Weather conditions remain favorable for camping throughout the season, though spring can bring occasional rain and fall introduces cooler temperatures, especially at night.
Water activities represent a significant draw for campers in the Putnam area. West Thompson Lake Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its kayaking opportunities and hiking trails. A visitor commented, "The lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft. Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings." Several campgrounds feature swimming pools, though natural water bodies may have restrictions on swimming. Family-friendly facilities are common across the region's campgrounds, with many offering playgrounds, recreational fields, and scheduled activities during peak season. While most campgrounds maintain clean facilities and spacious sites, visitors occasionally note that some locations need updating or better maintenance of public amenities.
$18 - $75 / night
"So if you are confused about things like location, let’s knock that out first: This campground is located near 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814."
"The campground was safe, nicely laid out so we could have a series of sites next to one another. Biking was a blast for the kids along with trail hike around pond, beach, and fishing."
$15 - $30 / night
"They have bathrooms and showers close by that (if I remember correctly/things haven’t changed too much in the past couple of years) were in relatively decent shape compared to others I’ve been in at campgrounds"
"centrally located bathrooms/showers basketball court, playground and ampitheatre to keep the kids busy. hiking trails galore, disk golf, and swimming nearby. so fun!"
$25 - $50 / night
"The manager came up and they assigned me to a site next to the frog pond, but with our little kids I was t too keen on staying literally on the pond."
$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."
"Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River. Great activities for everyone."
"Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon."
$14 - $29 / night
"Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail. Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again."
"Wished we had time to check out the hiking trails accessible from the campground."
$17 - $55 / night
"Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."
"The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."
$40 - $200 / night
"This site is right next to the state park that’s nearby, so it’s fairly quiet. I think we are one of the only tent campers here this weekend, seems like a lot of seasonal camping with RVs."
$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."
$45 - $55 / night
"Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again. Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."
RangerWe 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.
RangerWe 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.
ScoutCamped early in the season mid week, and it was nice and quiet. The "new" park rangers are take their jobs delightfully serious.
Our site had plenty of sun for solar but in seagull loop there is loads of shade
ScoutCampground was great. Site was in great shape, everything in order. Portapotties were large. The road made the trip horrible for peace and quiet lovers. I knew it was close to the road, but right on top of it AND a heavily traveled route.
RangerWe love camping here. From the history of the area, to its proximity to the ocean, to the many places to explore, to the nice sites and clean bathrooms! We have been coming here for over a decade and enjoy every trip. We usually grab dinner at George's of Galilee, and have taken the ferry to Block Island as well. There are a bunch of old military defenses from WWII in Narragansett Bay, including one in the campground. We've tent and camper camped, and enjoyed both.
RangerOur first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.
ScoutWe went last week to visit my brother and sister-in-law in the park was clean. Everybody was friendly. The staff was awesome and they even checked on us while we were there to see if we need anything. The neighbors were wonderful definitely will come back.
ScoutMy husband and I had a great time here! The owners and managers are amazing. Kind, friendly, attentive! We really appreciated them!
The reason for the 4/5 is due to the road noise, and the neighbors noise. The residents that boarder the campground are a bit loud. We camped at spot 72. If you are tent camping, I would recommend not camping at the 70’s spots. It’s just close to the road, and it can get noisy at times. It quiets down at night, but during peak travel times is a little loud. Head to the back of the camp ground. The bathroom looks further away than it is, but everything is very convenient!
ScoutPicked up a one way rental RV on the way to Florida. I arrived early afternoon and was met quickly and shown to my spot and helped with all the hookups and “lay of the land” Very easy and helpful.
Camping options around Putnam, Connecticut include a mix of established campgrounds and smaller private facilities throughout the Quiet Corner of Connecticut. The area sits at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet and features a relatively flat terrain with scattered ponds and small waterways. Most campgrounds operate from May through October with sites typically situated on compact, wooded parcels that offer a blend of forest camping with nearby water access.
Disc golf course access: West Thompson Lake Campground offers walking-distance access to disc golf facilities as one reviewer noted: "Hiking trails galore, disk golf, and swimming nearby. so fun!" Several other campgrounds in the area are within a 15-minute drive of established courses.
River tubing and paddling: Charlie Brown Campground features direct access to the Natchaug River where "tubing down the river" is a popular activity. One visitor described: "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer catch-and-release fishing. At West Thompson Lake Campground, a camper mentioned: "The lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish. There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course." The no-swimming restrictions at certain lakes make fishing the primary water activity at some locations.
Hiking nearby state forests: Multiple state forests surround Putnam with interconnected trail systems. A visitor to Nickerson Park Family Campground noted: "Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away. Pizza places/breakfast spots in the same area as well. Lots of state land to explore nearby."
Private riverside sites: Many campgrounds feature secluded spots along waterways. One camper at Charlie Brown Campground shared: "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping." Riverside sites often book quickly during summer months.
Lean-to camping options: Some campgrounds offer built structures as alternatives to tent camping. A reviewer at West Thompson Lake Campground explained: "We stayed at one of their lean-to sites a few years ago with 3 other friends and had a good time. Very convenient to have the elevated space to sleep and store items in."
Spacious tent areas: Bowdish Lake Camping Area receives praise for its tent camping accommodations with one camper noting: "We went for a weekend only so we weren't there long but everything was great. The site was very secluded and very large which was awesome!"
Quieter weekday stays: Several campgrounds experience significant differences between weekend and weekday occupancy. A visitor to Wilderness Lake Park observed: "Mostly permanent summer residents parked with big rigs and plastic decor. But, almost nobody around mid week August."
Late arrivals: Some campgrounds have strict arrival protocols. At Wilderness Lake Park, a camper noted: "The employees and owners also went out of the way to accommodate our late arrival which was very much appreciated." Other facilities may close entry gates at specific times.
Payment options vary: Not all campgrounds accept credit cards. According to a Wilderness Lake Park visitor: "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Swimming restrictions: Water quality concerns impact swimming access at several campgrounds. As one visitor to George Washington State Campground reported: "There is swimming at the lake but it looked way too dirty."
Elevation variations: While the region is relatively flat, some campgrounds have challenging terrain. A George Washington State Campground camper explained: "The A1-A7 sites are remote and hike in, but you're going to have to hike either 0.4 or 0.6 miles through some uneven terrain."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule organized events. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, a camper shared: "We went to their Oktoberfest that they did on Saturday and that was decorated great and the band and activities were good!"
Multiple swimming options: Facilities often provide alternatives for water recreation. A Brialee Family Campground visitor noted: "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field."
Free water craft usage: Some campgrounds provide complimentary equipment. At Wilderness Lake Park, a visitor explained: "Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake."
Site selection advice: Sites vary significantly within the same campground. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground recommended: "The T1-T5 [sites]... T5 was the best of the bunch because it had the most privacy and space, including a grassy area."
Limited hookup sites: Reservations for full-service sites require advance planning. At Charlie Brown Campground, a camper noted: "There was not sewer drains, but it's ok, they have a nice dump station on your way out."
Check site dimensions: Some campgrounds have challenging access. A visitor to Wells State Park Campground commented: "We unexpectedly arrived at the campground around 10pm, after a long and grueling day on the road. The site seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway."
Electric usage fees: Some campgrounds charge additional fees. A camper at Bowdish Lake Camping Area warned: "They charged us an additional .50 cents per kWh which cost us an average of $250.00 extra per month."
Wood delivery service: Many campgrounds offer convenient firewood options. A Wilderness Lake Park visitor mentioned: "Wood delivery is awesome especially since tent area is a slight distance from office, but that is also a bonus so you're away from the RV sites."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Putnam, CT?
Putnam's surrounding area offers several excellent camping options. West Thompson Lake Campground in nearby N. Grosvenordale provides reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For a family-oriented experience, Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret Center offers drive-in access with reservable sites. Other nearby options include Hopeville Pond State Park (with swimming, fishing, and hiking), Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford, and Stateline Campresort & Cabins in East Killingly. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with some closing after Labor Day. Prices typically range from $20-$50 per night depending on amenities and season.
Can I rent an RV in Putnam, Connecticut for camping?
While Putnam itself doesn't have dedicated RV rental agencies, there are options in the surrounding area. The Mystic KOA in North Stonington (about 30 minutes from Putnam) is RV-friendly and may have information about local rental services. Wolf's Den Family Campground is another excellent RV destination in the region. Alternatively, you can check online RV rental platforms like RVshare or Outdoorsy, which connect you with private RV owners willing to rent their vehicles in the Putnam area. RV rental prices typically start around $100-150 per night for smaller units and can exceed $250 for larger models, plus additional fees for mileage, generator use, and insurance.
Are there tent camping options available near Putnam?
Yes, several campgrounds near Putnam offer tent camping. Wilderness Lake Park provides excellent secluded tent sites amid mostly RV camping. The host often gives tent campers private spots away from RVs, making it a hidden gem for tent enthusiasts. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground is another option, though sites are positioned quite close together. For more tent camping choices, consider Brialee Family Campground in Ashford and Nickerson Park in Chaplin. Most tent sites in the area are fairly basic with access to restrooms and sometimes water. Prices typically range from $15-$35 per night, and reservations are recommended during peak summer months when availability can be limited.
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