Campgrounds around Chaplin, Connecticut range from family-oriented private resorts to more secluded woodland areas, creating a variety of camping experiences. The region includes established campgrounds like Nickerson Park Family Campground, situated directly in Chaplin along the Natchaug River, as well as Charlie Brown Campground in nearby Eastford. Most facilities accommodate multiple camping styles, with options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Several properties feature river access, making them popular destinations for fishing and summer water activities like tubing.
The camping season in this area typically runs from mid-April through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, while sewer connections vary by location. Facilities like Brialee Family Campground and Peppertree Camping provide organized activities for families, particularly during peak season. Accessibility generally requires no special vehicles, with most campgrounds located on maintained roads within a short drive of main highways. "The river that flows the length of the campground seemed clean and awesome. Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk through the camp to start over again," noted one visitor to Nickerson Park.
Riverfront camping represents a significant draw for the Chaplin area, with multiple campgrounds positioned along waterways. Campers consistently mention water access as a highlight, particularly for fishing and cooling off during summer months. Family-friendly amenities are common, with playgrounds, organized activities, and camp stores available at many locations. Reviews indicate most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with adequate spacing between sites. Several visitors note the quiet, peaceful atmosphere as a key attraction, though some mention weekend crowds during peak summer months. More secluded sites are available at some campgrounds for those seeking privacy. As one camper described their experience at Peppertree Camping: "It's situated on the Nachaug River, so it's a popular fishing site; we had more fun tubing down the river. The area is peaceful and has sites right on the river some and further away for tents and trailers."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$45 - $55 / night
"Nice spots on the Natchaug River in Chaplin, CT"
"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."
$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."
$33 - $100 / night
"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."
"we had a group from work head out here. we reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves, it was a bit of a walk to the shower from there, but we had our own outhouse, bring a light for night time"
"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."
$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."
$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."
"It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning."
RangerWe 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.
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.
ScoutCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
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.
GuideBeautiful large site. Can walk the trail down to the river. Beware of bears. Bathhouse was shut down for renovation but there was porta potties. Can hear road noise but wasn't bad. This and site 3 is one of the best sites.
Camping spots near Chaplin, Connecticut offer direct access to the Natchaug River watershed and the surrounding hardwood forests typical of eastern Connecticut. The region sits within the northeastern Highland Rim at elevations between 300-600 feet, creating terrain with moderate hiking difficulty and varied water access points. Most campgrounds in the area maintain open status from mid-April through October, with peak water flow in the rivers during spring months.
Tubing on the Natchaug River: The Natchaug River provides gentle currents ideal for summer floating. At Charlie Brown Campground, visitors can tube directly from riverfront sites. "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!" notes a recent visitor.
Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds provide direct river or pond access for anglers. At Wilderness Lake Park, visitors can fish in the small lake or bring their own watercraft. "There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property," reports a camper.
Hiking nearby: The area contains several interconnected trail systems. One camper at Wilderness Lake Campground mentioned, "Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets. This campground was perfect for us and our dog."
River-based camping: Sites along water consistently rate higher in reviews. "Beautiful view, peaceful and gorgeous," noted one camper about their riverfront site at Waters Edge Family Campground.
Free water recreation amenities: Some campgrounds provide complimentary equipment. As one Wilderness Lake camper reported, "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake."
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded options away from the main camping areas. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff!" a Waters Edge camper commented.
Off-season quiet: Fall camping often provides more solitude. "Quiet On opening weekend. Sites are a mix of field, shaded, and partly shaded," noted one visitor to Salt Rock Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: State parks generally have more basic facilities than private campgrounds. "Bathrooms could use updating," noted a Waters Edge camper, while another at Salt Rock Campground reported, "Bathrooms are atrocious - stall doors have no locks, metal fittings are rusty, paint is peeling, showers are lukewarm and temp cannot be changed."
Seasonal population differences: Many campgrounds host significant seasonal camper populations. At Brialee Family Campground, one visitor observed, "Fairly large campground. Tent sites available but mostly RV/Campers. WiFi in common areas isn't great so if you're planning on working during some down time, this isn't the place."
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds experience significant noise, particularly on summer weekends. One Salt Rock camper noted, "If you DON'T enjoy privacy, or peace and quiet, or rules being enforced, such as quiet hours...then you will maybe like it here."
Payment methods: Some campgrounds require cash. At Wilderness Lake, a visitor advised, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Organized activities: Dedicated family campgrounds provide scheduled programming. At Brialee Family Campground, "They make sure the weekends are for families," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "Plenty of activities and things for kids to do; Rec hall, mini golf, shuffleboard, beach, pool, playground."
Swimming options: Multiple swimming locations allow cooling off during hot months. One visitor to Wolf Den Campground mentioned, "Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night. Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail."
Pet-friendly locations: Many campgrounds accommodate four-legged family members. "Quaint little campground. Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed," reported a Wilderness Lake camper.
Gray water disposal: River proximity affects septic options. As a Charlie Brown camper explained, "Grey dump only due to river so no biggie. Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do."
Site dimensions: Most campgrounds accommodate standard-sized RVs. "The sites are pretty cramped and don't offer for lots of activities to be done at your site," reported a Brialee camper about the RV area.
Winter storage options: Most campgrounds in the region close for winter. "We will be back next summer for a long weekend," noted one Waters Edge camper, highlighting the seasonal nature of camping in this region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chaplin, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chaplin, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 153 campgrounds and RV parks near Chaplin, CT and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Chaplin, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chaplin, CT is Brialee Family Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chaplin, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Chaplin, CT.
What parks are near Chaplin, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Chaplin, CT that allow camping, notably Westville Lake and Buffumville Lake.
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