Sara L.
Scout
ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Nice Location
Nice location if you like taking day trips. We explored during the day and came back to camp each night.
Camping near Ellington, CT
173 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Ellington, Connecticut range from RV parks with hookup options to lakefront tent sites, with several family-oriented facilities located within a short drive. Wilderness Lake Park in nearby Willington offers both RV and tent sites along a scenic lake, while The Quarry Campground provides over 100 developed sites with various hookup options. Most campgrounds in the region feature a mix of accommodation types, including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with a few also offering glamping options. These mixed-use campgrounds primarily serve weekend travelers and seasonal visitors seeking outdoor recreation within Connecticut's "Quiet Corner."
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Full hookup amenities are widely available but often limited, as one camper noted: "They advertise full hookups but turns out to be a lie when you pull in... all full hookups are given to seasonal customers." Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Most campgrounds accept pets but enforce leash requirements. Weather conditions remain relatively mild throughout the camping season, though spring can bring occasional heavy rainfall. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, and most campgrounds are easily accessible via paved roads without requiring specialized vehicles.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Ellington area, with several campgrounds featuring lakefront sites, swimming areas, and water recreation opportunities. The Quarry Campground provides two separate ponds—one for fishing and one for swimming—while Wilderness Lake Park offers free kayak and canoe use. According to a visitor review, "The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning. There was a hiking trail on the property." Family-friendly amenities are common throughout the region's campgrounds, including playgrounds, recreation halls, sports facilities, and organized activities. While sites at some facilities can be close together with limited privacy, tent campers can often find more secluded options. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with access to showers, restrooms, and camp stores, though quality and availability vary by location.
Best Campgrounds near Ellington (173)
1. Wilderness Lake Park
"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."
from $70 / night
Check Availability2. Brialee Family Campground
"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."
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability3. The Quarry Campground
"We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"
from $45 - $68 / night
Check Availability4. Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds
5. Sunset View Farms
"Great location kids had a blast just wished they had more activities for them to do for the weekend we stay it poured everyday and they only had one craft and then an arcade to entertain them."
6. Partridge Hollow Campground
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability7. Charlie Brown Campground
"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."
8. Moosemeadow Camping Resort
"I had a blast here when I was a kid, my family, neighbors and friends would all camp in the open field site and all the kids would get together and adventure the weekend away. From"
9. Waters Edge Family Campground
"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."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability10. White Pines Campsites
"We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening."
"We visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice."
from $50 - $62 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 20 min from Hartford, CT
- 28 min from Springfield, MA
- 50 min from Norwich, CT
- 53 min from Amherst Center, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Ellington, CT
237 Photos of 173 Ellington Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
The Quarry CampgroundG
Wilderness Lake ParkR
Mineral Springs Family CampgroundsR
Your Huckleberry Farms - CLOSED
Brialee Family CampgroundR
Sunset View Farmsf
Starlit CampingG
Starlit Camping at Atlantic Coast Farms and EstatesG
The Farm at Carter HillJ
Peppertree CampingL
Nickerson Park Family Campground
Charlie Brown CampgroundM
Recent Reviews near Ellington, CT
763 Reviews of 173 Ellington Campgrounds
Owen W.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Kind Of Trip
We visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice. I would absolutely come back during fall because this area feels made for that kind of trip.
- JJohn B.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
New England RV Trip
We used Gibson Hill as one of the stops on a longer New England RV trip. By the time we arrived, we had been driving quite a bit and really didn’t want another complicated travel day. We got the RV parked, took showers, made something easy for dinner, and stayed put for the rest of the night. The following morning we were rested and ready to explore again. For road trips like ours, having somewhere to stop for a couple of nights and reset can make a huge difference.
- TTaylor L.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Most Of The Weekend
Came here with a few friends and spent most of the weekend cooking outside and catching up. Exactly what we needed.
Ronald P.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Decided To Camp instead
We wanted to visit Providence without actually staying in the city and decided to camp instead. We drove in for the day, had dinner there, and came back to the RV afterward. It made the trip feel like we got a city getaway and a camping weekend at the same time.
Ashton P.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Good Home Base
We booked White Pines because we wanted to spend a few days exploring northwest Connecticut rather than staying in one place the entire trip. It turned out to be a really good home base for that kind of weekend. We headed out during the day and then came back in the late afternoon to cook at our site and relax. One evening we ended up sitting around the fire talking until we realized how late it had gotten. No television, no plans for the night, and nobody staring at their phone. Those are usually the moments we remember most from camping trips, and we had plenty of them here.
Angela C.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Nothing Beats Cooking
Nothing beats cooking breakfast outside on a cool Connecticut morning. Coffee tasted especially good on this trip.
Louis M.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Used White Pines As Our Base
We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening. Made dinner outside, started a fire, and didn’t move again until bedtime. Sometimes that is exactly what you want from a campsite.
Ariana C.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Much More Relaxing
We picked this campground because we wanted to explore both Connecticut and Rhode Island without changing campsites halfway through the trip. It worked really well for that. We spent most of the day out exploring and came back in the evening to make dinner at the RV. Much more relaxing than bouncing between hotels.
Guide to Ellington
Camping options near Ellington, Connecticut concentrate along the region's rivers and lakes, with most facilities operating between April and October. This area in Connecticut's northeastern quadrant has moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season. Sites on higher ground near the Natchaug River maintain better drainage during occasional spring rainstorms.
What to do
Water activities: Float or tube: Rivers provide popular recreation options at Nickerson Park Family Campground, which sits directly on the Natchaug River. "Nice spots on the Natchaug River in Chaplin, CT," notes one camper. Another mentions the river is perfect for children: "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."
Fishing: Two separate ponds: The Quarry Campground offers dedicated fishing areas separated from swimming areas. A visitor describes: "They had such great customer service and the amenities are on point. 2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming."
Hiking: Nearby state forests: Several campgrounds provide access to Connecticut's state forests and trails. At Wilderness Lake Park, "There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course." Another camper notes Taylor Pond is "not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets."
What campers like
Free boat use: Many campers appreciate complementary watercraft at Wilderness Lake Park. "Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," writes one reviewer. Another confirms: "Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge."
Quiet atmosphere: Visitors seeking peace value the lower noise levels at several campgrounds. One camper at The Quarry Campground notes: "Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire."
Weekend activities: Scheduled events keep campers entertained at Charlie Brown Campground. "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!" notes a family. Another mentions "Good place overall and great price. Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do. Crafts for kids a band a wagon ride."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close during winter months. At Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds, the season runs "May 1 to Oct 15," similar to most facilities in the region.
Payment options: Cash-only policies exist at some locations. A camper at Wilderness Lake Park warns: "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Site selection variations: Tent sites often provide more seclusion than RV areas. "While this is about 60% RVs, the tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring," writes one tent camper about Wilderness Lake Park.
Bathroom facilities: Standards vary widely between campgrounds. One visitor to Charlie Brown noted, "The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly. The noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue."
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to attractions: The best places to camp near Ellington offer good access to regional attractions. Partridge Hollow Campground provides convenient access to shopping and dining. "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."
Multiple recreation options: Campgrounds with diverse activities keep children engaged. One visitor to Brialee Family Campground reported: "Plenty of activities and things for kids to do; Rec hall, mini golf, shuffleboard, beach, pool, playground. Park is kept clean and tidy."
Cell service: Coverage remains consistent throughout most campgrounds, allowing children to stay connected if needed. Charlie Brown Campground recently "installed 'At Home Quality' WiFi so the whole family can enjoy the weekend."
Tips from RVers
Reservation timing: Book early for sites with full hookups, especially during summer weekends. At Waters Edge Family Campground, a camper shared: "We booked a site for October before we left."
Hookup limitations: Gray water disposal varies by location. At Charlie Brown Campground, "Gray dump only due to river so no biggie," notes one RVer, who adds there's a "pumpout $25, water, electric, gray water hookup, $63."
Site access: Most campgrounds accommodate larger rigs, but entrance roads can be challenging. One camper at Partridge Hollow observed: "The way in is very twisty and hilly. Was a challenge for our 33' towing a car but we made it!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there primitive camping sites available around Ellington?
Are there primitive camping sites available around Ellington?
Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest offers a more primitive camping experience in the region. This first-come, first-served equestrian campground provides a back-to-basics approach. For those seeking primitive sites closer to Ellington, Charlie Brown Campground offers walk-in and hike-in access options that provide a more rustic experience. These locations typically have minimal amenities compared to developed campgrounds - expect vault toilets rather than full bathhouses, and you'll need to bring your own water. Primitive sites are generally less expensive but fill quickly during peak season, so mid-week visits offer the best availability.
What camping options are available for families in Ellington?
What camping options are available for families in Ellington?
Wolf's Den Family Campground is ideally suited for families, with its location near attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. The campground provides easy access to the Connecticut River for boating activities. Hammonasset State Park Campground is another excellent family option with beautiful beach access, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and a camp store. Both locations feature clean bathrooms and showers, making them comfortable for families with children of all ages. Most family campgrounds in the area offer weekend activities during summer months, including movie nights, hayrides, and organized games to keep kids entertained.
What are the best campgrounds near Ellington?
What are the best campgrounds near Ellington?
The Ellington area offers several excellent camping options. Wilderness Lake Park is a standout choice with secluded tent sites despite being primarily RV-focused, making it a hidden gem in Connecticut's camping scene. Brialee Family Campground near Ashford is another top option with easy drive-in access and full facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Connecticut state parks like Hopeville Pond and Rocky Neck offer beautiful natural settings with beach access and hiking opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region are seasonal, typically operating from April through October, with summer weekends requiring advance reservations.
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