Camping near Scotland, Connecticut centers around several waterfront locations along the region's ponds and rivers. The area sits at approximately 500 feet above sea level in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner," characterized by rolling hills and deciduous forests. Most campgrounds operate in a seasonal pattern with limited winter availability, and overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer months.
What to do
Tubing on local rivers: Charlie Brown Campground offers excellent river access for water activities. "There are many trails for hiking and a beach for swimming. There is a boat launch too," notes Kelly F. The campground provides organized activities alongside natural recreation options.
Kayaking with no rental fee: At Wilderness Lake Park, visitors can access complimentary watercraft. "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," mentions Rob L. The lake provides calm waters ideal for beginners and families.
Fishing in stocked ponds: The region offers multiple fishing spots with varied catch opportunities. A visitor to Hopeville Pond State Park Campground observed, "The pond has some really big fish, but it's heavily covered with lily pads and there are a lot of submerged trees. If you're going fishing here, a weedless rig is the way to go."
Hiking nearby trail systems: The wooded areas surrounding Scotland provide multiple hiking options. At Wilderness Lake Park, "There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property," according to Robert L.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: For those seeking privacy, certain campgrounds offer more isolated options. At Wilderness Lake Park, "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," shares Robert L.
Waterfront camping options: Many campers prioritize direct water access. At Hopeville Pond, "Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site!" explains Jason S.
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds offer themed seasonal events. Brian P. describes his experience at Odetah Camping Resort: "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary across the region's campgrounds. A recent visitor to Odetah noted, "Clean facilities. Great staff. New pool and hot tub," indicating ongoing improvements to amenities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Brialee Family Campground, weekends book up well in advance, particularly for holiday weekends and summer months.
Site privacy considerations: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. Dana C. notes about Odetah Camping Resort: "The only con is the sites are not very private...at all."
Bathroom facility limitations: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. At Salt Rock Campground, "Bathrooms are atrocious - stall doors have no locks, metal fittings are rusty, paint is peeling, showers are lukewarm and temp cannot be changed," reports Val H.
Noise levels on weekends: Some campgrounds experience significant noise issues. At Salt Rock Campground, one visitor reported, "The group that BLARED their music until 4:00 AM...I am not exaggerating, I was awake from 1:45-4:30 listening to it."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Family-oriented campgrounds often provide scheduled events. At Brialee Family Campground, "They make sure the weekends are for families," mentions Linda L., while another visitor noted there are "all kinds of activities (kick-ball, etc.) that everyone could participate in."
Consider campgrounds with multiple recreation options: Facilities with diverse amenities keep children engaged. Erich P. describes Odetah as having "everything from a pool, splash pad, boats, food, ice cream, lots of activities, friendly helpful staff."
Check for playground quality: Playground facilities vary between locations. At Waters Edge Family Campground, one visitor mentioned, "We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."
Ask about swimming areas: Water access differs between campgrounds. At Strawberry Park, families appreciate "6 pools with adult only pool and splash pad for the kiddos," according to one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and access: RV site dimensions vary significantly. At Waters Edge Family Campground, an RVer mentioned, "Every one of us had a great time with the perfect campsite deep in the woods (still able to park my 26' camper trailer)."
Hookup availability: Connection types differ between campgrounds. At Salt Rock Campground, "Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities," notes a visitor.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full-service hookups. Dave B. notes that Brialee has "not full service sewer hook up, only gray water. There was a dump station."
Delivery services: Some campgrounds offer convenience services. At Waters Edge, "They deliver wood to your site," while at Odetah, campers appreciate that the staff "will deliver wood right to your site."
