Mashamoquet Brook State Park and Pachaug State Forest provide camping options within an hour's drive of South Windsor, Connecticut. These locations sit within the eastern Connecticut highlands where elevations range from 300-1000 feet above sea level. The region features numerous small streams, moderate hills, and mixed hardwood forests that provide varied terrain for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Hiking trails: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park connects to several hiking paths with historical significance. "One of my all time favorite hikes," notes Mike C., who awarded the park a 5-star rating. The area contains geocaches and connects to trails of varying difficulty for day hikes.
Star gazing: The campgrounds offer good opportunities for night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. One camper at Wolf Den Campground noted "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night," highlighting the open field areas that provide clear views of constellations.
Horseback riding: For equestrians, Frog Hollow Horse Camp provides dedicated access to riding trails. "Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground," states Jean C., who visited in late October. These trails connect to the broader network within Pachaug State Forest for extended rides.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the peaceful environment at these horse campgrounds near South Windsor, Connecticut. Gary G. observed at Wolf Den that there was "totally silent. No road noise" during a midweek stay, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Site spacing: The campgrounds feature well-separated sites that provide decent privacy. "The parking pads are paved and a few have overhanging branches, but the trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites," notes a camper describing the layout at Mashamoquet Brook State Park.
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently mention the maintenance of restrooms and common areas. "Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly," reports a camper identified as 175 P. who stayed at Wolf Den Campground with their son for a weekend trip.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most camping in the region operates from Memorial Day through early September or Columbus Day. Wolf Den Campground's official season runs "May 26 to September 4" according to park information, so plan accordingly if visiting during shoulder seasons.
Limited amenities at horse camps: LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area in nearby Rhode Island provides specialized equestrian camping but with fewer amenities than standard campgrounds. The camp offers electric, water and sewer hookups but lacks showers and restroom facilities.
First-come, first-served availability: Frog Hollow Horse Camp doesn't take reservations, requiring flexible planning. "It's hard to find much information about this equestrian, first come, first serve campground," mentions Jean C., noting that "About half the sites were occupied in late October," suggesting fall might offer better availability than summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wolf Den Campground includes recreational facilities for children. "There's a small playground in the middle of the loop," explains a reviewer, providing a convenient play area within the camping loop itself.
Multiple activities: Families appreciate the variety of options for children at Mashamoquet Brook State Park. "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail," mentions 175 P., highlighting how the diverse trail options accommodate different ages and abilities.
Historic attractions: The park features educational opportunities with historic structures. A visitor notes "a small brook with an old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours," providing learning opportunities for children during weekend stays.
Tips from RVers
Paved parking pads: RV campers note the solid parking surfaces at Wolf Den. "The parking pads are paved" mentions a camper, making it easier to level vehicles compared to gravel or dirt sites.
Site length considerations: For larger units, selecting the right site matters. Gary G. recommends "site 33 for the best shade and longer pad," noting that "Most sites are relatively short level pads," which may limit options for longer trailers or motorhomes.
Limited hookup options: Electric service is scarce in some campgrounds. One camper points out that "Site 20 is the only one with electric" at Wolf Den Campground, important information for RVers needing power hookups during their stay.
