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Best Campgrounds near Southington, CT

583 Reviews

Campgrounds near Southington, Connecticut range from established park facilities to private camping areas, with several options within a 20-mile radius. Lake Compounce Campground in nearby Bristol offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations including yurts. Other notable options include Black Rock State Park Campground in Watertown and Gentiles Campground in Plymouth, which provide varying levels of amenities and natural settings. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several also featuring cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

The camping season in this part of Connecticut typically runs from May through October, with limited year-round options. "Very well maintained and friendly staff will stay again when in the area. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station," noted one camper about Lake Compounce Campground. Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, while shower and restroom facilities vary in quality and availability. Southington Rest Area provides a free camping option with limited amenities, available specifically from May through November, with an RV dump station accessible from late April through early November. Weather considerations include occasional severe storms, as evidenced by the 2018 tornado that impacted Sleeping Giant State Park, which required significant restoration efforts.

Campers report varying experiences with privacy and site spacing throughout the region. At Bear Creek Campground, visitors mention that while RV sites are positioned close together, the tent areas offer more seclusion and shade. Swimming opportunities exist at several locations, though one camper noted it "would have been nice if they had a place to swim in the camping area besides for at the main park." Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with newer facilities at Branch Brook Campground earning praise for cleanliness. Many campgrounds feature recreational amenities such as playgrounds, basketball courts, and swimming pools. The proximity to local hiking trails, including those at nearby state parks and forests, enhances the camping experience in the Southington area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Southington, Connecticut (122)

    1. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "Affiliated with Lake Compounce Amusement Park adjacent to campground."

    "It is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here. None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."

    2. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites."

    "There’s two brand new bathrooms on site one of which is conveniently located right by the pool. Owners are doing new renovations to make this place look good!"

    3. Black Rock State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8088

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Beautiful state park, very clean .. fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Bathrooms, free showers .. stores within a 5 minute drive. Most of the camp ground site are not secluded .."

    "The family next to me offered me dinner one night after I spent the whole day working on my RV. Spanish rice chicken the works the plate could barely hold it all."

    4. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

    "   I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."

    5. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We love this State Park because it's close to our home for a quick getaway. 

    This time we tried one of the sites on the water, and I probably wouldn't choose the same site again. "

    "Semi private with great view and nice walks to the water. Noise was not a problem overnight as to having problems with noises neighbors at other CT state parks."

    6. Branch Brook Campground

    2 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8144

    "Sites are pretty close together and the campground is close to a fairly busy road. The pool and laundry areas were clean and seemed newer."

    7. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-2119

    $72 - $122 / night

    "While this might be fine for some dogs, I have 2 young border collies that will jump that fence like it is not even there."

    "We stayed near the water. Clean private bathrooms were a plus. Clean pool but only 3 feet deep."

    8. River Highlands State Park River Campground

    1 Review
    Cromwell, CT
    12 miles
    +1 (203) 287-5658

    $5 / night

    "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."

    9. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0922

    $17 - $50 / night

    "We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."

    "Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots.

    Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."

    10. Onion Mountain Park

    3 Reviews
    West Simsbury, CT
    19 miles
    Website

    "We arrived at the parking lot of Onion Mountain Park at around 2 pm and proceeded to get our bags packed for the hike."

    "It’s up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it’s not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."

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Recent Camping Photos near Southington, CT

316 Photos of 122 Southington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Southington, CT

583 Reviews of 122 Southington Campgrounds

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • Michael
    Sep. 20, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    The Quarry Campground

    Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • j
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great!

    Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    I mean wow!!

    So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.

    We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.

    And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!

  • Mike W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    First time here

    Nice facility, friendly staff. They pack us in pretty tight in some sites.

Guide to Southington

Camping near Southington, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, provide access to scenic trails. One visitor mentioned, "It was great to hike and see the waterfall," highlighting the natural beauty of the area.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Campgrounds such as Lake Waramaug State Park Campground are perfect for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A reviewer noted, "The lake is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoes and for fishing."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds host family-friendly events. For instance, Riverdale Farm Campsites offers bingo nights that are fun for all ages, as one camper shared, "We did bingo and it was a blast."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Kettletown State Park Campground mentioned, "We have seen varied conditions of the restrooms and showers but have always found the family restroom... in great condition."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the large, private sites available. One reviewer at Hammonasset State Park Campground said, "The sites are nice and large, with room for trailers."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce remarked, "Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Kettletown State Park Campground noted, "There was no management presence around quiet time, and this happened both evenings I was there."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. For example, Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has minimal services, so it's best to bring your own supplies.
  • Wildlife Caution: Be aware of wildlife, especially ticks. A camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground warned, "Be very careful with ticks, there were tons of them under our picnic table."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Bring games and activities to keep kids entertained. A family at Lone Oak Camp Sites enjoyed the "activities for kids" and found it a great place for family fun.
  • Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer some privacy. A camper at White Pines Campsites appreciated their "spacious and spread out" site, which allowed for a more relaxed experience.
  • Pack Snacks and Meals: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. A visitor at Waters Edge Family Campground mentioned, "Plan on bringing your own food and cooking."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A reviewer at Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce noted, "Easy entry, long pull thrus."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Kettletown State Park Campground, do not offer sewer hookups, so plan accordingly.
  • Watch for Traffic: Be cautious when driving in campgrounds, as some roads can be narrow. A camper at Lone Oak Camp Sites mentioned, "The sheer armada of golf carts... make you feel like you’re camping on a highway."

Camping near Southington, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Southington?

While Southington itself has limited camping options, the surrounding Connecticut area offers excellent alternatives. Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce is closest to Southington, offering convenient access and family-friendly amenities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Wolf's Den Family Campground provides a great camping experience with easy access to local attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. Both options offer quality facilities and serve as good home bases for exploring the Southington area.

What amenities are available at Southington camping areas?

Camping areas near Southington typically offer a range of essential amenities. Wilderness Lake Park provides both RV and secluded tent sites, making it a versatile option for different camping styles. Kettletown State Park Campground offers basic facilities including restrooms and access to hiking trails, though amenities are more limited. Most campgrounds in the region provide water access, toilets, and designated camping areas, while private campgrounds tend to offer more extensive facilities like camp stores, playgrounds, and organized activities.

When is the best time of year to go camping in Southington?

The prime camping season in the Southington area runs from late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, with Hammonasset State Park Campground being especially popular during this period for its beach access. Fall brings spectacular foliage, making Hopeville Pond State Park Campground particularly attractive with opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing and swimming amidst autumn colors. Spring camping can be enjoyable but prepare for cooler nights and potential rain. Most campgrounds in the area are seasonal and close during winter months.

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