Best Campgrounds near Stafford Springs, CT

Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds serves as a primary camping destination for visitors to Stafford Springs, Connecticut, located within the forested landscapes of northeastern Connecticut. Several established campgrounds are clustered within a 15-mile radius of town, including Wilderness Lake Park in Willington and Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford. The region includes a mix of private recreation-oriented campgrounds offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Many facilities provide full-service amenities including electric and water hookups, sanitary dump stations, showers, and toilets, making them suitable for both rustic tent camping and modern RV accommodations.

Camping availability typically runs from April or May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. One camper shared, "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground." Access routes generally consist of well-maintained roads suitable for most vehicles. Cell service is available at many campgrounds but can be spotty in more remote areas. Reservation systems vary by campground, with most private operations offering online booking. Travelers should note that campground density increases near Interstate 84, providing convenient access but occasionally higher noise levels from nearby traffic.

The mixed-use campgrounds near Stafford Springs typically feature forested settings with varying degrees of privacy between sites. Campers report particularly positive experiences at locations with water features, with multiple reviewers highlighting lake access as a key attraction. Brialee Family Campground and Wilderness Lake Park both maintain swimming areas that receive favorable mentions. Family-friendly amenities represent common offerings throughout the area, with numerous campgrounds providing playgrounds, organized activities, and recreation facilities. Seasonal campers occupy many sites at private campgrounds, creating established communities particularly during summer months. The proximity to both natural areas and regional attractions allows campers to use these developed campgrounds as convenient bases for exploring Connecticut's quiet corner while maintaining access to essential amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Stafford Springs, Connecticut (167)

    1. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-6352

    $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."

    2. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 303-2267

    $25 - $150 / night

    "Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."

    "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."

    3. The Quarry Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tolland, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 875-8325

    $45 - $68 / night

    "We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"

    4. Charlie Brown Campground

    8 Reviews
    Eastford, CT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 974-0142

    "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."

    5. Partridge Hollow Campground

    5 Reviews
    Monson Center, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 267-5122

    $45 - $65 / night

    6. Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Stafford Springs, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-2993

    7. Wells State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Sturbridge, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 347-9257

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."

    "The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."

    8. Sunset View Farms

    5 Reviews
    Monson Center, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (413) 267-9269

    "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."

    9. Thousand Trails Sturbridge

    6 Reviews
    Westville Lake, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The manager was able to give me a great campsite away from all of the RVs and cabins. It was right at the entrance however you did have to hike up a short 50ft hill to get to the site."

    "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"

    10. Moosemeadow Camping Resort

    1 Review
    Willington, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 429-7451

    "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"

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Recent Reviews near Stafford Springs, CT

672 Reviews of 167 Stafford Springs 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!

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.

  • 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!


Guide to Stafford Springs

Camping options near Stafford Springs, Connecticut cluster along the Willimantic River watershed at elevations between 600-800 feet. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-85°F. Most campgrounds in the region sit within 15 miles of town on secondary roads, providing both wooded and open field sites for different camping preferences.

What to do

Fishing access: Wilderness Lake Park offers multiple fishing spots with catch-and-release options. "Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," notes Rob L., highlighting the water recreation opportunities.

River tubing: Charlie Brown Campground features access to the Natchaug River where campers can tube downstream during summer months. "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!" shares Michael in his review.

Hiking trails: Wilderness Lake Park maintains on-site hiking paths with developing amenities. "There was a hiking trail on the property and the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property," states one camper, demonstrating the campground's expansion of outdoor activities.

Swimming options: Brialee Family Campground provides both a swimming pool and beach access. "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds," reports Kimberly B., highlighting multiple water recreation options.

What campers like

Spacious sites: Campsites at Wilderness Lake Park offer privacy uncommon at developed campgrounds. "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 camper, indicating the natural setting.

Convenience: The Quarry Campground offers pull-through sites with full hookups close to Highway 84. "Let me just start off by saying we did stay at the end of the season so the campground was quiet… But this is a stunning park and totally worth a stop if you're traveling via hwy 84!" shares Brittany V.

Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate riverside camping at Charlie Brown Campground. "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer... If you go to Charlie Brown's request a site by the water," recommends Ron C., indicating preferred site locations.

Free equipment usage: Several campgrounds provide complimentary equipment rentals. "Nice walking trails and free kayaks as available," notes one reviewer about Wilderness Lake Park, demonstrating value-added amenities not requiring additional fees.

What you should know

Cash-only policies: Some campgrounds require payment methods beyond credit cards. "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared," warns Hails L. about Wilderness Lake Park, indicating visitors should plan payment options in advance.

Weather considerations: The region experiences occasional summer drought conditions limiting campfire use. "Went camping in August 22', couldn't have fire due to drought but otherwise a pleasant experience," reports Ryan W. about Wells State Park Campground.

Cell service limitations: Signal strength varies significantly throughout the region, particularly at campgrounds tucked into valleys. "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls," notes Mara S., indicating connectivity challenges.

Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality and availability differs between campgrounds. "Not all sites are secluded, but we were the only ones so it was nice and private. At the time there was only one port-a-potty for the tent area we were in and no water source," explains one camper about Wilderness Lake Park.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Brialee Family Campground offers structured programming throughout the day. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs," explains Mallory P.

Site selection: Request sites away from gathering areas if traveling with infants. "We camped with friends, who were given a spot next to a large group of people... The group were very polite and abided by quiet hours, but they were having fun and a bit loud for my buddy's 2 month old baby," shares Michael about Charlie Brown Campground.

Playground options: Multiple campgrounds maintain play structures for children. "Facilities were easy to use and clean. Sites were wide open and easy to access... If you're a pet owner, you'll absolutely love the dog run!" notes Brittany V. about The Quarry Campground.

Budget-friendly recreation: Some campgrounds include free equipment usage with stay. "Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge," recommends Kailie G. about Wilderness Lake Park, indicating no additional rental fees.

Tips from RVers

Site grading: The Quarry Campground offers level pull-through sites suitable for larger rigs. "Overall fantastic spot! They advertise full hu but turns out to be a lie when you pull in… all full hu is given to seasonal customers. We did receive a pull thru with 50/30/20 and water," explains Brittany V.

Hookup variations: Gray water disposal methods differ between campgrounds. "There was not full service sewer hook up, only gray water. There was a dump station," notes Dave B. about Brialee Family Campground, indicating partial hookup limitations.

Access routes: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. "The way in is very twisty and hilly. Was a challenge for our 33' towing a car but we made it!" shares Nancy about Partridge Hollow Campground, providing information about access limitations.

Campground layout: Many campgrounds near Stafford Springs feature a mix of seasonal and transient sites. "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," explains Kailie G.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost to camp at Stafford Springs campgrounds?

Camping costs near Stafford Springs vary based on the type of campground and amenities offered. At state parks like Rocky Neck State Park Campground, rates start around $33 per night for basic sites without hookups. Hopeville Pond State Park Campground offers similar state park pricing with access to swimming, fishing, and hiking activities. Private campgrounds in the area typically range from $35-$60 per night for tent sites and $45-$75 for RV sites with hookups. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays, with weekly and monthly rates providing significant savings. Seasonal rates are also available at some locations, with prices varying based on location, site type, and included amenities.

What amenities are available at Stafford Springs campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Stafford Springs offer a variety of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Wolf's Den Family Campground provides family-friendly facilities including bathhouses, a camp store, and is conveniently located near attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. Moosemeadow Camping Resort features water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly for RV campers. Many campgrounds in the area typically offer fire rings, picnic tables, clean restrooms, and shower facilities. Some feature recreational amenities such as swimming pools, fishing ponds, playgrounds, game rooms, and hiking trails. Seasonal campgrounds may have additional amenities like planned activities, Wi-Fi access, and laundry facilities.

Where are the campgrounds located in Stafford Springs, CT?

The Stafford Springs area offers several camping options within reasonable driving distance. Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds is located directly in Stafford Springs, providing convenient access to the town. For those willing to venture slightly outside Stafford Springs, Wilderness Lake Park offers a beautiful setting with lakeside camping opportunities. Other nearby options include campgrounds in the surrounding towns of Eastford, Ashford, and Willington, all within approximately 20-30 minutes of Stafford Springs. The region's strategic location in northeastern Connecticut makes it a good base for exploring both Connecticut and nearby Massachusetts attractions.