2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campgrounds near Storrs, Connecticut range from family-oriented private facilities to state parks with varied amenities. Brialee Family Campground in Ashford and Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within 10 miles of Storrs. Several campgrounds in the area feature glamping options and yurts, particularly at Charlie Brown Campground which maintains sites for diverse camping styles including tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations. The region includes both seasonal and year-round operations, with most private campgrounds operating from April through October.
Connecticut's variable weather patterns influence camping conditions throughout the year. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Most private campgrounds near Storrs provide water and electric hookups, with several offering full sewer connections for RVs. State parks typically have more primitive facilities but offer greater natural settings. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas. Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with private facilities typically offering more amenities than state parks. A visitor commented, "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."
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the region. Wilderness Lake Park in Willington and Waters Edge Family Campground in Lebanon provide lake access for swimming and fishing. Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy, as many campgrounds balance natural settings with proximity to amenities. Several visitors mentioned that while Connecticut campgrounds may not offer the remote wilderness experience found in other states, they provide convenient access to regional attractions and activities. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some reviewers noting traffic noise from nearby highways at certain locations. Family-friendly amenities are common at private campgrounds, including playgrounds, organized activities, and recreation areas. A camper wrote, "The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
from $25 - $150 / 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."
from $70 / night
"They stock the river behind the park with trout. Walking path in the woods along the river. Staff are friendly and helpful."
"Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again. Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."
from $45 - $55 / night
"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."
"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
"I like that there are some walking paths and a dog beach. We would return."
"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
"Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."
"Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."
"We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here."
"we had a group from work head out here. we reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves, it was a bit of a walk to the shower from there, but we had our own outhouse, bring a light for night time"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $33 - $100 / night
"Nothing beats cooking breakfast outside on a cool Connecticut morning. Coffee tasted especially good on this trip."
"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."
"It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning."
TravelerSmall but quaint park. It is the off season, but there are numerous folks here. Propane fill available. They stock the river behind the park with trout. Walking path in the woods along the river. Staff are friendly and helpful.
ScoutClean, nice and friendly camping experience
ScoutLots of seasonal campers here. Some damaged trailers in a few spots just sitting there- not sure what the campsites plan is. Bathrooms clean. I saw a schedule of activities for the upcoming weekend and it looks like they offer some nice things for kids. There is a pond in the front for fishing.
LegendThis campground is associated with a large amusement park. We were there in the fall when the amusement park was closed so the campground was not very busy but image it would have a very crowded feel if you were there during the summer. The RV sites are buddy sites which is never our favorite set-up (unless we are traveling with friends). Luckily, there was no one in the site next to us during our stay. The campground is big rig-friendly with roads and sites wide and long enough to accommodate any size RV; however, the road and roundabout you encounter when entering the campground is tight. There was very little traffic when we entered so navigating the entrance booth and roundabout was doable. The RV slots you pull into to check in at registration are far too short to accommodate large RVs with their tow vehicles and we ended up taking up four spaces. The tent sites are set away from the cabins and RV sites. Some are nicely tucked up against the tree line while others are in a grassy area and others are sandy nestled under some scrubby pine trees. One of the problems with the location of the tent sites is that they are far away from the bathrooms. Garbage cans are scattered throughout the campground so you don’t have to walk very far to dump your trash. There is no sewer but the electric (50-amp) worked well. There is cable but the channels were not HD so we switched to our over-the-air antenna and got great HD reception with about 60 channels. There is wifi but we could not get it at our site so we just used our Verizon hotspot (which had great reception). The water pressure is very high so we dialed our regulator back to around 45. Roads and sites are gravel. All the sites are level and have a picnic table and fire pit. We noticed that some of the fire pits needed to be cleaned out because rude campers littered them with water bottles, cans, and other garbage in the fire pits. One of the downsides is the noise from local recycling/transfer station. There is a dump station set to the side as you enter/exit. It was a little tight for us getting our 45’ RV in there but it was doable. There is only one sewer dump so we can image that it can be pretty backed up on Sundays when everybody checks out.
ScoutAfter a busy summer, we wanted somewhere we could just park the camper and slow down for a few days. Sterling Park worked out great for that. We spent one morning fishing, walked the trails later in the day and finished the evening around the fire. Nothing complicated, just a really enjoyable camping weekend.
ScoutAfter a busy few weeks, this was exactly the break we needed. The kids went swimming, we did some fishing, and everyone came home tired in a good way lol.
ScoutWe came with another family and had a blast. The kids disappeared together for half the day while the adults hung around the sites. Between fishing, the pool and the other activities, everyone found something they liked. Would definatly come back.
ScoutWhite Pines made a really good home base for our trip. We spent most of the days checking out different spots around northwest Connecticut and came back here in the evenings. Made dinner outside, had a fire, and just relaxed. The campground itself had everything we needed without having to make a bunch of extra trips into town.
ScoutOur kids are already asking when we can go back. They loved the pool, playground and all the space to run around. We mostly just sat back and enjoyed having a few days off.
Camping spots near Storrs, Connecticut range from small riverside settings to large campgrounds with resort-style amenities. The area sits within Connecticut's decidedly hilly eastern region at elevations between 550-750 feet, creating varied camping environments with access to the Natchaug River watershed. Late summer through early fall offers the most reliable camping conditions with temperatures typically ranging from 50-75°F.
River activities: At Peppertree Camping you can spend time on the Natchaug River. "We had more fun tubing down the river. The area is peaceful and has sites right on the river some and further away for tents and trailers," notes one camper.
Kayaking and canoeing: Wilderness Lake Park offers free watercraft use. "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," mentions a visitor. Another adds, "Bring your own kayaks or use the campgrounds free of charge."
Fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in their lakes and rivers. At Wilderness Lake Park, "The lake was quiet and we saw kids swimming in it in the morning." Charlie Brown Campground is "adjacent to the Natchaug River" where fishing is popular.
Hiking trails: The area features several hiking options close to campgrounds. A Wilderness Lake Park camper noted, "Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets," while another mentioned there was "a hiking trail on the property."
Privacy levels: Site seclusion varies widely between campgrounds. At Charlie Brown Campground, "Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping. Very friendly guests and staff!" One visitor to Wilderness Lake Park appreciated that "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."
Convenient locations: Many campgrounds are strategically located near highways. Wilderness Lake Park is "conveniently located just off I-84 (exit 70)," making it accessible for weekend trips. The Quarry Campground is described as a "great hidden gem off the hwy!"
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and grounds. At The Quarry Campground, "Facilities were easy to use and clean. Sites were wide open and easy to access." Another camper noted the campground is "well-maintained" with "many of the sites secluded."
Recreational amenities: Many sites offer various activities beyond nature. The Quarry Campground features "2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming; large outdoor games; Rec hall with video games, 50¢ pool table, live music; volleyball; boat rentals; and even a baseball diamond!"
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Waters Edge Family Campground runs from "April-October," while Wilderness Lake Park operates from "April 1 to December 1," offering an extended fall season.
Campground density: Proximity to other campers varies significantly. Waters Edge has been described as "enormous and well maintained," while a review for Salt Rock Campground mentions that "you can basically see every campsite from anywhere in the park, barely any trees in between sites to add privacy."
Payment policies: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. A camper at Wilderness Lake Park noted, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared," which is important to know before arrival.
Reservation needs: Many campgrounds, particularly in summer months, require advance booking. A camper shared, "To reserve, fill out the form on the website and you'll get a confirmation. You can pay at the office when you check in."
Kid-friendly activities: Brialee Family Campground offers structured programs for children. "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," mentions one visitor. Another adds, "Plenty of activities and things for kids to do; Rec hall, mini golf, shuffleboard, beach, pool, playground."
Weekend considerations: Several campgrounds have busier, more activity-filled weekends. "They make sure the weekends are for families," notes a Brialee visitor. Another mentions, "Weekends tend to get loud but we don't mind that."
Cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still enjoying outdoor experiences. A recent visitor to Brialee shared, "The cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean. The activities were great and kept my grand children busy."
Bathroom accessibility: Family campers should note bathroom locations when selecting sites. A reviewer at Peppertree mentioned that their children "spent hours in it [the river] playing and fishing," while another noted that at Wilderness Lake, "Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind."
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varied hookup arrangements. At Nickerson Park Family Campground, "There was not sewer drains, but it's ok, they have a nice dump station on your way out." The Quarry advertises full hookups but one camper clarified this meant "leaving our grey tanks open."
Site sizing: RV site dimensions vary significantly between locations. Nickerson Park offers "nice secluded, clean sites," and visitors note they can accommodate larger rigs. A visitor to Charlie Brown Campground mentioned they could still park their "26' camper trailer" despite being "deep in the woods."
Water disposal: Some campgrounds have specific procedures for wastewater. At Brialee, a seasonal camper noted, "There was not full service sewer hook up, only gray water. There was a dump station."
Camping near Storrs offers varied experiences from basic tent sites to full-service RV accommodations, with natural features ranging from riverside settings to wooded lake environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at campsites near Storrs?
Campgrounds near Storrs offer varied amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Wilderness Lake Park provides secluded tent sites alongside RV accommodations with a beautiful lake setting. For more extensive facilities, Mystic KOA features a swimming pool, camp store, and family-friendly activities while maintaining good COVID safety protocols. Many state park campgrounds like Rocky Neck and Hammonasset include bathroom facilities, shower houses, and camp stores. Private campgrounds typically offer more amenities such as planned activities, recreation halls, splash pads, and rental equipment for various outdoor activities. Most sites provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water, with full hookup options available at RV-focused locations.
Where are the campgrounds near Storrs, Connecticut?
Several campgrounds are located within easy driving distance of Storrs. To the east, Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford is about 15 minutes away, offering a convenient nearby option. For nature enthusiasts, Hopeville Pond State Park Campground is approximately 35 minutes southeast, featuring swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Other options within a 30-45 minute drive include Brialee Family Campground near Ashford, Nickerson Park in Chaplin, and Waters Edge in Lebanon. Within an hour's drive, you can reach several state parks including Pachaug State Forest and coastal options like Hammonasset and Rocky Neck State Parks.
What camping is available near Storrs, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Storrs, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 159 campgrounds and RV parks near Storrs, CT and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Storrs, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Storrs, CT is Brialee Family Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Storrs, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Storrs, CT.
What parks are near Storrs, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Storrs, CT that allow camping, notably Westville Lake and Buffumville Lake.
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