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Best Campgrounds near Thomaston, CT

514 Reviews

The Thomaston, Connecticut area features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds with varied accommodation options. Black Rock State Park Campground, located in nearby Watertown, offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with lake access and hiking trails. Within a 15-mile radius, visitors can find campgrounds like Lake Compounce Campground in Bristol, which provides glamping and yurt options in addition to traditional camping. Most facilities in the region are established campgrounds rather than dispersed camping areas, with many offering both primitive tent sites and full-hookup RV camping.

Camping season in the Thomaston area typically runs from May through October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. "Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG," noted one visitor about Gentiles Campground. The region experiences humid summers and cold winters, with spring bringing occasional flooding, particularly at lakeside campsites. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months when facilities fill quickly. Most established campgrounds provide water and restrooms, though amenities vary widely from basic pit toilets at places like Point Folly Campground to full-service bathhouses with hot showers at Black Rock State Park.

State park campgrounds in the area generally receive higher ratings than private facilities, with Black Rock State Park earning particular praise for its natural setting. One camper described it as having "very spacious and clean" sites with "lot of good hiking trails with a scenic view and waterfall to discover." Family-friendly amenities are common at larger campgrounds, with Lake Compounce featuring playgrounds and recreational facilities. Waterfront camping opportunities exist at several locations, including Point Folly Campground on Bantam Lake, where campers appreciate the "clean and quiet" atmosphere with "great access to Bantam Lake" for "swimming, kayaking or fishing." Privacy between campsites varies significantly, with some campgrounds offering wooded separation while others place units in close proximity.

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Best Camping Sites Near Thomaston, Connecticut (108)

    1. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    9 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. Cozy Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    10 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."

    3. Black Rock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    2 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. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    3 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!"

    5. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    13 Reviews
    Riverton, CT
    19 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."

    6. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    18 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."

    7. Branch Brook Campground

    2 Reviews
    Thomaston, CT
    2 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."

    8. Point Folly Campground

    2 Reviews
    Bantam, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 567-0089

    "The campground is right on Bantam Lake which is great for boaters/kayakers  fisherman and families.  I have found the east side of the lake to be much more windy than the west side of the lake.   "

    "Beautiful lake for swimming, kayaking or fishing. Small little island"

    9. Lake Waramaug State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    New Preston, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 868-0220

    $17 - $50 / night

    "My family has been camping at Lake Waramaug for over 20 years. I can say most of what’s been said is true or partially so but whether it’s bad or good depends on your point of view."

    "One of my favorite so far , went with family , to comply w covid and social distancing, the camp only rent your site and no one on your left or right or across ! Amazing !"

    10. White Pines Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Winsted, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 379-0124

    $74 / night

    "However one issue was the garbage situation. Had to walk a long distance to throw out the trash."

    "We got a tent spot and it was perfect since it was the furthest one away and there was no one near us which is probably why we loved it so much bc we were so isolated. a little disappointed in the site"

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Recent Camping Photos near Thomaston, CT

516 Photos of 108 Thomaston Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Thomaston, CT

514 Reviews of 108 Thomaston Campgrounds

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sage's Revine

    Not highest recommended

    There was a bunch of signs that said no parking so we parked at the entrance to the trailhead. The area itself is beautiful but I believe it is more for tent camping versus cars, overlanding vehicles and RVs.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Great staff but back-to-back campsite

    We stayed a coupe of days in Oct. This is a beautiful site to camp out. The staffs are friendly and very attentive.
    Bathroom and water pressure was ok. But one shower location for 50 campsites. Three small showers units and three toilet.
    I never stayed a state campsite where the sites are so close each other. If you like a “normal” distance to your neighbors, I'd not recommend this place.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Taconic Hereford Multiple Use Park

    Convenient pit stop

    This spot is easy to find and access, and had decent ATT service. There's only a few spots, and the road is narrow with not much turnaround room, I wouldn't recommend for trailers or RVs.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Mills Norrie State Park Campground

    Average

    We stayed one night in late September without a reservation. Bathhouse is old but was adequate with hot showers. We’re from out of state and paid about $23 for a tent site which was reasonable for the facilities.

Guide to Thomaston

Camping near Thomaston, Connecticut, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is home to some great trails. For example, at North-South Lake Campground, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, including a short trail to Kaaterskill Falls. One reviewer mentioned, "The Catskills are very scenic, and we enjoyed our time there!"
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds, offer fishing opportunities in private lakes or nearby rivers. A camper shared, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
  • Beach Access: If you’re looking for a beach day, Hammonasset State Park Campground is just a short walk from the beach. One visitor noted, "The campground is about a 20 min walk to the beach."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the scenic views and wooded areas. A review from Clarence Fahnestock State Park highlights, "It’s close to NYC and has secluded, wooded sites nestled amongst big boulders."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds cater to families. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, one parent said, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground remarked, "I like the platform sites that are available, the location close to the lake and beach, and the clean shower and bathroom facilities."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Wildwood State Park Campground mentioned, "The crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly."
  • Site Privacy: Privacy can vary between campgrounds. At Taconic State Park, one reviewer noted, "Sites are a little close together for my liking."
  • Booking Challenges: Some campgrounds have complicated booking processes. A visitor at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds expressed frustration with the online booking system, saying, "I had to call the site to confirm my reservation went through."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, which offers tons of activities for kids. One parent said, "Kids were at the playground 8 am or before."
  • Plan for Noise: If your family prefers quiet, consider visiting during the week. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "Quiet during weekdays."
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. A visitor at North-South Lake Campground suggested, "Definitely love it here for the woodsy feel."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds warned, "We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, one reviewer appreciated, "We had full hookups with 50-amp electrical service."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Some campgrounds have poor cell service and Wi-Fi. A visitor at Beaver Pond Campground noted, "There is NO cell service & just forget about WiFi."

Camping near Thomaston, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Thomaston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Thomaston, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Thomaston, CT and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Thomaston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thomaston, CT is Lake Compounce Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thomaston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Thomaston, CT.

What parks are near Thomaston, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Thomaston, CT that allow camping, notably Northfield Brook Lake and Hop Brook Lake.

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