Camping sites near Thompson, Connecticut range from rustic tent areas to full-service RV resorts. Located in northeastern Connecticut's "Quiet Corner," this region sits at elevations between 300-650 feet with a humid continental climate. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during camping season, while rainfall averages 3-4 inches monthly from May through October.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: West Thompson Lake Campground features a dedicated disc golf course through wooded terrain. "We've camped here twice so far and can't wait to be back. This campground is very small and quiet, but the lake and adjoining river offer hours of fun for small craft. Take a long paddle up the river and you'll be escorted by hundreds of bluebirds and cedar waxwings," notes one visitor to West Thompson Lake Campground.
Water activities: Swimming beaches are available at several locations, though regulations vary. "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe. The dogs cannot go on the beach, but they can go in the boats," explains a camper at George Washington State Campground.
Hiking trail access: Many campgrounds connect directly to trail networks. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers," reports a guest at George Washington State Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, private campsites: Sites with natural separation are highly rated. At Stateline Campresort & Cabins, "Clean, wooded and open sites some overlook a large pond. Boat rentals, pool, game room available. The site we had overlooked the pond and was perfect."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer shoreline access for fishing. "Beautiful campground with a beautiful beach, new pay shower and bathrooms. We enjoyed swimming and fishing," mentions a visitor at George Washington State Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank highly in camper satisfaction. "Bathrooms were clean. Good for kids/families," states a review of Brialee Family Campground.
What you should know
Gate access restrictions: Many campgrounds limit late-night entry. "Large campsites, Nice basketball court, Decent bathrooms for a state campground, only complain is that they close the gate to enter at 9pm," notes a camper at West Thompson Lake.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping," reports a visitor to Charlie Brown Campground.
Reservation requirements: Booking ahead is essential for summer weekends. "This is a nice family campground. We're at site Red 24 and it's very secluded and flat. This site is right next to the state park that's nearby, so it's fairly quiet," notes a camper at Bowdish Lake Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Family-focused campgrounds offer organized events. "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," states a visitor to Brialee Family Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "The RV sites are very large and the owners go out of their way to make you happy," says a camper at Charlie Brown Campground.
Swimming options: Waterfront sites often have designated swimming areas. "This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!" explains another Charlie Brown visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Service levels vary significantly between campgrounds. "Our site Blue 111 is spacious with lots of privacy. With very few exceptions the staff and other seasonal campers are all very nice and friendly," notes a visitor to Bowdish Lake Camping Area.
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We stayed here on a Tuesday night right after hurricane Henri. The park was completely cleaned up from any damage or debris, all in great shape. No other campers here when we arrived, so totally silent. No road noise. Most sites are relatively short level pads," explains a camper at Wolf Den Campground.
Towing access: Road conditions and campground layouts affect large rig maneuverability. "There's a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but its quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues," reports a visitor to Sutton Falls Camping Area.
