Angela C.
Scout
ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Nothing Beats Cooking
Nothing beats cooking breakfast outside on a cool Connecticut morning. Coffee tasted especially good on this trip.
Camping near Tolland, CT
165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Tolland, Connecticut centers around several established campgrounds set within the wooded areas of northeastern Connecticut. The region includes notable options like Wilderness Lake Park, The Quarry Campground, and Brialee Family Campground, all within a 15-mile radius of Tolland. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several properties also featuring cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. Campgrounds in this area typically operate as mixed-use facilities, catering to overnight visitors as well as seasonal campers who maintain longer-term sites during the warmer months.
Seasonal operations generally run from mid-April through October, with many campgrounds closing during the winter months. Water and electric hookups are standard at most developed campgrounds, though availability of full sewer connections varies between properties. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities frequently reach capacity. The area experiences typical New England weather patterns with hot, humid summers and occasional thunderstorms. Most campgrounds maintain well-maintained roads suitable for standard vehicles and RVs. According to one visitor at Wilderness Lake Park, "The staff were very polite and helpful. They deliver wood to your site. It's a place to get away!"
Several campgrounds feature lake access as a primary amenity, with fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities available at properties like Wilderness Lake Park and The Quarry Campground. Many visitors highlight the family-friendly nature of these facilities, with scheduled activities and recreational amenities like playgrounds, sports courts, and game rooms. While sites at some campgrounds offer privacy, others place RVs in closer proximity, particularly in areas with full hookups. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the region's mix of natural features and developed amenities: "The lake is nice and the hiking is good. The staff was friendly and helpful." Visitors looking for more seclusion might prefer tent sites, which are often located in more wooded sections of the campgrounds, while those seeking convenience typically opt for the more developed RV areas.
Best Campgrounds near Tolland (165)
1. Wilderness Lake Park
"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
Check Availability2. Brialee Family Campground
"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."
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability3. The Quarry Campground
"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
Check Availability4. Charlie Brown Campground
"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. Waters Edge Family Campground
"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
Check Availability6. Nickerson Park Family Campground
"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
Check Availability7. Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds
8. Moosemeadow Camping Resort
"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"
9. Partridge Hollow Campground
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability10. Sunset View Farms
"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."
Drive Time
- 17 min from Hartford, CT
- 38 min from Springfield, MA
- 39 min from Norwich, CT
- 1 hr 3 min from Amherst Center, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Tolland, CT
230 Photos of 165 Tolland Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
The Quarry CampgroundG
Wilderness Lake ParkR
Your Huckleberry Farms - CLOSED
Brialee Family CampgroundR
Mineral Springs Family CampgroundsR
Starlit CampingG
Starlit Camping at Atlantic Coast Farms and EstatesG
Nickerson Park Family Campground
Peppertree CampingL
Charlie Brown CampgroundM
Waters Edge Family Campground
The Farm at Carter HillJ
Recent Reviews near Tolland, CT
764 Reviews of 165 Tolland Campgrounds
Louis M.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Used White Pines As Our Base
We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening. Made dinner outside, started a fire, and didn’t move again until bedtime. Sometimes that is exactly what you want from a campsite.
Ariana C.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Much More Relaxing
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. We spent most of the day out exploring and came back in the evening to make dinner at the RV. Much more relaxing than bouncing between hotels.
Samuel T.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
It Was Nice
Brought our dog along and really appreciated having a trail we could walk together. It was nice being able to get out for a walk without even leaving the campground.
- FFrank P.Scout
Nickerson Park Family Campground
Friendly staff, very clean and quiet campground
Stayed for a weekend. Staff was super friendly and the park was very clean. Enjoyed some fishing and caught some small trout with my kids. Very relaxing and enjoyed our stay.
SamScoutSelden Neck State Park Campground
Campsite
I do not recommend staying at this campsite. As you can't drive to the Campsite, as you have to come on a kayak or canoe.
- S
Sean D.
TravelerHammonasset State Park Campground
Outstanding campground, park and location
Overall a superb spot to either stay put and enjoy the camp, park and beach or to use as a base to explore the region. Huge campground, yet peaceful. Online map would make it seem spaces are tight but it is a very big area and so ample room to stretch out your space. Not a lot of privacy as most spaces are out in the open or light tree area but it is not an invasive feeling situation. Very popular for CT families with biking, walking and the beautiful beach right here. Lots of grass, level sites. A few sites have electric but not many and this seems to be the big rig area. Most people are tent or small camper setups. Bathrooms clean, hot water reasonable temp. Dish washing stations at each restroom. Movies at night (kids). The state park is really pretty and well maintained. The area towns are very pretty and remarkably quiet in general (not many tourist traps) and its easy to access various shoreline parks, drives, viewpoints. I'd avoid the spots very nearest the park road as it does get a lot of day visitors to the park/beach. I'm here late August and schools go back this week so midweek the campground is less than half full but I believe it will fill for the weekend.
Edward J.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Two-Night Getaway
We brought the camper for a quick two-night getaway and spent most of our time doing absolutely nothing. Cooked outside, read a little, and finally slowed down for a weekend.
Noah H.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
We Had Booked Another
We came up for two nights with our tent and ended up wishing we had booked another. Nothing fancy about our weekend, just cooking outside, sleeping under the trees, and enjoying some time away.
Guide to Tolland
Camping near Tolland, Connecticut sits within the dense forests of northeastern Connecticut at elevations between 600-750 feet. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak camping season with humidity levels of 60-70%. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October when nighttime temperatures remain above 45°F.
What to do
Tubing and river recreation: Charlie Brown Campground offers access to the Natchaug River where visitors can float downstream. "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!" writes Michael on Charlie Brown Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: Free watercraft use is available at some campgrounds for water recreation. According to Rob L. at Wilderness Lake Park, "Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature stocked ponds and river access for fishing. "Not many tenting sites but along a beautiful lake. Pets allowed. Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind. And they're cash or check only! Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets," notes Kailie G. about Wilderness Lake Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded tent sites away from RV areas. "Tent sites are nice and isolated, but not scary far apart. Lots of wildlife so keep your food sealed... Nice walking trails and free kayaks as available. I always get site 1, it's in its own area with pretty flat terrain," shares Kay B. about Wilderness Lake Park.
Family activities: Scheduled events and recreation for children are common at most campgrounds. "They make sure the weekends are for families," writes Linda L. about Brialee Family Campground. Another camper, Michelle D., adds: "My family used to camp at this ground on an annual basis. There were all kinds of activities (kick-ball, etc.) that everyone could participate in, a great playground, and easy to navigate."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and common areas are frequently mentioned in reviews. "The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly. We did a late checkout for $5 extra, but the noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue as well," notes Michael about Charlie Brown Campground.
What you should know
Cash-only policies: Several campgrounds don't accept credit cards. "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared," warns Hails L. about Wilderness Lake Park. Another campground, Nickerson Park, charges "$452 for the week, plus $10 for the poop truck" according to Bobcat B.
Bathroom access hours: Some facilities close bathhouses at night. A reviewer at The Quarry Campground notes: "They advertise full hookups but turns out to be a lie when you pull in… all full hookups are given to seasonal customers. We did receive a pull-through with 50/30/20 and water."
Gray water disposal: Campgrounds near water sources often have restrictions. "Grey dump only due to river so no biggie. Staff was friendly and there was some stuff to do. Crafts for kids, a band, a wagon ride. Good place overall and great price," explains Johnny W. about Charlie Brown Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Waters Edge Family Campground offers multiple water recreation options. "There's a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend. I camp here seasonally and love it," writes Laura M. Another camper adds, "We enjoyed our stay. It was quiet. The salt water pool was clean."
Pet-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds welcome dogs and have dedicated facilities. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs! We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park," states Rob L.
Activity schedules: Campgrounds often plan weekend events 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. They provide a store with all the essentials, a game room, laundry room, Rec hall, and multiple bathhouses throughout the Campground," explains Mallory P. about Brialee Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: The best places to camp near Tolland for RVs offer varying site sizes and layouts. "Located in the quiet corner of CT. The RV sites are very large and the owners go out of their way to make you happy. They recently installed 'At Home Quality' WiFi so the whole family can enjoy the weekend," reports Doug R. about Charlie Brown Campground.
Hookup limitations: Some campgrounds advertise full hookups but have restrictions. "We chose to wait and dump on our way out. If you're a pet owner, you'll absolutely love the dog run!" notes Brittany V. about The Quarry Campground. She adds, "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!"
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entrances for larger rigs. "The way in is very twisty and hilly. Was a challenge for our 33' towing a car but we made it!" reports Nancy about Partridge Hollow Campground. Most Tolland-area campgrounds require navigation of rural roads that may include tight turns and moderate grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities do Tolland campgrounds offer?
What amenities do Tolland campgrounds offer?
Campgrounds near Tolland offer diverse amenities to enhance your camping experience. Brialee Family Campground provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with multiple access options including drive-in and walk-in sites. At Hammonasset State Park Campground, you'll find well-maintained showers and bathrooms, a fully-stocked camp store, and beach access just steps from your campsite. Most campgrounds in the area typically offer fire rings, picnic tables, and clean bathhouses. Many also feature recreational amenities like swimming pools, hiking trails, and planned activities, especially at the private resorts.
Where are the campgrounds in Tolland, CT?
Where are the campgrounds in Tolland, CT?
While there are no campgrounds directly in Tolland, CT, the closest options include Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds in nearby Stafford Springs and Moosemeadow Camping Resort in West Willington. Both are within a short drive from Tolland. For camping enthusiasts looking specifically for a 'Tolland' campground, note that Tolland State Forest Campground is actually located in Massachusetts, not Connecticut, despite sharing the same name as the Connecticut town.
How far are campgrounds from Tolland, CT?
How far are campgrounds from Tolland, CT?
The closest campgrounds to Tolland, CT are within a 15-30 minute drive. Wilderness Lake Park is approximately 15 miles away and offers a secluded camping experience with both RV and tent sites. Charlie Brown Campground near Eastford is about 20 miles from Tolland. For those willing to drive a bit further, Wolf's Den Family Campground is accessible from Route 9 and located near attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House, roughly 35-40 minutes from Tolland.
Keep Exploring