Best Campgrounds near Tolland, CT

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 Camping Sites Near Tolland, Connecticut (159)

    1. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    5 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
    10 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
    3 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
    15 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. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "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."

    6. Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds

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

    7. Moosemeadow Camping Resort

    1 Review
    Willington, CT
    7 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"

    8. Nickerson Park Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chaplin, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 455-0007

    $45 - $55 / night

    "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."

    9. Partridge Hollow Campground

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

    $45 - $65 / night

    10. Peppertree Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    14 miles
    Website

    "It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning."

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Recent Reviews near Tolland, CT

688 Reviews of 159 Tolland 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.

  • 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.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!

  • 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.


Guide to Tolland

Camping near Tolland, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly campgrounds to serene spots for RVers, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Explore local parks: Check out the nearby Hammonasset State Park Campground for a mix of beach fun and nature trails. One visitor mentioned, "The beach was popular, and there was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in."
  • Visit historical sites: The Mystic KOA is just a short drive from Mystic Seaport and the Mystic Aquarium. A camper shared, "This campground is just 15-minutes from Mystic and about an hour’s drive to Newport, Rhode Island."
  • Hiking and fishing: At October Mountain State Forest, you can enjoy hiking trails and fishing spots. One reviewer noted, "The trails were completely perfectly maintained with some 2x6 boards over the muddy bits so our boots didn't get wet."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground said, "Bathrooms are very nice."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds, like George Washington State Campground, have staff that go above and beyond. One camper remarked, "The staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."
  • Activities for kids: Families enjoy the amenities at places like Normandy Farms Campground. A parent mentioned, "It has so many things for the kids to do."

What you should know:

  • Site conditions vary: Some campgrounds have uneven sites, which can be tricky for larger RVs. A camper at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground noted, "Our fifth wheel front jacks are on the ground and two of the four wheels are off the ground."
  • No alcohol allowed at some sites: If you’re planning to enjoy a drink by the fire, check the rules first. For example, Hammonasset State Park Campground has a strict no-alcohol policy.
  • Book in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Mystic KOA advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring activities: Campgrounds like Normandy Farms Campground offer plenty of activities for kids. One parent said, "Everyone is so friendly. Can't wait to go back for the 4th of July."
  • Choose sites with shade: Look for campsites that provide some shade to keep kids cool. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground mentioned, "The Osprey loop has the most woodsy campsites."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby, so pack enough food. A visitor at Wells State Park Campground noted, "There was minimal cell phone coverage with Verizon."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site dimensions: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground advised, "Some sites are fairly level but not most of them."
  • Bring leveling blocks: Many sites may require leveling blocks for a comfortable stay. A visitor at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Basic practices can keep them out so it’s not a problem I had."
  • Explore the area: Don’t just stay at the campground; check out local attractions. A camper at Mystic KOA said, "This is a great place to stay when visiting the coastal Connecticut/Rhode Island area."

Camping near Tolland, Connecticut, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

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?

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.