Best Tent Camping near Versailles, CT
Tent camping options around Versailles, Connecticut include several state parks with primitive tent sites along the Connecticut River. Gillette Castle State Park Campground and Selden Neck State Park Campground both offer tent-specific camping areas accessible by multiple means including boat-in and hike-in options. Chapman Pond Preserve provides free, walk-in tent sites for campers seeking a more rustic experience without modern amenities.
Most tent sites in the region lack basic facilities, requiring campers to prepare accordingly. Toilet facilities are limited or non-existent at several locations, with Chapman Pond Preserve and other primitive sites having no toilets, drinking water, or trash service. Fire rings are generally available at established sites where fires are permitted, though firewood must be brought in at most locations. Access varies significantly, with Selden Neck requiring boat transportation across the Connecticut River. One camper noted, "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in."
Connecticut River views enhance the tent camping experience at several locations. The riverside tent sites provide scenic landscapes and opportunities for wildlife observation. Seasonal considerations affect site availability, with some areas being less accessible during certain times of year. A review of Chapman Pond Preserve described it as a "middle of nowhere site" with "good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse" with the Connecticut River within view. These primitive tent setups offer solitude not typically found at more developed campgrounds. Hidden Lake Farm represents a slightly more equipped option with drinking water, showers and toilet facilities while still maintaining a tent-only camping experience. Most tent-only camping areas in the region are relatively small, accommodating only a few tents rather than large group setups.
