S
Sam M.
Scout
ScoutCrocker's Boatyard
Convenient and Safe
Friendly, clean and convenient. By chance, we were there during the annual fireworks.
Camping near Wallingford Center, CT
105 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Wallingford Center, Connecticut include a mix of state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Hammonasset State Park Campground in Madison offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with beach access, while Lake Compounce Campground in Bristol provides more developed facilities including glamping and yurt options. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront locations, with both coastal and inland lake settings available throughout the region.
Reservations are essential during the peak summer season from late May through early September when most Connecticut state park campgrounds operate. Many campgrounds close entirely during winter months, with limited year-round options available at private facilities. Campground amenities vary significantly, with state parks typically offering more basic facilities compared to private campgrounds that provide full hookups and additional recreational amenities. A visitor commented, "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem like Wilderness Lake Campground."
The camping experience in this region ranges from quiet wooded settings to more developed family-oriented campgrounds. Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at coastal locations like Hammonasset and Rocky Neck State Parks. Campers report mixed experiences with site privacy, with some noting close proximity to neighboring campsites. A review mentioned, "The sites are super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent." Most campgrounds provide standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, though quality and cleanliness vary by location. Family-friendly activities are common at many campgrounds, with hiking trails, swimming areas, and organized recreational programs available during summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Wallingford Center (105)
1. Hammonasset State Park Campground
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
"I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. Lake Compounce Campground
"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."
3. Riverdale Farm Campsites
"The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice."
"Sites are very close to one another. Level pull through site. Quit in the evening!"
4. Totoket Valley RV Park
"I was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy."
from $55 / night
Check Availability5. Kettletown State Park Campground
"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability6. Gentiles Campground
"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!"
from $55 - $150 / night
Check Availability7. Wolf's Den Family Campground
"This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."
"Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"
8. Black Rock State Park Campground
"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."
from $17 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. River Highlands State Park River Campground
"We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."
from $5 / night
Check Availability10. Branchbrook campground
Drive Time
- 12 min from New Haven, CT
- 19 min from Waterbury, CT
- 23 min from Hartford, CT
- 28 min from Bridgeport, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Wallingford Center, CT
143 Photos of 105 Wallingford Center Campgrounds
Karen C.
Branchbrook campground
Danny A.
Lake Compounce Campground
Michael H.
Gentiles Campground
Ossama B.
Hammonasset State Park Campground
Jacob S.
Wolf's Den Family Campground
Michelle B.
Black Rock State Park Campground
Taylor C.
Kettletown State Park Campground
Jason S.
Selden Neck State Park Campground
Jason G.
The Farm at Carter Hill
Robert L.
Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
Tracy D.
Salem Farms Campground
Sara R.
Windmill Hill - Connecticut White Memorial Campground
Recent Reviews near Wallingford Center, CT
538 Reviews of 105 Wallingford Center Campgrounds
- JJohnScout
Totoket Valley RV Park
Very Friendly and quick check in/out!
I was in the area and needed a location to hook up. Temperature at 7:00 p.m. was 85 in July which is expected. They're able to get me in for the night. Quick and easy. Had smoke from the Canadian Wildfire which made for a good sunset
- UUA C.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
The fireworks-WOW
Had a wonderful 2 night stay, an added plus were the annual fireworks, a wonderful surprise. Highly recommend Crocker’s BoatYard, friendly, safe, convenient location and lovely pool as well.
- AAndrew B.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Beautiful and convenient
Easy to get to, great communication and lovely location. Recommended!
- BBlake N.Scout
Crocker's Boatyard
Awesome
This place is fantastic and I would definitely stay again. It is a working shipyard and marina. Excellent showers. Very nice pool and pool deck with umbrella right on the water. One mile from block island ferry.
- DDavid G.
TravelerCrocker's Boatyard
Great spot and great hosts
Crocker’s is a nice relaxing scenic place to stay in the New London area.
Walking distance to restaurants and to Fort Trumbull.
So much fun watching the boats and boating activities.
Electric and water included. There is a free dump station about a mile away (during regular business hours). *Can be found on The Dyrt.
Hosts were super friendly and had nice recommendations for places to see around town. Thank you !!!! We will definitely be visiting again. 
Julia B.TravelerLake Compounce Campground
Very clean, friendly staff and not crowded
We arrived after 10pm so we couldn’t go into the general store to check in. But there was an envelope with our name and a description of where we had to go. Because it was so dark we couldn’t find it but the security guard was really helpful and showed us the way. We spent a really quiet night at this campground at a tent site with our rooftop tent and appreciated the clean showers and friendly staff. We would come back anytime.
- DDwight F.
GuideHousatonic Meadows State Park Campground
Nice midweek stay location
Tall pines, the sound of the mighty housatonic river, and some car noise on the nearby 2 lane. The campground is landscaped and maintained beautifully. the highlight is the river, ever-present in sound. The primo sites are on the northern end , where most sites are right on the water, and just a small descent. Bathrooms are good, not great. Showers are push button automatic, water was warm. We have a small RV, the dump site is up the main road about a 1/2 mile in a turnout. Free for campers, on your honor. At office were college aged young men and women in very casual street clothes all very nice, and mannerly, but not very knowledgeable, and hard to believe they could handle an adverse situation. I asked for the soap to be filled in the mens room on Thursday afternoon at 4 and it was still not done at noon the next day. -it’s a 2 minute walk from the office. I asked about a hike, they told me a trail head was a mile up the road. We found a spur directly across the street. I miss real docents, with knowledge, and wearing the garb. All sites not directly on the river side have paths down to get there. Did a nice little moderate hike just across the street called Pine Knob. Nice vista, quick 760ft ascent, combines withe AT for a length, then back down total 3 miles the way we did it. Some nice restaurants in Kent. Found a good breakfast in Goshen. We’ll be going back.
- DDwight F.Guide
Housatonic Meadows State Park Campground
The nice part of Connecticut
A really nice campground for tenters and dry campers. No hookups, but decent bathrooms, lukewarm showers and well kept. The Housatonic river is wide and shallow but good for soaking on a hot day and right behind pretty much every campsite. The riverside sites have a clear view, the others you walk through the woods. The only negative is Route 7, which gets busy in the mornings, and at rush hours, but quiets down at night. Not a busy highway to begin with, but a major route. A good up and down hike right across the street, 760 ft ascent in a mile or so, 3 mile loop, you see AT through hikers on the portion of the combined trail. There is a drinking water tap you can hook a hose to for filling your RV, or jugs. No dump station. We had our class B here. Sites mostly level. Come during the week for better privacy. Supposedly fly fisherman come on weekends. Cute cabins for rent in a awesome location.
Guide to Wallingford Center
Connecticut offers multiple camping locations within 30 miles of Wallingford Center. Most state park campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late May through early September, with overnight temperatures typically dropping to the mid-50s even during summer months. River access and hiking opportunities exist at several campgrounds, though water levels at swimming areas can fluctuate based on summer rainfall patterns.
What to do
Hiking trails with scenic views: Black Rock State Park Campground features diverse hiking options with notable elevation changes. "Beautiful state park, very clean... fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails. Check out Leather Man Cave, Whitestone Cliffs, Tory's Den, and Buttermilk Falls nearby," notes Michelle B.
Lake and beach access: Hammonasset State Park Campground provides direct access to Connecticut shoreline. "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center," shares Tiffany T.
Fishing opportunities: River Highlands State Park River Campground offers riverside camping with good fishing spots. "The campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river," reports Alicia B., though she warns visitors to "beware of arachnids" in the outhouses.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Black Rock State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Well maintained bathrooms, with available showers, are also spread throughout the grounds," says Mathew D. The park offers "REALLY HOT showers. Lol I like my showers hot butt my biscuits were burnin," adds Topher L.
Variety of site types: Kettletown State Park Campground provides options ranging from private to more open sites. "Sites are varied, you can tent camp, use a camper, or they also have a few cabins you can rent. Be advised, there isn't a kitchen or bathroom in the cabins!" explains Elaine C.
Recreational amenities: Wolf's Den Family Campground offers numerous recreational facilities beyond basic camping. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available," notes Jeremy G.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Kettletown State Park Campground has challenges with site boundaries. "The sites were super close together and the boundary lines were unclear, so my neighbors ended up using my fire ring to secure their tent," reports Justin P.
Reservation timing matters: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "The camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!" advises Bianca M. about Hammonasset.
Insects can be problematic: Bug activity affects evening enjoyment at some locations. "The nats (little black flies) make it nearly impossible to enjoy an evening," warns another camper about Kettletown's evening conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campsites with kid-friendly amenities: Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce offers numerous family activities. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," says Nichol P.
Consider cabin options for easier family trips: Lake Compounce provides varied accommodation types. "They have cabins, teepee and tent sites. This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother," notes Diane R.
Look for organized activities: Riverdale Farm Campsites runs scheduled events for children. "We did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards," reports Nick H.
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability: Riverdale Farm Campsites offers full hookup options for RVs. "Our site was roomy and for the most part all functioned as it was supposed to," notes Matthew, though he mentioned some maintenance issues with facilities during his stay.
Consider site layout and accessibility: Lake Compounce Campground has good site design for RVs. "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," explains Diane R. about the campground layout.
Plan for dump station logistics: Wolf's Den Family Campground provides practical waste disposal options. "Grey dump at site. Power and water at every site. Very very clean. 50x30 sites common," notes Jeremy G., mentioning that a "honey wagon" service is also available for black water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there kid-friendly camping options near Wallingford Center?
Are there kid-friendly camping options near Wallingford Center?
Families near Wallingford Center will enjoy Wilderness Lake Park, which offers excellent tent sites in a family-friendly environment. Wolf's Den Family Campground is another great option with nearby attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. For state park camping with kid-friendly amenities, Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provides swimming, fishing, hiking and picnic areas where children can enjoy outdoor activities and often spot local wildlife like chipmunks. Most of these locations have bicycle-friendly paths that kids particularly enjoy.
What amenities do Wallingford Center campsites offer?
What amenities do Wallingford Center campsites offer?
Campsites near Wallingford Center provide various amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Hammonasset State Park Campground features well-maintained showers and bathrooms, a camp store with essentials, and easy beach access. Niantic KOA offers reliable KOA standards with convenient proximity to downtown areas. Most campgrounds in the region typically provide bathroom facilities, water access, and designated camping areas. State parks generally offer more basic amenities like water spigots and restrooms, while private campgrounds may include additional features such as camp stores, playgrounds, and occasionally Wi-Fi access. Availability of hookups varies by location, with some sites catering specifically to RVs.
What campgrounds are available in Wallingford Center?
What campgrounds are available in Wallingford Center?
Wallingford Center offers several nearby camping options in Connecticut. Kettletown State Park Campground is a convenient choice with beautiful hiking trails, though swimming availability may vary due to seasonal algae conditions. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground is another option with campsites nestled among wooded areas, offering a more rustic experience. For additional options within driving distance, consider Totoket Valley RV Park and Hidden Lake Farm, both offering different amenity levels depending on your camping preferences.
Keep Exploring