Best Campgrounds near Watertown, CT

Camping near Watertown, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds are close to trails. For instance, at Clarence Fahnestock State Park, one camper mentioned, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
• Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds has two private lakes and a river for fishing. A visitor shared, "You’ve got fishing either in 2 private lakes or you can fish in the river."
• Beach Access: Hammonasset State Park Campground is just a short drive from the beach. One reviewer noted, "The beach was popular," making it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean and well-maintained," which is always a plus.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, one parent mentioned, "This place is so much fun. My whole family loved the activities."
• Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A reviewer at October Mountain State Forest remarked, "The trails were completely perfectly maintained," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What you should know:

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Wildwood State Park Campground noted, "The crowd stayed awake playing music all night very loudly."
• Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at October Mountain State Forest mentioned, "I expected a little added extra fee for booking," indicating some unexpected costs.

Tips for camping with families:

• Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with plenty of activities. At Brialee Family Campground, one family said, "The activities were great and kept my grandchildren busy."
• Choose the Right Site: Some sites are more spacious than others. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds mentioned, "The lots are large and nicely wooded," which can be great for families needing space.
• Bring Entertainment: Kids might need extra activities. A visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner noted, "People tend to walk through your campsite constantly," so having games or toys can keep them entertained.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rip Van Winkle Campgrounds said, "We were within 2 inches or less of trees on 4 or 5 instances getting in and out of our site."
• Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Gardiner, one visitor appreciated, "We had full hookups with 50-amp electrical service."
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "Most every site is full," so plan accordingly.

Camping around Watertown, CT, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure.