Camping near West Haven, Connecticut offers options from rustic state park grounds to fully-equipped private facilities. Sites are concentrated within 15-30 miles of the city in both inland and coastal locations. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter availability at certain private facilities. Weekend availability can be particularly limited during July and August when coastal humidity peaks.
What to do
Beach activities at Hammonasset: Multiple beaches with varying terrain attract campers to Hammonasset State Park Campground, located about 15 miles east of West Haven. "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," reports one visitor who makes it a point to spend a week there every summer.
Hiking opportunities: Wooded trails provide exercise options at several area campgrounds. Kettletown State Park offers varied terrain for hikers of all skill levels. A reviewer noted the park "has everything you could want in a state park visit... Swimming area, Fishing area, Hiking, Woods, Camping, both primitive and hook up."
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching is popular at coastal sites, with several species visible during migration seasons. Wildwood State Park Campground provides beach access on the Long Island Sound with opportunities to view coastal birds. "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water."
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Indian Island County Park provides access to regional points of interest. "Close to the LI aquarium as well! Many stores and a golf course near by too," notes one camper. The location makes it convenient for short weekend trips from urban areas.
Accessible beach camping: Waterfront sites remain the most sought-after feature for campers visiting the region. Several reviewers highlighted Hammonasset's beach proximity as its best feature. "Short walk to beach... the short walk to the beach made it worth it," explains one camper about the trade-off between the somewhat crowded sites and beach access.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high on camper satisfaction, especially for families. Riverdale Farm Campsites receives positive marks for cleanliness. "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," shares a frequent visitor.
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: Many reviewers mention the close proximity of sites as a drawback at several campgrounds. A camper at Indian Island County Park noted: "All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines. Neighbors are loud and some of them are ignorant of the park rules."
Fire ring policies vary: Some campgrounds require campers to bring their own fire pits or rent them on-site. At Indian Island, "the campsites don't come with a fire ring. Not sure if this is because of maintenance, but it just wasn't super apparent until we got there."
Seasonal facilities: Water access for swimming may be restricted based on conditions. At Kettletown State Park Campground, a camper noted: "There are hiking trails, a fishing area and a swimming hole, but the week I was there there was a high bacteria count, so no swimming was allowed. Also, when swimming is allowed, there isn't a lifeguard."
Tips for camping with families
Book specific sites: Request locations away from main roads for quieter family camping. At Kettletown, site selection matters as "the 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!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas and activities. Lake Compounce Campground offers "a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention it's next to the amusement park," making it popular with families despite having "tent spots are small and close together."
Insect preparation: Bugs can be problematic in wooded areas during summer months. A Kettletown visitor warned: "We were there in early June, and were almost eaten alive by mosquitoes when we ventured into the woods. Take lots of bug spray and wear long sleeves/pants, even in the summer. I promise your stay will be more fun that way."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some state park campgrounds. At Totoket Valley RV Park, a visitor found it to be a "small campground with good electrical, clean water, sewer and a friendly owner. Each site has grass and a picnic table."
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer water and electric, but fewer provide full sewer connections. Lake Compounce does not have sewer hookups but does provide a dump station. One RVer noted: "Easy entry, long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded."
Off-season considerations: Some private campgrounds remain open later in the season or year-round. Riverdale Farm Campsites operates from April 1 to November 1, with one visitor appreciating that "they have changed days for me many times when I had issues with the camper. Never once asked questions or even treated me differently. No extra cost."
