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Best Campgrounds near West Haven, CT

442 Reviews

Camping opportunities near West Haven, Connecticut span across several state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Hammonasset State Park Campground, located 15 miles east along the coastline, provides tent, RV and cabin accommodations with beach access. Kettletown State Park Campground, situated approximately 25 miles northwest, offers similar accommodation types with more wooded surroundings. Most developed campgrounds in the region feature electric hookups, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, with several sites providing water and sewer connections for RVs.

The camping season for state parks typically runs from late May through early September, with limited year-round options at private facilities. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Most campgrounds require registration and payment before arrival, with varying pet policies across locations. Weather considerations include summer humidity and occasional thunderstorms, particularly in July and August. Sites at Kettletown State Park offer varied terrain that may present challenges for setup. A camper noted, "The camping spots are uneven, making it challenging to set up tents or campers."

Developed campgrounds in the region provide different experiences based on proximity to water and urban areas. Riverdale Farm Campsites receives positive feedback for its family-friendly atmosphere and lake access, situated in Clinton about 20 miles east of West Haven. Several visitors highlighted the cleanliness and recreational activities available at these established facilities. Totoket Valley RV Park offers convenience for those exploring the greater New Haven area, with one reviewer describing it as "a perfect campground for seeing the local area or even catching the train to New York City." Kettletown State Park features hiking trails and fishing opportunities alongside its camping areas, though swimming access may be restricted depending on water conditions. Campgrounds closer to the shoreline tend to be more open and exposed, while those inland offer more wooded privacy.

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Best Camping Sites Near West Haven, Connecticut (79)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "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."

    2. Kettletown State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Stevenson, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 264-5678

    $17 - $50 / night

    "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."

    3. Wildwood State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Wading River, NY
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 929-4314

    $20 - $250 / night

    "The beach is in a walking distance. You can swim or fish there. This camp site has a relatively new and clean facility. There are many farms near by where you can get fresh veggies and fruits."

    "However there are too many loud families and the sites are too close in proximity for me."

    4. Riverdale Farm Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 669-5388

    "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!"

    5. Totoket Valley RV Park

    1 Review
    North Branford, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 484-0099

    $55 / night

    6. Branchbrook campground

    2 Reviews
    Ansonia, CT
    9 miles

    7. Lake Compounce Campground

    12 Reviews
    Bristol, CT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 583-3300

    "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."

    8. CRAIG'S place

    Be the first to review!
    Woodbridge, CT
    5 miles
    +1 (413) 250-9716

    $40 / night

    9. Gentiles Campground

    7 Reviews
    Plymouth, CT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 283-8437

    $55 - $150 / night

    "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!"

    10. Indian Island County Park

    10 Reviews
    Riverhead, NY
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (631) 852-3232

    "Campsites are located close enough to the beach/marsh. Multiple playgrounds for the kids although they were closed due to Covid."

    "The beach was within walking distance, lots of little trails, and plenty of activities for the whole family. The bathrooms were mostly clean, and the shower was hot."

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Recent Camping Photos near West Haven, CT

199 Photos of 79 West Haven Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near West Haven, CT

442 Reviews of 79 West Haven Campgrounds

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Ten Mile River Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Not a public campground!

    Ten Mile River Shelter and campsite is not a public campground. Sure, anyone can camp there, but it is designated for folks hiking the A.T., whether thru-hikers, section hikers, or whatever. While there are no rules about who can camp there, during thru-hiking season, consideration should be made for folks who rely on places like this during a long distance hike. It is at least a mile if not a mile and a half from approved parking (on the side of the road off the A.T.) to camp, either from the A.T. or a combo of the A.T. and a blue blaze trail (which is easier, imo). There are also no fires allowed on the CT A.T.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great spot and good communication

    Was in town for the Elvis show. This was minutes from downtown definitely walkable. Will be back again!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • S
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Sylvan Lake Beach Park

    Great Beach Lake for summer swimming and Boating

    This is an old campground, but is quite quaint. Reminds me of lake camping that I grew up with. Hosts are very nice and helpful. This is more of a seasonal camping site. Do not follow your GPS directions. Get directions from the campground staff.

  • 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.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Croton Point Park

    Not the Best Place to Go in the Northeast By a Longshot

    Croton Point Campground is a modest little campground, located along the Hudson River within Croton Point Park in NY. In addition to camping, the park itself offers many of its own attractions, including swimming, hiking, kayaking, cabin rentals, and a host of other family-oriented activities just along the Hudson. 

    The park, which is honestly probably the largest attraction here, is located just an hour and a half outside of the city. This proximity is both its perk and its downfall, as the park itself, but particularly the campground, has become laden with all sorts of inexplicable and burdensome rules, endless guidelines, and restrictions only a New York State-run bureaucracy could ever make sense of, let alone hope to justify. 

    This includes all manner of restrictions on how you can camp, where you can camp, what equipment can be used, and use in relation to what particular site you may have been lucky enough to reserve. Much of this you can understand while imagining what may have taken place here to bring them to such measures, but it doesn't make it any easier to contend with. 

    In terms of the actual camping conditions Both the tenting section and RV sites are each very clustered together, and quite crowded, with regular patrols🚓(actual patrols) being made day and night, by both the Park Rangers and what appears to be general park staff members, all looking to see if you or your family might be doing something that they might consider outside of the guidelines or not in compliance with the many restrictions. 

    This is not to say you can't possibly have a good time here. It just might mean being a bit more diligent toward reviewing the potential legitimacy of your normal camping routine to ensure it meets with many restrictions and guidelines imposed, while also making yourself comfortable with some fairly regular surveillance during your stay here. These all being things we hoped to get away from while camping ourselves It just turned out to be a bit much for our particular liking.

Guide to West Haven

Camping near West Haven, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Clarence Fahnestock State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The NYS Parks has done a lot of work on the surrounding trails," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and sand at Hammonasset State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The beach was popular," perfect for swimming or relaxing.
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Wilderness Lake Park. One camper shared, "The lake is nice and the hiking is good," highlighting the dual opportunities for fun.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground said, "We have always found the family restroom... in great condition."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. One family at Brialee Family Campground mentioned, "The activities were great and kept my grandchildren busy."
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the natural beauty. A reviewer at Wildwood State Park Campground said, "The beach is in walking distance... you can swim or fish there."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Kettletown State Park Campground noted, "Things were loud well past midnight," which might not be ideal for those seeking peace.
  • Site Privacy: Privacy can vary. A camper at Clarence Fahnestock State Park mentioned, "Some sites are grouped in open areas. These lack privacy."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A family at Hammonasset State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Brialee Family Campground said, "The sand beach is great for the kids."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring your own fire pit or rent one from the camp store. A visitor at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "You need to either bring your own fire pit or rent one from the store."
  • Plan for Noise: If your family needs quiet time, consider visiting during off-peak times. A camper at Wildwood State Park Campground noted, "When I plan my trip around... weekends that look sparse it is quiet."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mystic KOA said, "Tight site & hard to get in/out for big rig."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. One camper at Wilderness Lake Park mentioned, "The campground is kind of a random mix of full-time, seasonal, and overnight people."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for all weather conditions. A visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "The beach area is large & very nice with outside showers for rinsing off the beach sand."

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, camping near West Haven, CT, has something to offer everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at West Haven?

Camping costs in the West Haven area vary by campground type and amenities. At state parks like Kettletown State Park Campground, rates typically run around $30-35 per night for standard sites without hookups. Private campgrounds offer different pricing structures - Wolf's Den Family Campground provides more amenities but at higher rates. Always check if there are additional vehicle fees or non-resident surcharges when camping at Connecticut state parks, as these can add to your total cost.

Where is the West Haven Campground located?

West Haven is located along the southern coast of Connecticut, with several nearby camping options. Hammonasset State Park Campground is one of the closest options, situated on Connecticut's shoreline with beautiful beach access. For those looking to explore the eastern side of the region, Rocky Neck State Park Campground is located on Long Island Sound. Both offer convenient access to the West Haven area while providing coastal camping experiences with beach access.

What amenities are available at West Haven Campground?

Campgrounds near West Haven offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Niantic KOA provides comprehensive facilities including shuttle service to nearby beaches, swimming pools, and organized activities for both adults and children. For a more rustic experience, Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground offers basic amenities with sites marked by posts, though campers note the proximity between sites. Most campgrounds in the area feature restrooms, shower facilities, and access to recreational activities like hiking trails, with some offering camp stores for essential supplies.

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