Sara L.
Scout
ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Nice Location
Nice location if you like taking day trips. We explored during the day and came back to camp each night.
Best Campgrounds in Connecticut
Connecticut campgrounds offer a mix of developed sites and cabin facilities throughout the state's diverse regions. Hammonasset State Park Campground and Rocky Neck State Park Campground provide waterfront camping experiences along Connecticut's shoreline, while inland locations like Austin Hawes Memorial Campground in American Legion State Forest offer more secluded woodland settings. Many campgrounds across Connecticut accommodate various camping styles, with facilities supporting tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabin accommodations or glamping experiences at places like Brialee Family Campground or Mystic KOA.
Reservations are strongly recommended at Connecticut campgrounds, especially during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day when most state park campgrounds operate. Campers at Brialee Family Campground note that "the cabin was absolutely beautiful and clean. The activities were great and kept my grand children busy." Connecticut campgrounds typically open from late May through early September, though some private campgrounds like Mystic KOA offer year-round accessibility. Sites with water and electric hookups are common at both state and private campgrounds, while many state park campgrounds provide basic amenities including showers, toilets and picnic areas, though alcohol is prohibited at most state park facilities.
The camping experience varies significantly between Connecticut's coastal and inland campgrounds. Shoreline camping at places like Hammonasset and Rocky Neck provides beach access and water activities, while the state's forested campgrounds offer more traditional woodland experiences with hiking trails and fishing opportunities. As one visitor to Charlie Brown Campground noted, "Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built-in entertainment for the kids!" Private campgrounds frequently offer more extensive amenities and planned activities compared to state parks, particularly for families with children. Many Connecticut campgrounds feature swimming areas, whether at beaches along the coast or at inland lakes and ponds, providing popular summer recreation opportunities when temperatures typically range from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit.
Best Camping Sites in Connecticut (99)
1. Hammonasset State Park Campground
40 ReviewsClinton, CTWebsite+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. White Pines Campsites
25 ReviewsWinsted, CTWebsite+1 (959) 251-1251$50 - $62 / night
"We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening."
"We visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice."
3. Rocky Neck State Park Campground
24 ReviewsSouth Lyme, CTWebsite+1 (860) 739-1339$20 - $70 / night
"The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."
"Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."
4. Mystic KOA
25 ReviewsNorth Stonington, CTWebsite+1 (860) 599-5101"During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."
"We stayed at Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, to be tourists in Mystic. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! "
5. Crocker's Boatyard
17 ReviewsNew London, CTWebsite+1 (860) 443-6304$50 - $75 / night
"Which was walking distance from the boat yard. Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."
"Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good. Enjoyed the pool.
Walked to Fort Trumbull.
Recommend Crockers."
6. Gibson Hill RV Park
16 ReviewsGreene, RIWebsite+1 (860) 546-3312"Nothing beats cooking breakfast outside on a cool Connecticut morning. Coffee tasted especially good on this trip."
"We picked this campground because we wanted to explore both Connecticut and Rhode Island without changing campsites halfway through the trip. It worked really well for that."
7. Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest
16 ReviewsRiverton, CTWebsite+1 (860) 379-0922$17 - $50 / night
"We were passing through Connecticut and needed a place to crash. Loved this campsite! Very chilled and secluded in your own site. I liked that it felt like a litrle community but still quotr private."
"Right on the farmington river and off the main road with access to many many other favorable fishing spots. Definitely need to come back. Great rates on all sites."
8. Brialee Family Campground
15 ReviewsAshford, CTWebsite+1 (800) 303-2267$25 - $150 / night
"Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."
"Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."
9. Wilderness Lake Park
14 ReviewsWillington, CTWebsite+1 (860) 684-6352$70 / night
"Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country."
"It’s a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us. Cute patio overlooking the lake as well with seating."
10. Niantic KOA
14 ReviewsSouth Lyme, CTWebsite+1 (860) 739-9308"His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area."
"Close to level parking pad, with table and very nice brick firepit. Sites not too close together. I had woods behind me. I would definitely camp here again."
Recent Camping Photos in Connecticut
136 Photos of 99 Connecticut Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Wolf's Den Family CampgroundJ
Mystic KOAS
Ross Hill RV Park & Campground
Odetah Camping ResortE
The Quarry CampgroundG
Sun Ridge ResortK
Wilderness Lake ParkR
Charlie Brown CampgroundM
Steep Rock Association
Ross Hill RV Park & CampgroundR
Niantic KOA
Brassie Brook Shelter - Bear Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Recent Reviews in Connecticut
536 Reviews of 99 Connecticut Campgrounds
Owen W.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Kind Of Trip
We visited toward the end of the camping season and loved seeing this part of Connecticut as summer was winding down. The cooler evenings made sitting around the fire especially nice. I would absolutely come back during fall because this area feels made for that kind of trip.
- JJohn B.Scout
Gibson Hill RV Park
New England RV Trip
We used Gibson Hill as one of the stops on a longer New England RV trip. By the time we arrived, we had been driving quite a bit and really didn’t want another complicated travel day. We got the RV parked, took showers, made something easy for dinner, and stayed put for the rest of the night. The following morning we were rested and ready to explore again. For road trips like ours, having somewhere to stop for a couple of nights and reset can make a huge difference.
- TTaylor L.Scout
White Pines Campsites
Most Of The Weekend
Came here with a few friends and spent most of the weekend cooking outside and catching up. Exactly what we needed.
Ronald P.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Decided To Camp instead
We wanted to visit Providence without actually staying in the city and decided to camp instead. We drove in for the day, had dinner there, and came back to the RV afterward. It made the trip feel like we got a city getaway and a camping weekend at the same time.
Ashton P.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Good Home Base
We booked White Pines because we wanted to spend a few days exploring northwest Connecticut rather than staying in one place the entire trip. It turned out to be a really good home base for that kind of weekend. We headed out during the day and then came back in the late afternoon to cook at our site and relax. One evening we ended up sitting around the fire talking until we realized how late it had gotten. No television, no plans for the night, and nobody staring at their phone. Those are usually the moments we remember most from camping trips, and we had plenty of them here.
Angela C.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Nothing Beats Cooking
Nothing beats cooking breakfast outside on a cool Connecticut morning. Coffee tasted especially good on this trip.
Louis M.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
Used White Pines As Our Base
We used White Pines as our base while exploring this part of Connecticut and it worked out really well. We spent most of Saturday away from camp and came back tired and ready for an easy evening. Made dinner outside, started a fire, and didn’t move again until bedtime. Sometimes that is exactly what you want from a campsite.
Ariana C.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Much More Relaxing
We picked this campground because we wanted to explore both Connecticut and Rhode Island without changing campsites halfway through the trip. It worked really well for that. We spent most of the day out exploring and came back in the evening to make dinner at the RV. Much more relaxing than bouncing between hotels.
Guide to Connecticut
Camping in Connecticut offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.
What to do
- Explore State Parks: Connecticut is home to several state parks with hiking trails and scenic views. For example, at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, you can hike to Chapman Falls and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One camper mentioned, “It was great to hike and see the waterfall.”
- Visit Amusement Parks: If you're near Lake Compounce Campground, you can enjoy the rides at Lake Compounce Amusement Park. A reviewer noted, “It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park.”
- Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Black Rock State Park Campground, offer fishing and swimming opportunities. One visitor said, “Fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review from Riverdale Farm Campsites stated, “The facilities are in good shape, friendly staff.”
- Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. At Waters Edge Family Campground, a camper shared, “The kids who work here are so friendly.”
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A review for Wolf's Den Family Campground mentioned, “Spacious lots very clean and organized facility.”
What you should know
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gentiles Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, “I wasn’t crazy how close we were with the other campers.”
- Seasonal Crowds: Popular spots can get busy on weekends. One visitor at Salem Farms Campground mentioned, “We were told by a seasonal that it's a whole different story on the weekend.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Lake Compounce Campground shared, “I also hear coyotes. Won’t be surprised if I see a bear in the morning.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Wolf's Den Family Campground offers mini-golf and playgrounds. A parent said, “Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available.”
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Riverdale Farm Campsites mentioned, “The lake is perfect, the river needs work.”
- Plan Group Activities: Organize games or campfire stories to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Salem Farms Campground noted, “We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gentiles Campground said, “Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers.”
- Look for Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, but not all. A reviewer at Black Rock State Park Campground mentioned, “No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator.”
- Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in the summer. A camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground warned, “Bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!”
Connecticut camping has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping in Connecticut?
Where can I find dispersed camping in Connecticut?
True dispersed camping is limited in Connecticut. Your best option is Pachaug State Forest, which offers primitive camping at designated sites. While not technically dispersed, these sites provide a more backcountry experience with minimal facilities. Camping is permitted only in designated areas, and you'll need to obtain a no-cost permit from the DEEP website before your stay. The permits are required year-round and typically have a 14-day limit. For those seeking a remote experience, the Mohawk State Forest also offers limited primitive camping options along the Appalachian Trail. Remember that true off-trail dispersed camping is generally not permitted in Connecticut due to the state's size and conservation regulations.
Are there any free camping options in Connecticut state forests?
Are there any free camping options in Connecticut state forests?
Connecticut doesn't offer truly free camping options in its state forests. However, Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground provides affordable primitive camping with basic facilities at a nominal fee. Similarly, Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers reasonably priced campsites at around $33 per night with access to bathhouses but no hookups. The most budget-friendly option is primitive camping in Pachaug State Forest, which requires a permit but has minimal or no fees depending on the specific site. These permits must be obtained in advance through Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website. Remember that even when camping in these more affordable areas, you'll still need proper permits and must follow all state forest regulations.
What are the best campgrounds in Connecticut for families?
What are the best campgrounds in Connecticut for families?
Hammonasset State Park Campground is excellent for families, offering beach access just steps from campsites, well-maintained shower facilities, and numerous amenities. Kids can bike to the playground, beach, and nearby ice cream shops. Another great option is Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, where families can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. The park features bike-friendly paths for kids to explore, though watch out for the sneaky chipmunks! For those seeking a private campground experience, Wilderness Lake Park offers secluded tent sites alongside RV options and various recreational activities. Lone Oak Camp Sites is another family-friendly option with dedicated children's activities and nearby hiking opportunities to Connecticut's highest point.
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