Best Campgrounds near Willington, CT

Willington, Connecticut and the surrounding area feature several established campgrounds offering a mix of camping styles. Wilderness Lake Park, located directly in Willington, provides tent, RV, and glamping options with a season running from April through December. Nearby Moosemeadow Camping Resort in West Willington caters primarily to tent and RV campers from mid-April to mid-October. Within a short drive, Brialee Family Campground in Ashford and Charlie Brown Campground in Eastford expand accommodation options to include cabins and yurts, creating a diverse range of camping experiences throughout northeastern Connecticut.

Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing for winter. "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," noted one camper about a Willington site. Road access to most established campgrounds is straightforward with paved roads suitable for RVs and passenger vehicles. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may vary in more remote sections. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets, with many offering electric hookups and dump stations for RVs.

Campers consistently mention the region's lakes and ponds as highlights of their experience. Wilderness Lake Park features a swimming lake that receives positive reviews, while other nearby campgrounds offer fishing opportunities and water recreation. The wooded setting of many sites provides natural shade and privacy, though tent-only areas sometimes lack the seclusion of RV sites. A visitor to Wilderness Lake noted, "The tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring." Family-friendly activities are common at most established campgrounds, with some offering planned events, playgrounds, and recreation areas. The proximity to Interstate 84 makes these camping areas convenient stopping points for travelers exploring New England, with easy access to local attractions in northeastern Connecticut.

Best Camping Sites Near Willington, Connecticut (154)

    1. Brialee Family Campground

    14 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Wilderness Lake Park

    14 Reviews
    Willington, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Charlie Brown Campground

    8 Reviews
    Eastford, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 974-0142

    "Surrounded by the Natchaug forest, and adjacent to the Natchaug River. Great activities for everyone."

    "Activities were still available with social distancing of course due to Covid. Close by was Taylor Brooke Winery which was the perfect place to while away a late summer afternoon."

    4. The Quarry Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tolland, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 875-8325

    $45 - $68 / night

    "We came to discover new bike trails and this one was close to the Hop bike trail which we enjoyed very much"

    5. Nickerson Park Family Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chaplin, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 455-0007

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk back through the camp to start over again.  Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away."

    6. Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Stafford Springs, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 684-2993

    7. Moosemeadow Camping Resort

    1 Review
    Willington, CT
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (860) 429-7451

    "I had a blast here when I was a kid, my family, neighbors and friends would all camp in the open field site and all the kids would get together and adventure the weekend away. From"

    8. Peppertree Camping

    2 Reviews
    Ashford, CT
    9 miles
    Website

    "It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning."

    9. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."

    "This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."

    10. Wells State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Sturbridge, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 347-9257

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Beautiful campground in a nice central location nearby several nice towns in Central Massachusetts."

    "The campsites are a nice size to drive your car up to and still have ample tent/picnic table/fire space. Camp sites are clearly labeled and none are that far of a walk from the beach or bathrooms."

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Recent Reviews near Willington, CT

670 Reviews of 154 Willington Campgrounds


  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!

  • Ryan G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Lived up to its name

    Sites/facilities were as expected and I could have been very satisfied with our 1 night stay.  There are a lot of rules for camping here, which is confusing because there does not appear to be anyone to enforce them.  Late arrivals? Noise? I suspect that the couple who pulled into the site next to ours after 10PM with two cars and an infant are homeless and poached the site.  They were not there for the hiking or the camping experience and their infant child screamed or babbled through most of the night.  That plus the adults talking, car doors opening and closing, engine running, baby einstein videos playing...  In the morning they packed up and left.  I'm not an advocate of criminalizing homelessness, but if you are looking for a night in the woods listening to crickets and owls, this is not the place.

  • Michael
    Sep. 20, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    The Quarry Campground

    Very quiet. At night all you can hear is the crackling of the campfire.

  • 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.

  • Nicole G.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Tolland State Forest Campground

    Great Lakeside Campground

    This was only my second camping trip ever (and first tent camping) so grain of salt here - We had a great time at Tolland. The site was spacious and equipped with a bear box, fire ring, and picnic table. The ground at the site was large gravel which was not great in the tent, but walking around it looks like most sites are more dirt and pine needles.

    The swimming area is small but sandy, great for kids, and my daughter loved thethe campfire and nature talk given on Saturday night by park staff.

  • j
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great!

    Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    I mean wow!!

    So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.

    We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.

    And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!

  • Jim R.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Indian Ranch Campground

    Live Music, Lake Views, and Laid-Back Vibes—One of Our Favorite Campgrounds

    We ended up at Indian Ranch Campground after leaving another local campground under less-than-ideal circumstances… and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best accidental discoveries we’ve ever made.

    From the moment we arrived, the energy here was completely different—welcoming, relaxed, and full of life. The campground is beautifully laid out with well-kept sites, plenty of trees, and easy access to Webster Lake(aka Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg—yes, really).

    🎶 The concerts? Incredible. Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer. It’s like a music festival that doesn’t require you to sleep in a muddy field. Huge bonus for music lovers!

    🛺 Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views.

    🏊‍♂️ The pool is clean and inviting—perfect for relaxing after a show or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.

    🌅 The lake itself is stunning, with spots to sit and watch the boats, fish, or just take in the view. The vibe is very“lake life meets concert culture,” and it works perfectly.

    🍔 There’s also an on-site restaurant inside the gates with great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back patio atmosphere that completes the experience.

    🤝 The people here? Fantastic. Campers were friendly, staff was helpful, and there was an overall sense of community that you just don’t get at every park. In Summary: Awesome mix of camping+ concerts Clean facilities, full hookups, and spacious sites Golf cart rentals= a must! Pool, lake, and great food on-site Walkable access to live shows= chef’s kiss🎶 We stumbled in… and didn’t want to leave If you're looking for more than just a campsite—if you want an experience—this is it. We'll be back. Probably more than once.


Guide to Willington

Willington, Connecticut sits at around 650 feet above sea level in the northeastern part of the state. The camping season typically extends from mid-April through October, with some facilities remaining open until December. The surrounding area features a mix of state forests, rivers, and ponds that create varied terrain for campers seeking different outdoor experiences.

What to do

River recreation: At Nickerson Park Family Campground, visitors enjoy the Natchaug River that runs along the property. "The river that flows the length of the campground seemed clean and awesome. Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk through the camp to start over again," noted one camper.

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds near Willington offer fishing. At The Quarry Campground, campers can access two separate ponds. "2 separate ponds: one for fishing, one for swimming," reported a visitor. Both shoreline and boat fishing are available at various locations.

Hiking trails: The region contains numerous hiking trails through wooded areas. State parks and forests surround many campgrounds. "Taylor Pond is not far and a great hike to bring both kids and pets," mentioned a reviewer about trails near Wilderness Lake Park.

Water activities: Free kayaks and canoes are available at some locations. A camper at Wilderness Lake Park noted, "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake." This allows visitors to explore local waterways without bringing their own equipment.

What campers like

Private camping areas: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowds. "Not all sites are secluded, but we were the only ones so it was nice and private," remarked a visitor to Waters Edge Family Campground. Many tent areas are situated in wooded sections for additional privacy.

Swimming options: Multiple swimming locations exist throughout the region. "There is a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend," shared a Waters Edge camper. Both natural water bodies and constructed pools provide swimming opportunities.

Weekend activities: Organized events occur regularly at most campgrounds. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy," reported a visitor at Brialee Family Campground. These include crafts, games, and seasonal celebrations.

Varied accommodation options: The best places to camp near Willington offer multiple camping styles. "Deep in the woods. Great variety of activities. Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field," shared one Brialee camper, highlighting the range of settings available.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Advance booking is recommended, especially for weekend stays. During summer months, many sites fill quickly. "We got a last minute spot on a Friday evening with privacy and amenities (usually you cant even find a tent spot during peak season on a Friday)," noted a camper at Mineral Springs Family Campgrounds.

Payment methods: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared," advised a visitor to Wilderness Lake Park. Checking payment options before arrival prevents unexpected complications.

Bathroom facilities: Bathroom availability varies by campground. "The tent sites are great. The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring," mentioned a camper, but noted, "Bathrooms close by 10, something to keep in mind."

Service options: Full hookups may be limited or defined differently at some locations. "We did receive a pull thru with 50/30/20 and water and that was about it, the site is spacious and we just don't think 'leaving our grey tanks open' is an adequate 'fhu' site," explained a Quarry Campground visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds offer structured programming. "My family used to camp at this ground on an annual basis. There were all kinds of activities (kick-ball, etc) that everyone could participate in, a great play ground, and easy to navigate," shared a Brialee visitor about their experience.

Swimming safety: Water features are major attractions for families. "Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs," noted a camper, highlighting designated swimming areas suitable for different age groups.

Nearby attractions: Local towns provide additional entertainment options. "Walmart & Aldi's is 10-15 minutes away. Pizza places/breakfast spots in the same area as well," mentioned a Nickerson Park camper, pointing out convenient food and supply options within short driving distance.

Pet accommodations: Many campgrounds welcome pets with specific areas for them. "It's a dog friendly park which was good for us, our dog could swim in the lake with us," explained a camper about Charlie Brown Campground, which permits pets throughout most areas.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RV campers should consider site dimensions and level ground. "The sites were close together, but it didn't seem crowded. Most of the campground has seasonal campers, but we never felt like we didn't belong," noted a Waters Edge visitor.

Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by location. "They advertise full hu but turns out to be a lie when you pull in... all full hi is given to seasonal customers," warned a Quarry Campground visitor about hookup limitations.

Dump station access: Not all campgrounds provide sewer connections at individual sites. "There was not full service sewer hook up, only gray water. There was a dump station," explained a camper about services available for longer stays.

Road conditions: Internal campground roads may present challenges for larger rigs. "Sites are wide open and easy to access, my only complaint being that they offer 'full hookups' but you're told to just leave your grey tanks open," reported a visitor, indicating easy site access despite hookup limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Willington, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Willington, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Willington, CT and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Willington, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Willington, CT is Brialee Family Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Willington, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Willington, CT.

What parks are near Willington, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Willington, CT that allow camping, notably Westville Lake and Buffumville Lake.