Willington, Connecticut sits within the northeastern "Quiet Corner" region at approximately 640 feet elevation. The area features rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests with several water bodies perfect for paddling activities. Seasonal camping near Willington typically runs April through October, with summer highs averaging in the 80s F and fall camping offering cooler temperatures with colorful foliage displays.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: West Thompson Lake Campground offers catch and release fishing along with numerous hiking trails around the lake. One camper notes, "The lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish. There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course."
Kayaking and canoeing: Wilderness Lake Park provides free kayaks and canoes for campers to use on their lake. A visitor shared, "Immediately entering the campground a kid (maybe early 20s) greeted us at our truck and showed us where to pull over for our paperwork. He escorted us to our site and made sure we had everything we needed as we set up. Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do. They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake."
Disc golf course: The area offers outdoor recreation beyond just water activities. A camper at West Thompson Lake mentioned, "We had an excellent experience at this camp ground. The Staff and Rangers were polite and welcoming. We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Charlie Brown Campground earns praise for its riverside locations. A camper shared, "We chose the best spot for our first camping trip with our new travel trailer. Everyone assisted us and taught us the world of camping. 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."
Family-focused activities: Brialee Family Campground organizes numerous events for children and families. A visitor mentioned, "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. One of my favorite memories here is having all of the kids make dinner for the adults, we cooked, cleaned, and had some of us act as wait staff to get orders."
River access: Tubing on the Natchaug River ranks high among camper favorites. As one Charlie Brown visitor noted, "This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids!"
What you should know
Cash-only policies: Some glamping facilities close to Willington, Connecticut have specific payment requirements. A camper at Wilderness Lake Park advised, "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared."
Seasonal camping limitations: Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Peppertree Camping runs "Mid Apr to Mid Oct" according to their listing information.
Tent site restrictions: Some campgrounds cater more to RVs than tent campers. A camper at Odetah Camping Resort observed, "Only a handful of sites on a rocky hill that don't have electricity or water. So those with medical needs cannot use those sites. Those with mobility limitations cannot either."
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized children's activities: Family-oriented campgrounds schedule regular events for kids. A visitor to Brialee Family Campground shared, "Great Family Campground. Have visited this campground many many times and have never been disappointed. Plenty of activities and things for kids to do; Rec hall, mini golf, shuffleboard, beach, pool, playground. Park is kept clean and tidy."
Water activities for children: Wells State Park Campground offers swimming options for families. As one visitor noted, "Wells State Park camp grounds recently got new bathrooms and they are so clean! 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."
Weekend scheduling: Plan weekend stays for maximum activities. A Brialee visitor shared, "They make sure the weekends are for families" while another noted, "Weekends tend to get loud but we don't mind that."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Most glamping spots near Willington, Connecticut offer various hookup options. A camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge mentioned, "Had site B1, which was water and electric. Close to the pond. Not directly at the pond, though."
Site spacing considerations: Some RV campgrounds have sites closer together than others. One camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge noted, "The place is massive and they are more about make money than making people comfortable. What could easily be a very nice and spacious pull-thru spot are 2 back to back back-ins."
Check cell service: Reception varies significantly between campgrounds. A Wilderness Lake Park visitor reported, "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."
