10 Best Campsites in Connecticut

Nicknamed the Nutmeg State, Connecticut is one of the smallest states in the United States. The state, situated in the region often referred to as New England, has many great camping spots, beautiful locations, and overall captivating scenery. A mixture of gorgeous small towns in rural areas and cities lining the coast make Connecticut a highly hospitable area. Places to see when visiting the small state include the famous Yale University, Foxwoods Resort Casino, the well-known Museum of natural history, and a Mystic Seaport.

The natural scenery of the state, along with loads of activities for nature enthusiasts, means that Connecticut can never get boring. Some of the activities you can enjoy in the state are fishing, swimming, and boating. Biking and hiking trails also make Connecticut a hotspot for fitness enthusiasts. The campsites at the state cover a wide range and will suit every type of camper. Campgrounds for recreational vehicles, tent camping, cabins, and rustic sites are scattered all over the state. The camping destinations are evenly spread throughout the state, making sure you get to see every part of Connecticut if you are on an extended tour of the state. 

A “Quiet Corner” in Connecticut’s northeastern section has lots of farms, vintage stores, private campgrounds, and the oldest fairs in the country, Brooklyn and Woodstock. Let’s take you through the best Connecticut has to offer in the campground department.

1. West Thompson Lake Campground

Situated in North Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut, West Thompson Lake is excellent for those looking for solitude and a quiet place to lodge in the state. The privately-owned campground, which is hedged in the northeastern section of the state, offers many opportunities for campers to go fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddling. However, fish caught on the lake has to be released back. Cedar Waxwing birds and bluebirds are easy to find here in their multitude. 

There are 22 campsites on the campground, and 11 of them have electric and water hookup facilities. Other amenities at the location include a basketball court, on-site bathrooms, a playground, and an amphitheater. A few hiking trails surround the campground. The major attraction to West Thompson Lake is an 18-hole golf course parallel to the lake.

Just 2 miles from the campground is a big grocery store that contains pretty much all you need for camping and more. Don’t leave the campground without visiting the Riverside Pizza, very close to the location.

2. Rocky Neck State Park

The town of Niantic in Connecticut plays host to Rocky Neck State Park, situated along the state’s Golden Coast. The state park has a beach, salt marshes, and several mountain biking and hiking trails. 

To get to the beach, you can take the Underground Railroad tunnel. Alternatively, the route leading to the overlook on the coast gives you splendid views of the ocean, and you can crab for Blue Shells. Summer is a great time to visit Rocky Neck, as there are 160 camping spots present on the location. Some of these campsites are situated on Long Island Sound’s coastline, meaning crashing waves grace your night’s sleep. 

Visitors to the campground always complement the clean nature of the site, hospitality of the host, and general beauty of the area.

3. White Pines Campsites

Lakes are a massive feature of the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut. Like several camping locations in the area, White Pines Campsites has its fair share of these lakes. The campground is a mix of every camping style you might need. Campers can find rustic, luxury, and every other camping variety in the campground.

The destination, a private campsite, has over 200 camping spots that can accommodate recreational vehicles and tents. Cabins fully equipped with kitchens are also available for rent. White Pines is a great place for family camping and is also pet-friendly.

The campground has utilities such as an arcade, a volleyball court, a big swimming pool, and a large open area for picnics and family or group recreation. You can rent equipment such as ping pong tables, basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, kayaks, board games, and croquet sets at the recreation center. 

Friendly staff, well-spaced camping spots, spacious suites, and a good time are some things you can expect at the campground. Families come here all the time to enjoy vacations and get some time together on the grounds.

4. Kettletown State Park

Initially serving as home to the Pootatuck Indians, Kettletown State Park is set in Southbury, Connecticut. The state park, which has a lot of history behind it, played a significant role in the state’s early days. If you visit the location for the first time, you can still find a few arrowheads pointing to different directions on the campground, a very rare occurrence in Connecticut’s campgrounds.

During the warmer months at Kettletown State Park, you can swim in the well-known swimming hole, only 20 miles away from New Haven, or take a hike on the trails around the area. There are 56 camping pads on the campground, with many sites equipped with water and electric hookups. For those looking to enjoy nature’s beauty without having to camp in tents, a handful of cabins and shelters are available for rent, although there are no toilets, bathrooms, or kitchens in the cabins.

Generally, the campground is a small area, blessed with nature’s beauty and a historical setting. The location and its small size combine to make the place a relatively unknown destination, with moderate traffic.

5. Water’s Edge Family Campground

The name says it all. A family campground, located at the water’s edge. An ideal place for family camping, the Water’s Edge Family Campground takes its pride of place in the eastern part of Connecticut. Suited for groups, as well as family gatherings, the destination welcomes pets too. 

Mathiew Pond is at the heart of the location, and there are many opportunities to go fishing or kayaking for the campers. Other places to explore are the lake, where you can also kayak and fish, and the private pool on the campground if you need to take a dip. A “safari field” on the site is a great place to play games for families. There is also a dog park for four-legged campers to hop in on the fun. The camp store is adequately stocked with camping essentials, and there is free wifi service on-site.

Open from April through October, and the camp usually gets filled up during this period, making it difficult to secure a site. The beautiful trees that are a theme in the area keep the campsites shaded at all times.

6. Macedonia Brook State Park

Hikers would enjoy the trails surrounding this state park. The state park Serves as a route through which you can get to the Blue Trail, which passes along the Cobble mountain. Macedonia Brook State Park, sitting on over 2000 acres of land, is heavily shaded and is a perfect foliage location. From here, you can have great views of the Taconic and the Catskill Mountains. The mountains all around are ideal for hikers who need to add more mileage to their resumes.

Situated not too far away from the splendid Kent Village, you can quickly replenish supplies or take a walk for a quick meal in the village. Fishing is allowed at the stream. There are a total of 51 campsites, all offering rustic-style camping. The campground has no modern amenities and is only for those willing to enjoy the full glory of primitive camps.

7. Black Rock State Park

Watertown, Connecticut is the location, Black Rock State Park is the campground, lots of fantastic scenery and outdoor activities are what you are sure to get. With the park’s location in Connecticut’s Western Highlands, the park offers many hiking trails to choose from and places to enjoy great swimming.

Named after the early graphite lead mining activities in the area, the region is inhabited by the Tunxis, Paugussett and Mohegan tribes. There are a total of 78 camping pads on the grounds. Each of these sites is spacious and well-groomed. The options for campers include sites on open fields and those in wooded areas that are more private. Some of the best campsites are located at the back of the right ring.

Hiking trails surrounding the park will take you into the thick and beautiful Mattatuck State Forest. Other places you can visit while camping here include Whitestone Cliffs, Buttermilk Falls, and Leather Mancave. During the summer months, the campground tends to get crowded.

8. Lone Oak Campsites

Designed for a luxurious camping experience while exploring nature’s wonders, Lone Oak Campsites is set at the highest point in the state. The campground located in East Canaan, Connecticut, is an ideal family camping destination. Occupying a 250-acre expanse, the campsite provides the best of both worlds.

With a whirlpool, two big swimming pools, a spacious playground, and hosting other family-themed weekends annually, the campground provides full hookup on all sites. There are a total of 469 camping spots on the well-groomed destination. It is open to recreational vehicles and tent campers alike. 

Ideal for families seeking to introduce their kids to nature’s wonders while providing them with lots of entertainment, the camping options include an open field camping area and tents placed under the cool shades of the woods. There are lots of waterfalls in the location, and the fact that it is the highest peak in the state means stargazing would be a favorite here. The waterfalls, which are climbable, can be accessed through different hiking trails. Lone Oak is usually very busy during weekends, and summer, so you should place reservations ahead of time.

9. Salem Farm Campground

Recreation at its peak, that’s what you’ll get at Salem Farm Campground. Named after the city where it is located, this is one of the privately-owned camping destinations in Connecticut. Owned and operated by a local family for over 20 years, the campground caters primarily to recreational vehicles.

The campsites at the location, which can accommodate every type of RV, are spacious and some of them have shaded cover. Every camp at the destination has water and electric hookups, a picnic table, a fire ring, and cable television. There are two swimming pools and a petting zoo where members of your family can have some fun. 

The camp also has a snack bar, if you need to grab a bite, and an ice cream stand, where you can get milkshakes or ice cream on really sunny days. A laundry, showers and restroom, restaurant, and on-site RV service mean you do not have to go too far for all you need while camping.

10. Witch Meadow Lake Family Campground

One hundred and forty acres of thick forest area is what you will find when you visit the Witch Meadow Lake Family Campground. Located in Salem, the park offers lots of recreational opportunities and amenities.

The Witch Meadow Lake, which the campground is named after, is the major attraction to the location. Spanning 14 acres, you can boat, fish, swim, and perform a large variety of watersports on the lake. Located in a strategic point in Connecticut’s Southeast, you can access the best locations and attractions the state has to offer. 

Amenities like pinball, ping-pong, and basketball courts, providing an opportunity for groups and families to have fun while camping. An adult lounge that offers free wifi and a recently constructed heated pool are some of the unique features here. Dogs can be treated to a walk on the pet walking trail, and you’ll find all you need at the camp store.

With the campground’s family-first stance, the campground is an ideal destination for family vacations in a clean and decent environment.

Conclusion

Connecticut’s varied campgrounds mean that no one is left out of the camping fun. Despite the state’s relatively small size, it doesn’t let down on the campground front, delivering some of the best destinations in the New England region. We’ve reviewed some of Connecticut’s best campsites, their amenities, and activities around. All of these campgrounds are exciting options to spend your vacation on, so you can choose any of them and begin your adventures.

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