Best Camping Sites in Connecticut
Connecticut is the most southern point of New England state in the northeast United States. It is a coveted travel destination, especially for camping and outdoor activities. Also referred to as the Tri-state region, this state features a unique blend of coastal cities, rural regions, and small quaint towns. Despite the relatively small size, Connecticut boasts of a variety of landscapes, which range from beautiful beaches, rolling hills to densely forested areas. This variation in topography makes the state ideal for hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, and scenic hiking trails. Below, we have highlighted the best 15 camping sites to help you choose the perfect spot for outdoor adventures.
1. Devil’s Hopyard State Park Campground
This beautiful camping ground is located at 366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423 and covers 900 acres of land. The major highlights of this state park campground are the chapman falls, which empty the Eight Mile River. It features 21 campsites where you can enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, stream fishing, and bird watching. Gaining admission to the park is free, however, Connecticut residents have to pay $14 while non-Connecticut residents pay $24 for one-night camping. The park is open to campers between April and September.
2. Macedonia Brook State Park Campground
Located at Kent, CT 06757, this state park is 2300 acres in size and features picturesque tourist attractions such as the Blue Trail, which passes through the Cobble Mountain among other spectacular peaks. At the park, you get scenic views of the Taconic and Catskills mountains. The Macedonia Brook State Park Campground offers a variety of amenities such as picnic shelters, oak houses, and payphones. During the camping season, which begins in April, and runs through to September, campers can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, berry picking and much more. Entry to the park is free but camping is $14 per night for Connecticut residents and $24 for non-residents.
3. Hammonasset Beach State Park Campground
This is popular camping destination in Connecticut is located at 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT 06443 and features 2 miles of beach and over 550 campsites. Open from Mid-May to late October, this beach park provides an opportunity for campers to enjoy beach volleyball, swimming, canoe trips, biking, saltwater fishing, and strolling on the boardwalk.
4. Nature’s Campsite
Nature’s campsite is situated at Ekonk Hill road in the rural sides of Voluntown. The campsite has been a favorite for both Connecticut residents and non-residents for very many years. It offers its unique blend of outdoor adventures and seclusion in a setting that campers appreciate immensely. The campsites in this campground are huge and embrace privacy for its visitors. The amenities you can expect to find are picnic areas, fire pits, a level tent pad, and ample parking, which can comfortably accommodate two trailers or RVs. It also offers a camp store where campers can purchase camping supplies such as charcoal, ice, and bait among others.
5. Selden Neck State Park Campground
If you are looking for a cheap and fun camping experience to rough it up in the outdoors, look no further than Selden Neck State Park Campground. Located in Lyme, CT 06371 this state park is ideal for primitive camping. It features 607 acres of a road less and uninhabited island with primitive camp areas, four paddle-in, pit toilets, and fire pits. At the park, campers can indulge in hiking, fishing, and hunting among other outdoor activities. Each of the available campsites can host 6 to 20 campers concurrently. This island state park is however only accessible from the water.
6. Black Rock State Park and Campground
The Black Rock State Park and Campground located at U.S. Route 6, Thomaston, CT 06787 is famed for its scenic hiking trails. It features 78 wooded campsites that can be accessed during the camping season, which runs from Memorial Day until October. However, it is only accessible during the weekends. The whole family can enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking among others. The most popular hiking trail in the park is the Mattatuck trail with a beautiful view of the Naugatuck valley.
7. Hopeville Pond State Park
This state park may not be famed for many great campsites, but its available options are situated along the shore of the massive Hopeville pond, which closely resembles a lake. Hopeville Pond State Park is located in Jewett City, Connecticut and offers great campsites guaranteed to please campers seeking outdoor adventures. The park features amazing sights and scenery, family-friendly and safe activities such as fishing, hiking, and supervised swimming. Amenities such as full-service restrooms, pit toilets, running water and rock-ringed fire pits for campfire stories and playgrounds are available for campers in the park. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the park.
8. Housatonic Meadows State Park – Sharon
The Housatonic Meadows State Park in Sharon is the most peaceful and tranquil place in the western part of Connecticut that anyone can visit. The Housatonic River and the surrounding areas provide a woodsy camping experience. At the camp, you can pitch a tent under the tall pine trees, have a quiet picnic by the riverside or go canoeing, or fly-fishing. This camp is however recommended for nature enthusiasts who are looking to avoid the various entertainment amenities typical in other camping grounds.
9. West Thompson Lake Campground
Are you a nature enthusiast who enjoys camping while admiring the local flora and fauna in a peaceful and serene environment? Be sure to visit the West Thompson Lake Campground. Located in North Grosvenor Dale, CT, this small campground is family owned and offers great opportunities for activities such as paddling, boating, and kayaking. Bird lovers also get the chance to watch the bluebirds and waxwing birds paddling about the river. It features 22 campsites half of which are equipped with amenities such as electric hookups and clean water. However, none of the campsites is next to the waterfront. Be sure to check out the 18-hole golf course situated on the shores of West Thompson Lake.
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10. Lone Oak Campsite in East Canaan, CT
If you are looking to camp outside in Luxury, this privately run campsite is the perfect destination for you. The Lone Oak campsite offers a playground, a whirlpool, and two large swimming pools, one of which is set aside for children. You can also expect to find theme weekends where families can enjoy outdoor activities and events offered throughout the season. Outside the camp, you can hike through the scenic trails which overlook climbable waterfalls and Connecticut’s highest point. If you want to pitch a tent, head towards the small wooded sites but if you have an RV or a trailer, the large fields are the ideal spot.
11. Hammonasset Beach State Park – Madison
The Hammonasset Beach State Park state park is the largest public beach park in the state of Connecticut. The beach state park offers visitors about 550 grassy campsites which are an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts At the park, you get an opportunity to bird watch in the marshy grounds, stroll the boardwalk, fishing, play horseshoes, boating, canoeing or relaxing at the sandy shores. Open from memorial day till late October, the camp offers amenities such as restrooms, a camp store, clean water and showers to cater to the whole family’s needs.
12. Charlie Brown Camping Ground – Eastford
This charming camping ground provides campers an opportunity to explore the quiet side of the state of Connecticut. Specifically constructed to accommodate the whole family especially children, campers have a chance to indulge in outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, horseback riding, and swimming in the famous Natchaug river. Your children can also enjoy horseshoe tournaments, moon bounces, and general entertainment. Charlie Brown camping ground also offers an orchard, antique shops, and ice-cream parlors where you can relax, unwind and replenish your energy after a day full of fun and adventure.
13. Strawberry Park Resort Campground – Preston
This is the number one destination for camping for people visiting Connecticut with their children. This resort campground offers a myriad of outdoor activities that people of all ages can enjoy. It features five swimming pools – including a kid’s diving and swimming pool, a recreation center, an indoor arcade, a jumping willow, a 9-hole Frisbee golf course, soaker wagon rides, and an athletics court and field. With all the entertainment provided at the campground, you can never get bored.
14. Mystic KOA – North Stonington
The Mystic KOA is a 250-year-old campsite located in one of Connecticut’s premier farms. It is nestled among the apple and maple trees that don the North Stonington area. Ideal for the whole family, it features scenic views, offers various children’s activities and amenities such as a mini-golf course, bike rentals, and a swimming pool. Its central location is convenient for access to the Denison Pequotsepos nature center, the Mystic Aquarium, as well as the popular Mystic seaport.
15. Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Located in the town of Pomfret, Connecticut, this camp has always been riddled with history, legend, and lore. This is why the camp is also referred to as the Wolf Den and is an absolute treat to campers with its outdoorsman’s oasis. Mashamoquet Brook Park offers an assortment of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing and swimming, all designed to create a stronger bond between family members. It features two campgrounds with large, serene 20 family tent sites and an additional 53 modern campsites complete with a barbeque grill, picnic shelters, tent pads and more.
Conclusion
As one of the smallest states in the US, Connecticut does indeed feature variations of landscape like mountains, hills, and beaches, which make it an ideal destination for camping. The above-mentioned 15 campsites offer a variety of activities that both experienced campers and the whole family can enjoy. The campsites also vary from quiet primitive sites to ultramodern ones that offer a luxurious experience. Book a spot in the campground that tickles your fancy and have a great time camping.
