Best Campgrounds In Connecticut

As one of the most beautiful states in the US, Connecticut is full of wonderful state parks and forests. We have looked for some of the best campgrounds in Connecticut for you to take a break and unwind. 

Whether you’re driving an RV or packing a tent there’s a perfect place for you to camp in the Constitution State. 

1. Salt Rock State Forest

The Salt Rock State Forest campground consists of 149 acres of land that has 70 campsites for RVs and tents. Every individual campsite has a fire ring, and a picnic table. 

The campground has two outdoor pools, hot showers and an RV dump station. For things to do there are fishing spots on the nearby Shetucket River, and plenty of hiking trails. 

Local attractions include the town of Sprague, Stonewall Apiary for some delicious honey and the vineyard at Hillyland. 

2. Odetah Camping Resort

For a stress free holiday for the whole family, take them all to the Odetah camping resort. It has a great sandy beach, with games and activities for all ages. 

You will find all kinds of camping sites here from tents to RVs with full hook-ups. If you don’t fancy either of these options or just want to take a break from sleeping on the ground you can rent a cabin or a yurt. 

Catch a game of bingo or a movie night or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi to provide your own entertainment. 

3. Water’s Edge Family Campground

Enjoy a really rustic camping trip and stay on the edge of a 10-acre lake where you can go swimming or take a canoe out on the water. The Water’s Edge family campground is wonderful for getting back to nature type vacations with your family.

Relax on the beach or take your kids fishing, but only catch and release is permitted here. Other activities include playing pool or bingo and taking part in pot luck dinners on the campground. 

4. Tamarack Lodge & Indie Glamping

Get a taste of an historic resort blended with some modern camping. This campground has some 1950s style cabins which are wonderful for a weekend getaway or family reunion. 

RV owners can roll up and park on the campsite, or you can pitch a tent if you prefer to sleep under the stars. 

This site also hosts weddings and other large gatherings if you are looking for something a little different. Live music is a regular part of the site’s entertainment too. 

5. Witch Meadow Lake Campground

This campsite is located in Salem, hence its rather unusual name. But there is nothing scary about this site, it is an extremely beautiful place surrounded by forested hiking trails. This is a resort style campground, so there are plenty of activities on offer. 

Swimming is possible in the lake which has a lovely sandy beach or there is a pool if you prefer. For kids there is an arcade room and a children’s playground. On the weekends the staff organize activities for younger visitors. 

6. Charlie Brown Campground

In more than 30 acres of this campground there are 85 manicured grass campsites which can accommodate even the largest RV. Each site has a fire ring, picnic tables and access to the showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities. 

There are modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, cable television and a large screen TV in the recreation area.

Surrounding the campground there are thousands of acres of state forests and parks where you can go horseback riding, hiking, or mountain biking. 

7. Pachaug State Forest

Pachaug is the largest state forest in Connecticut at 27,000 acres and is home to three different campgrounds. Green Falls and Mount Misery campgrounds are relatively small, but both have very peaceful, wooded campsites. 

There are lots of nature oriented activities to help you unwind on your relaxing break here. You can fish, go swimming or hike one of the numerous trails. 

If you are here as a family there are seven easy trails suitable for all ages such as the Lawden Brook trail loop or the Hodge Pond loop both of which are very pretty. 

8. Black Rock State Park

Black Rock state park is named for the graphite lead that is found in the area. This is a fairly rustic campground with only basic facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms. However it does have more than 78 individual camping spots. 

This is a get back to nature type campground with endless trails for hiking, and the opportunity to swim nearby. This is a no pet campground so be aware before packing your four legged friends. 

9. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Hammonasset Beach stretches for more than two miles along Long Island Sound making it the longest public beach in Connecticut. 

In the summer as you can imagine it gets quite busy, but there are lots of places to sunbathe and swim as well as a pleasant boardwalk. If you want to be sure of a camping site then reservations are possible and advisable in the summer. 

Choose from 550 different camping spots, with amenities such as hot showers and restrooms, a camp store and an RV dump station. 

10. Kettletown State Park

Nestled on the shores of Lake Zoar this state park is one of the most beautiful in Connecticut. There are field and forest sites available for tents, there are no hook-ups for RVs. 

If you would rather have a roof over your head then there are rustic cabins for rent. With the right permit you can go fishing in the lake, although swimming is not allowed due to the poor quality of the water. 

If you want to cool off however, there is a creek with several pools where you can sit and dip your toes in the water. In summer take advantage of the shaded picnic area. 

Final Thoughts

Camping is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Getting out into nature is the best medicine of all, so we hope you have found the best campground for your next getaway.