Connecticut Campgrounds

Consisting of 149 acres of forested land that used to be a farm, the Salt Rock State Forest is home to a peaceful campground with just over 70 campsites for both tents and RVs. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and unlike most other state campgrounds in Connecticut, the park features plenty of modern amenities, including two seasonal outdoor pools, an RV dump station, and hot showers. The campground is also right next to the Shetucket River, which is excellent for fishing, and there are plenty of beautiful walking trails that run along the riverside.

173 Scotland Rd, Baltic, CT 06330, Phone: 860-822-0884

Boasting a private sandy beach, a hot tub, and plenty of games and activities for people of all ages, the Odetah Camping Resort is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a stress-free holiday. A wide variety of campsites are available, ranging from simple tent sites to RV sites with full hookups, and there are also yurts and cabins for rent if you want to make your stay as easy as possible. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at all campsites, and the campground regularly hosts events and activities like bingo nights, crafts, and movies on the beach.

38 Bozrah St Ext #1300, Bozrah, CT 06334, Phone: 860-889-4144

Set on the southern tip of a ten-acre lake, the Water’s Edge Family Campground is another family-friendly campground with enough things to keep you busy for a weekend, a week, or the whole summer. The lake is wonderful for swimming and canoeing, and it's also kept well stocked with fish, although only catch and release fishing is permitted here. Other popular activities include playing bingo and pool, relaxing on the beach, and participating in the campground's potluck dinners. Both tents and RV sites are available, and there's also a spacious group site with shared fire pits and a communal picnic pavilion.

271 Leonard Bridge Rd, Lebanon, CT 06249, Phone: 860-642-7470

An enticing blend of old and new, the Tamarack Lodge & Indie Glamping is a historic resort with plenty of space to pitch a tent or park an RV. It's perfect for family reunions, girls' getaways, and other gatherings, and there are a handful of 1950s-style cabins that can be booked as well. The 28-acre property offers plenty of space for lawn games, and guests can also rent canoes and kayaks to use on the beautiful pond. If you want to pamper yourself, the lodge even offers delicious catering services so you don't have to worry about cooking.

21 10 Rod Rd, Voluntown, CT 06384, Phone: 860-376-0224

Named for its location in Salem, the town famous for its 17th-century witch trials, the Witch Meadow Lake Campground is a resort-style campground with plenty of amenities. The forested property offers some beautiful walking trails, and there are clean, modern restrooms and showers for all campers to use. Both a pool and a lake with a sandy beach are available for swimming, and there's an arcade room, a children's playground, and a small store where you can pick up camping necessities. On the weekends, the campground staff also arrange fun kids' activities to keep younger visitors entertained.

139 Witch Meadow Rd, Salem, CT 06420, Phone: 860-859-1542

Surrounded by more than 12,000 acres of state forests and parks, the Charlie Brown Campground is a picturesque campground that provides easy access to some of the most beautiful nature in Connecticut. The grassy sites have enough space for a large RV, and they all have picnic tables, fire rings, and access to shared restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The campground is equipped with modern amenities like Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a big screen TV in the rec room, but if you want an even more luxurious stay, you can book one of the comfortably furnished cabins.

98 Chaplin Rd, Eastford, CT 06242, Phone: 860-974-0142

Encompassing more than 27,000 acres of woodland, the Pachaug State Forest is the largest state forest in Connecticut, and it offers three different campgrounds to choose from. The Mt. Misery Campground and the Green Falls Campground are both relatively small, but they boast peaceful wooded tent sites, and it's possible to fish and swim either right in the campground or somewhere nearby. If you're planning on bringing your horse, you can also stay at the Frog Hollow Horse Camp, which has semi-wooded sites and provides easy access to some of the forest's most beautiful equestrian-friendly trails.

The Gillette Castle is an architectural masterpiece designed by actor William Gillette, and while it's possible to visit it on a day trip, it's even better to spend a night camping in the Gillette Castle State Park. The campsites are located right on the Connecticut River, and they can only be reached by boat, although visitors should be aware that there are no docking facilities. The campground is open between the beginning of May and the end of September, and because of site's popularity, stays of longer than one night are not permitted. Reservations are recommended.

Straddling the border between the towns of Lyme and East Haddam, the Gillette Castle State Park was originally the private residence of William Gillette. The castle was built in 1919 within 184-acres of land atop a chain of hills known as the Seven Sisters. Designed by Gillette himself, the castle may look like a medieval fortress on the outside, but its interiors showcase his creativity. Within the castle grounds, there are ruins of a stone bridge that can be explored along with other works of art at the museum and the castle library.

In the rest of state park, visitors can explore the Connecticut River. Several miles of hiking trails weave throughout the park, allowing eager explorers to immerse themselves in the greenery around the Gillette Castle. More leisurely trips to the state park are made exceptional with a meal at the picnic area, while other visitors can spend a night under the stars at three public camps around the parks.

67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423, Phone: 860-526-2336

Nestled in the rolling hills of Connecticut's Western Highlands, Black Rock State Park is named for the graphite lead found in the area, and it's a fantastic place to relax and unwind. The rustic campground offers 78 sites, and although the facilities are limited to restrooms and picnic tables, there are endless hiking trails in the surrounding area, with options ranging from short strolls to full-day adventures. Campers can also swim at the nearby beach. Alcohol and pets are both prohibited in the campground, and visitors should be aware that parking fees and camping fees are charged separately.

2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795, Phone: 860-283-8088

Stretching for more than two miles along Long Island Sound, Hammonasset Beach State Park is the longest stretch of public beach in Connecticut. The beach can get quite busy during the summer, but it has plenty of space to swim and sunbathe, and there's also a charming boardwalk. There are also more than 550 campsites to choose from, and amenities include restrooms with hot showers, a dump station for RVs, and a camp store. However, fire pits are not provided. The campground is open between Memorial Day and mid-October, and reservations are strongly recommended, particularly on summer weekends.

Beach and watersports are equally enjoyable, but for those who want to simply relax, working on your tan is just as acceptable. At any time of the year, strolling along the boardwalk at the state park is a lovely way to stretch your legs and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For those who want a little more physical activity, you can set off on one of the park’s walking trails, go bicycling through the trails or participate in car-top boating. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and your choice of non-alcoholic beverages to complete your day at the beach or to pack a tent if you want to take advantage of the fantastic camping facilities at Hammonasset Beach.

1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, Phone: 203-245-2785