The 20 Best Campgrounds in Connecticut: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

Nature lovers, this one’s for you! With lakes and waterfalls, hiking trails and biking trails, city parks and state parks, and so much more, The Constitution State is ripe with more than enough opportunities to explore the great outdoors. To maximize your time in nature, camping and glamping are great options. If that sounds like fun to you, here are the best campgrounds in Connecticut for your next extraordinary camping adventure.

Best State Park Campgrounds in Connecticut

It may come as a surprise to many of you but Connecticut, the third smallest state in the country, is home to a whopping 110 state parks! Additionally, there are 32 state forests. Despite the high number of state parks and forests, only a handful offer camping. Check out some of the best state park campgrounds in Connecticut:

Kettletown State Park, 1400 Georges Hill Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, USA

Xuan/Google Local

• Location: Southbury, CT
• Popularity: Camping reservations for this state park are taken between May and late October. Reservations must be made in advance.
• Park Info: Kettletown State Park is home to the gorgeous Lake Zoar along the Housatonic River. However, swimming is not permitted.
• Price: Campsites are $17/night for CT residents and $27/night for non-residents. Rustic cabins are $50/night for CT residents and $60/night for non-residents.

Kettletown State Park offers 56 wooded sites, perfect for a getaway in the forest! Picnic tables are available at the campsites. This state park is a popular place for recreation and taking in the views. Whether you come here for the day or spend the night, you'll love exploring Kettletown State Park!

Black Rock State Park, 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795, USA

Robert Klein/Google Local

• Location: Watertown, CT
• Popularity: Popular dates for camping here are between early May and early October. Reservations should be made in advance.
• Park Info: Black Rock State Park
• Price: Campsites are $17/night for CT residents; $27/night for non-residents. Rustic cabins are $50/night for CT residents and $60/night for non-residents.

If you love swimming, hiking, and scenery, Black Rock State Park is for you! Located in the Western Highlands, this is a picturesque park for camping and easily one of the Best Campgrounds in Connecticut for scenery. There are 78 campsites that include sites in a field and wooded sites. There are several rustic cabins available to rent as well.

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Mashamoquet Brook State Park, 276 Mashamoquet Rd, Pomfret Center, CT 06259, USA

Byrd Henderson/Google Local

• Location: Pomfret Center, CT
• Popularity: Camping reservations at this state park is from early April until early October for the Mashamoquet Brook Campground and from late-May until early September for the Wolf Den Campground.
• Park Info: Mashamoquet Brook State Park is home to Wolf Den National Historic Site, Brayton Grist Mill, and several fascinating rock formations. This is a wonderful place to visit for both history and nature enthusiasts.
• Price: Campsites are $14/night for CT residents and $24/night for non-residents.

There are two separate campgrounds at Mashamoquet Brook State Park. One is the Mashamoquet Brook Campground which offers 18 wooded sites. The second is Wolf Den Campground which has 25 campsites. Aside from camping, this is a popular state park for hiking and fishing, so don't forget your fishing poles!

Macedonia Brook State Park, 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757, USA

Reya OnTheRoad/Google Local

• Location: Kent, CT
• Popularity: From early May through early October, reservations are accepted.
• Park Info: Macedonia Brook State Park offers fantastic hiking opportunities with views of the Taconic Mountains as well as the Catskills and Cobble Mountain.
• Price: Campsites are $14/night for CT residents and $24/night for non-residents.

At Macedonia Brook State Park, you'll find 51 rustic campsites so there are no bathrooms or running water. If you plan on camping here, make sure you're prepared with all the camping gear you think you'll need plus a good pair of hiking boots. You'll certainly want to explore as much of this state park as possible as the views are stunning!

Best Beach Camping in Connecticut

There are approximately 618 miles of shoreline in Connecticut which includes areas around the state’s bays and inlets. And, luckily, there are places to camp at the beach in Connecticut! Here are some of the best campgrounds in Connecticut for beach camping:

Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, USA

Mark Mahmood/Google Local

• Location: Madison, CT
• Popularity: This is Connecticut's largest beach park and quite popular during the summer and on holiday weekends.
• Park Info: There are 2 miles of beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park as well as a boardwalk. This is a family-friendly destination for fun!
• Price: Campsites: $20/night for CT residents and $30/night for non-residents. Campsites with water and electric hookups: $35/night for CT residents and $45/night for non-residents. Rustic cabins: $70/night for CT residents and $80/night for non-residents.

The popular Hammonasset Beach State Park offers 550 campsites and several rustic cabins. Each campsite is on the grass close to the water and offers campers easy access to the sandy beach and swimming. Make some memories during the summer at this family-friendly destination!

Rocky Neck State Park, 228 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357, USA

Dylan Teixeira (Blue)/Google Local

• Location: Niantic, CT
• Popularity: This is one of the most popular state parks in CT. The campground is also popular especially in the summer.
• Park Info: Rocky Neck State Park is 708 acres and is located along the Long Island Sound. There is a variety of landscapes including a beach, a rocky shoreline, a salt marsh, etc.
• Price: Campsites: $20/night for CT residents and $30/night for non-residents. Rustic cabins: $70/night for CT residents and $80/night for non-residents.

Rocky Neck State Park offers 160 campsites and each one has its own fire ring. Cabins are also available but have a 7-night minimum reservation requirement. Immerse yourself in the gorgeous beachy environment, go fishing or crabbing, or go birdwatching. This park is offers some of the best camping in Connecticut.

Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, 30 Lake Waramaug Rd, New Preston, CT 06777, USA

Anthony LoFrisco Jr/Google Local

• Location: New Preston, CT
• Popularity: This is a popular campground during the summer. Campsites are available from late May until early October while cabins are available from late May until early September.
• Park Info: Lake Waramaug State Park
• Price: Campsites: $17/night for CT residents and $27/night for non-residents. Rustic cabins: $50/night for CT residents and $60/night for non-residents.

Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has rustic cabins as well as 76 wooded sites. There is also a beach and a bathhouse for your convenience. If you love spending time at the lake, you'll love camping at Lake Waramaug! This is one of the best best campgrounds in Connecticut for peace and quiet.

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Housatonic Meadows State Park, 90 US-7, Sharon, CT 06069, USA

Kaitlyn Tran/Google Local

• Location: Sharon, CT
• Popularity: This is a relaxing hidden gem of a campground. It's quiet during the weekdays and a bit busier on weekends.
• Park Info: Housatonic Meadows State Park
• Price: Campsites: $17/night for CT residents and $27/night for non-residents. Rustic cabins: $50/night for CT residents and $60/night for non-residents

The campground at Housatonic Meadows State Park sits along the Housatonic River. where you can go fishing or kayaking. The 61 campsites are spacious and the campground rarely feels crowded. Rustic cabins are available as well. This may become your new favorite campground if you've never been here before!

West Thompson Lake Campground, 449 Reardon Rd, North Grosvenor Dale, CT 06255, USA

Russ Hicks/Google Local

• Location: North Grosvenor Dale, CT
• Popularity: This is a secluded campground with just a few sites and offers a serene escape.
• Park Info: West Thompson Lake Campground sits along the shores of West Thompson Lake.
• Price: $15-$30/night

West Thompson Lake Campground has both standard electric and non-electric sites. There are 11 electric campsites and 11 standard sites with no hookups. Two lean-to shelters may also be reserved if that's your preference. While the amenities are few and far between, there are toilets, showers, a dump station, an amphitheater, a basketball court, and a playground. For you hikers out there, there are trails as well.

Top Glamping in Connecticut

If you enjoy the great outdoors but also want to remain comfortable, ditch the tent and go glamping instead. Spend the night in an enclosed space with amenities like a cabin or a yurt at one of the top glamping spots in Connecticut.

Odetah Camping Resort, 38 Bozrah St Ext #1300, Bozrah, CT 06334, USA

Odetah Camping Resort/Google Local

• Location: Bozrah, CT
• Popularity: This is an incredibly popular family-friendly camping destination in CT.
• Park Info: Odetah Camping Resort has wonderful options for both camping and glamping. It's situated on 500 acres and has been open since 1905.
• Price: RV sites are from $59-$73/night, tent sites start at $40/night, cabins are from $103-$238/night, and yurts start at $108/night.

Odetah Camping Resort is one of the best campgrounds in Connecticut. In fact, it's been featured in several notable publications including Frommer's, the Wall Street Journal, and ESPN. It's a highly-rated campground offering wonderful service, numerous activities, and countless amenities like a lake with a sandy beach, a dog park, bathhouses, a camp store, a fitness center, a spa, laundry facilities, playgrounds, non-motorized boat rentals, a swimming pool, and more! As for accommodations, you have your choice of tent campsites, RV sites, cabins, and yurts. Which option will you take?

Strawberry Park Resort Campground, 42 Pierce Rd, Preston, CT 06365, USA

Strawberry Park Resort Campground/Facebook

• Location: Preston, CT
• Popularity: This is a busy campground and can get crowded during the summer.
• Park Info: Strawberry Park Resort Campground sits on 160 acres and offers daily, weekly, and seasonal rentals.
• Price: RV sites: $45-$115/night; Deluxe RV sites: $130-$220/night; Premium RV sites: $155-$240/night; log cabin: $200-$350/night.

Strawberry Park Resort Campground has 300 RV sites available, 5 log cabins, 28 park models, and rental trailers available along with plenty of amenities and activities to keep you busy during your stay. There are pools, golf cart rentals, daily activities, swimming pools, tennis courts, and more for your enjoyment. This is also a dog-friendly resort, so feel free to bring your four-legged best friend along!

185 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06010

Lake Compounce Amusement & Water Park/Google Local

• Location: Bristol, CT
• Popularity: Due to its location by the amusement park, this is a very. popular campground,
• Park Info: Lake Compounce Campground is next to the Lake Compounce amusement park.
• Price: Tent sites start at $35-$45; RV sites start at $45; 1-bedroom cabin starts at $115/night; 2-bedroom cabins start at $187/night; huts start at $87/night.

Lake Compounce Campground is located right next to the amusement park of the same name so it's conveniently located close to fun! You can truly enjoy a family-friendly weekend getaway here. As one of the best campgrounds in Connecticut for families, you will love the array of amenities including basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, a ball pit, and WiFi. Among the accommodation options are cabins, huts, tipis, RV sites, and tent sites.

Mystic KOA Holiday, 118 Pendleton Hill Rd, North Stonington, CT 06359, USA

Mystic KOA Holiday/Facebook

• Location: North Stonington, CT
• Popularity: This is a very popular place to camp especially during the summer and on long holiday weekends.
• Park Info: Mystic KOA Holiday is set on the site of a former farm and there are old-growth maple and apple trees galore. It's a family-friendly vacation destination in New England.
• Price: Tent sites start at $53/night; camping cabins start at $98/night; deluxe cabins start at $185/night; RV sites start at $63/night.

Mystic KOA Holiday is a resort campground you and your family may want to stay at forever. Offering more amenities than you can count, there's never a dull moment at KOA! It's a great escape for New Englanders, especially for those in Connecticut and Rhode Island. At this resort, there are RV and tent sites as well as camping cabins and deluxe cabins.

Grandview Camping & Cottages, 89 N Moodus Rd, Moodus, CT 06469, USA

grandviewcampingresort.com

• Location: Moodus, CT
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem campground where you can have a serene experience. The camping season is between April 1 and October 15.
• Park Info: Grandview Camping & Cottages sits on 22.5 acres. In addition to its camping and glamping options, weddings are sometimes hosted here.
• Price: Tents: $35/night; RV sites: $60-$70/night; cottages: $135-$170/night.

Grandview Camping & Cottages offers both tent and RV sites along with charming cottages. This campground's cottages can accommodate either 4, 5, or 6 guests. Every site and cottage has picnic tables and fire rings. During the summer, the pool is open for you to cool off in.

Best RV Camping Sites in Connecticut

Whether you own your own RV or rent one from a place like RVShare.com, it’s a great way to explore the state and retire in comfort at the end of your day. There are plenty of RV camping sites in Connecticut where you can stay. Here are some of the best best campgrounds in Connecticut for RV camping:

Nickerson Park Family Campground, 1036 Phoenixville Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA

Ray Jones/Google Local

• Location: Chaplin, CT
• Popularity: This is another hidden gem campground in CT. Come here for the scenery and serenity.
• Park Info: The family-owned Nickerson Park Family Campground is tucked away in the Natchaug River Valley surrounded by 12,00 acres of forest.
• Price: RV sites are $55/night. Tent sites are $45-$50/night.

Nickerson Park Family Campground offers a variety of RV sites including several sites by the Natchaug River. There are over 40 riverside sites, wooded sites, and full hookup sites. This gorgeous campground is open year-round.

Countryside Campground, 75 Cook Hill Rd #3608, Jewett City, CT 06351, USA

Countryside RV Park/Facebook

• Location: Jewett City, CT
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem campground for those who really want to get away.
• Park Info: Located in eastern CT, Countryside RV Park has daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal RV sites.
• Price: Daily is $70, weekly is $490, and monthly is $1,495.

Countryside RV Park is a family-owned RV park found close to Mystic. Each of the spacious 108 RV site has full hookups and either woodland, pond, or lawn views. Amenities include a game room, laundry facilities, WiFi, a catch-and-release fishing pond, a man-made swimming pond, and other outdoor activities.

The Quarry Campground, 704 Shenipsit Lake Rd, Tolland, CT 06084, USA

The Quarry Campground/Facebook

• Location: Tolland, CT
• Popularity: This lesser-known campground is a hidden gem in CT.
• Park Info: The Quarry Campground is on the grounds of a former quarry and is close to Hartford making it a great escape from the city.
• Price: RV sites: $68/night, $400/week, $900/month. Tent sites: $40/night, $250/week.

The Quarry Campground offers large RV sites. Some are 40x30 feet while others are 60x35 feet. Each site has water and access to a dump site. This campground has WiFi, hiking trails, laundry facilities, outdoor activities, bathhouses, a swimming pond, a fishing pond, and so much more for an enjoyable stay.

Cozy Hills Campground, 1311 Bantam Rd, Bantam, CT 06750, USA

Cozy Hills Campground/Facebook

• Location: Bantam, CT
• Popularity: This is a quiet RV park with plenty to offer overnight guests.
• Park Info: Family-owned Cozy Hills Campground is located within the Litchfield Hills.
• Price: Tent sites: $78/night; 30-amp RV sites: $67/night; 50-amp RV sites: $70/night; full-hookup RV sites: $75/night; RV rentals: $185/night.

Take a family-friendly getaway to Cozy Hills Campground, one of the best campgrounds in Connecticut for RV life. With amenities like a swimming pond, canoe rentals, kayak rentals, a full-service restaurant, WiFi, a seasonal swimming pool, a dog park, a massive slide, playgrounds, an arcade, etc., there's very little reason to leave! If you don't have your own RV, there are rental RVs on the property as well as cabin rentals. RV sites have full hookups and guests will love the amenities like an on-site cafe, numerous activities, and a dog park.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Connecticut

If you enjoy backpacking and roughing it out in the wilderness, primitive tent camping is a wonderful option. While it’s never as popular as tent camping, RV camping, or glamping and not for the faint of heart, there’s something quite magical about truly being at one with nature. Here are some of the best campgrounds in Connecticut for tent camping:

Pachaug State Forest, Griswold, CT 06351, USA

Skippermark/TripAdvisor

• Location: Griswold, CT
• Popularity: The two campgrounds in this state forest are small and remote. They're both open from early April through early October.
• Park Info: The 26,477 acres-acre Pachaug State Forest is Connecticut's largest state park.
• Price: $17/night for CT residents; $27/night for non-residents.

Pachaug State Forest has two campgrounds -- Green Falls and Mount Misery. Green Falls Campground has 18 campsites as well as a pond for fishing and swimming while the Mount Misery Campground has 22 sites and is in close proximity to a stream for fishing.

Natchaug State Forest, Ashford, CT 06278, USA

Robert Grismer/Google Local

• Location: Ashford, CT
• Popularity: The campsites are remote and accessed either by hiking or horseback riding. They are first come, first served.
• Park Info: Natchaug State Forest is located at the confluence of the Bigelow and Still Rivers.

Natchaug State Forest is known for its equestrian trails as well as fishing and picnicking. If you love to rough it in the wilderness, there's backpack camping available here along the Blue Blazed Hiking Trails. Camping is available year-round but permit reservations must be made in advance.

So, do you have any plans to reserve a site at one of the best campgrounds in Connecticut within the next year? Where do you like to go camping or glamping around the state? We’d love to hear from you!