Campgrounds
Campgrounds in Connecticut
Campgrounds with reasonable rates operate at 13 state parks and state forests, mostly in the Litchfield and Mystic regions. The state Department of Environmental Protection offers information about camping on its website. Most state park campgrounds are open from mid-spring through Labor Day weekend, with a few staying open until the end of September or Columbus Day.
In addition, Connecticut has several private campgrounds. Campgrounds offer a wide variety of amenities in terms of bathrooms, showers, dumping and hookups. Be sure to contact individual campgrounds for detailed information.
For some great camping video stories, visit Explore New England.
11 places to visit
Thompson, CT
West Thompson Lake Campground
Open: Mid May - Mid September
Family campground run by the U.S Army Corp. of Engineers. 23 campsites are available, as well as electric hookup, boating, hiking, fishing and some planned activies.Reardon Road
Pomfret Center, CT
Mashamoquet Brook State Park
There are two campgrounds at the park - Mashamoquet Brook Campground (320 Mashamoquet Road) has 18 wooded sites, and Wolf Den Campground (147 Wolf Den Drive) has 35 open sites. Bathrooms, showers, dumping station. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campgrounds Map (PDF)
Season: Mid-April thru mid-October. Check website for current fees.276 Mashamoquet Road 860-928-6121
Madison, CT
Hammonasset Beach State Park
More than 550 campsites in a grassy area are available at this oceanside park. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)1288 Boston Post Road 203-245-2785Kent, CT
Macedonia Brook State Park
Macedonia Brook State Park offers 51 sites in a rustic setting. The camping season begins in mid-April and ends September 30.
Camping map.159 Macedonia Brook Road 860-927-4100Baltic, CT
Salt Rock Campground
71 tent and recreational vehicle (RV) sites. Utilities to some sites, bathroom, dumping station, showers, in-ground swimming pool. Two pets/site permitted. Fishing by permit along the Shetucket River with over one mile of waterfront access. Permits may be obtained at the Salt Rock State Campground office. Open May through July 4th holiday.173 Scotland Road (Rte. 97) 860-822-0884
East Lyme, CT
Rocky Neck State Park
Camping close to Long Island Sound at this pretty and diverse park, with lots of daytime activities. Park has 160 wooded or open-air campsites. There is a camping fee. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)244 West Main Street (Route 156) 860-739-5471
Voluntown, CT
Pachaug State Forest (Chapman & Green Falls areas)
This very large state forest has three campgrounds, including spaces for horse camping. - Chapman Area Map (PDF) - Green Falls Area Map (PDF)Entrance off Route 49 860-376-4075
Barkhamsted, CT
American Legion & Peoples State Forests
Thirty spacious campsites are available at American Legion State Forest. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campground Map (PDF)Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road 860-379-2469
Sharon, CT
Housatonic Meadows State Park
Housatonic Meadows offers many outdoor activities, especially fly fishing. Camping is done in groves of tall pine trees. Housatonic Meadow Campground has 95 sites; the camping season begins in mid-May and ends September 30. Bathrooms and showers available. - Hiking Map (PDF) - Camping Map (PDF)US Route 7 860-927-3238
New Preston, CT
Lake Waramaug State Park
Beautiful lake for swimming, paddling (car-top boating), and picnicking
Dozens of campsites are situated in wooded and open settings at Lake Waramaug Campground. The camping season is from mid-May to September 30. - Camping and Park Map (PDF)
30 Lake Waramaug Road 860-868-0220
East Haddam, CT
Devil's Hopyard State Park
The 21 wooded campsites in this park are located near a beautiful waterfall. Open in April; campground closes after July 4th. - Park Map (PDF)366 Hopyard Road 860-873-8566