Campgrounds in Connecticut

Campgrounds with very reasonable rates operate at 13 state parks and state forests, mostly in the Litchfield and Mystic regions. Some CT campgrounds are located near beaches. The state Department of Environmental Protection offers plenty of information about camping on its website. In addition, Connecticut has several private campgrounds. Campgrounds offer a wide variety of amenities in terms of bathrooms, showers, dumping and hookups. Also, accessibility to nearby fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports varies widely. Be sure to contact individual campgrounds for detailed information.

Litchfield/Northwest Mystic/Eastern New Haven/South Central
Litchfield/Northwest top of listings

American Legion State Forest

West River Road Pleasant Valley, CT Phone: 860-379-0922

Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground, midway between Pleasant Valley and Riverton on West River Road. 30 sites in pine woods. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing. No swimming. One pet/site permitted. Reservations accepted April 20 through Columbus Day. The campground is located near State lands that are Open to hunting. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open from April through October.

Black Rock State Park

Watertown Road (Route 6) Thomaston, CT Phone: 860-283-8088

Black Rock offers excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the western highlands of Connecticut. Black Rock Campground has 96 sites in a wooded setting. The camping season is mid-April through September 30. This is a designated trout park. Activities include picnicking, field sports, swimming, and pond fishing. Facilities: bathrooms, food concessions, picnic tables.
There is a daily parking fee in season. Gates are open on weekends only from the third Saturday in April until Memorial Day, 8 a.m. to sunset. From Memorial Day to October 31st, they are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Campsite fees are charged separately.

Housatonic Meadows State Park

Route 7 Sharon, CT Phone: 860-672-6772

95 sites in rustic setting near Housatonic River. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers. No swimming. No pets. Alcohol-free campground. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open April through December.

Kettletown State Park

1400 Georges Hill Road Southbury, CT Phone: 203-264-5678

68 partly wooded and Open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. Trailers and RVs may not exceed 28 feet in length. No pets. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open May through September.

Lake Waramaug State Park

30 Lake Waramaug Road New Preston, CT

78 wooded and Open sites overlooking lake. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. No pets. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open May through September.

Macedonia Brook State Park

159 Macedonia Brook Road Kent, CT Phone: 860-927-4100

51 sites in rustic setting. Stream fishing, excellent hiking, no swimming. No pets. Reservations accepted April 20 through Labor Day. Alcohol-free campground. Cost: $11/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open April through September.
Mystic/Eastern top of listings

Devil's Hopyard State Park

East Haddam, CT Phone: 860-873-8566

21 wooded sites near scenic waterfall. Stream fishing, no swimming. No pets. Cost: $11/night/campsite. There is a processing fee for reservations. Open April through September.

Hopeville Pond State Park

Jewett City, CT Phone: 860-376-0313

80 wooded sites near pond. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Fishing, swimming. No pets. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open from April through September.

Mashamoquet Brook State Park

147 Wolf Den Drive Pomfret Center, CT Phone: 860-928-6121

Popular state park with facilities for camping, swimming, boating and a rest area with a food concession. Hiking trails and fishing areas are also available. There is a weekend/holiday parking fee of $9 to $15 and a campsite fee at Mashamoquet State Park.
Wolf Den Campground, 35 open sites. Bathrooms, showers, dumping station. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets.
Mashamoquet Brook Campground, 20 wooded sites. Dumping station nearby. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets. Open April through September.

Pachaug State Forest

Two camping areas: Green Falls Campground, off Route 138, 3 miles east of Voluntown. 18 wooded sites. Pond fishing, swimming. One pet/site permitted. Cost: $13/night/campsite. Information: 860-376-4075. Open from April through September.
Mount Misery Campground, off route 49, north of Voluntown. 22 wooded sites. Stream fishing, swimming nearby. One pet/site permitted. Open April through December. Cost: $11/night/campsite. Information: 860-376-4075.

Rocky Neck State Park

244 West Main Street (Route 156) East Lyme, CT Phone: 860-739-5471

The large stone pavilion, diverse trail systems, and gently sloping beach make this park ideal for families. Try crabbing or fishing. Look for hawks, cranes, and herons. Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, saltwater fishing, interpretive programs, saltwater swimming. Facilities include bathrooms, food concession, pavilion, and picnic tables. Rocky Neck Campground offers 160 sites in both open and wooded settings. The camping season begins in May and ends September 30.
From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day there are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees. On weekends from April 17 through May 23 and again from September 11 through September 26, the weekday rate for parking will be in effect. There is also a camping fee at Rocky Neck State Park.

Salt Rock Campground

173 Scotland Road (Rte. 97) Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-0884

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 October.

West Thompson Lake Campground

Reardon Road Thompson, CT

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.
New Haven/South Central top of listings

Hammonasset Beach State Park

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

Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over two miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf. Activities include saltwater swimming, fishing, picnicking, hiking, fishing, paddling, bicycling, and camping. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a limited year round basis.
Facilities: Bathrooms, boardwalk, car top boat launch, concessions, nature center, picnic shelters, picnic tables, showers. Park fees: Weekends, $20 for Connecticut residents and $30 for non-residents; weekday fees are $14 and $20. All days, $10 after 4 p.m. Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites. Open for the season from May 21 through October 30 (203-245-1817).