When you think of camping in New England, Connecticut probably isn’t the state that comes to mind. With Maine and Vermont to compete with, both of which are known for their excellent camping opportunities, Connecticut is often overlooked.
Between the amenities offered by its exciting urban centers, beautiful forests and its share of the Atlantic coast, however, this small New England state has RV camping opportunities you won’t want to miss.
We’ve done a deep dive on RV campgrounds in Connecticut and identified some of our favorites, which we’ll share with you here today.
1. Salem Farms Campground
Salem Farms Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Connecticut. With large, well-shaded campsites that will suit almost any length of RV and a 9.5 rating from Good Sam, you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
At the campground itself, you can enjoy various sports, swimming, taking the kids to the petting zoo or getting ice cream at the campground’s very own stand. Nearby, you can enjoy hiking trails, biking, watersports and fishing.
Call or email to check availability or make a reservation.
WiFi and cable are free, and full hookup sites are available. The campground is also pet-friendly, although you will need to prove that your pet is up to date on their rabies vaccination.
Location: 39 Alexander Rd, Salem, CT 6420Website:https://www.salemfarmscampground.com/Season: May through September.
What We Like
- Clean and well-maintained campground.
- Lots of recreational activities.
What We Don’t Like
- While pets are allowed, there are lots of restrictions.
- Sites may be relatively close together.
2. Witch Meadow Lake Family Campground
Like Salem Farms, Witch Meadow Lake Family Campground is located in the town of Salem. It encompasses 140 acres of wooded parkland, with 14 additional acres of lake for you and your family to enjoy.
At the campground, you can play tennis or basketball, check out the recreation hall or relax in the lounge, where free WiFi is provided. If you venture farther afield, you can explore some of Connecticut’s most historic sites, a state park or a state forest.
You can request a reservation online.
Sites have electricity, water and greywater. Some are waterfront. All sites are back-ins, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. There’s also a laundry room, a trail for walking your pet and a camp store.
Location: 139 Witch Meadow Rd, Salem, CT 6420Website:https://witchmeadowcampground.com/Season: May through early October.
What We Like
- Waterfront sites are available for an added charge.
- There’s a pool, and it’s heated!
What We Don’t Like
- Additional fees apply for families with more than five members.
- Potential for road noise.
3. Kettletown State Park
Kettletown State Park is a popular place to explore Connecticut’s past. It was once home to the Pootatuck Native American tribe and remains an excellent example of Connecticut’s wilderness. As an added benefit, it’s just 20 miles from New Haven, where Yale University is located.
Many people enjoy hiking and exploring the park when they visit, and the campground is close enough to New Haven that you can enjoy one of Connecticut’s most historic cities as well.
To make a reservation, you can either call or go online through Reserve America.
Of the 61 RV sites available, some include hookups. There’s a dumping station, bathrooms and showers. Some of the sites are partly wooded, while others are more open. Pets and alcohol are both prohibited.
Location: 1400 Georges Hill Rd, Southbury, CT 06488Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Kettletown-State-Park#directionsSeason: End of May through the middle of October.
What We Like
- Beautiful scenery.
- Historic location.
What We Don’t Like
- Swimming is not permitted due to the dangers posed by blue-green algal blooms.
- RVs must be shorter than 28 feet.
4. Lone Oak Campsites
Did you know that Connecticut is home to beautiful waterfalls and mountains? It is, and when you stay at the Lone Oak Campsites in East Canaan, you can enjoy both. It’s located near Bear Mountain, which is the highest peak in the state.
When you’re not climbing Bear Mountain, you can camp in luxury. Lone Oak is a resort-style campground, and it has a whirlpool, two regular pools, a playground for the kids and theme weekends often featuring live music.
You can make reservations online through their website.
You have plenty of options when it comes to amenities. Lone Oak offers you the choice between sites without hookups, sites with water, electricity and cable, and sites with water, electricity, cable and sewer.
Location: 360 Norfolk Rd, East Canaan, CT 06024Website:https://www.loneoakcampsites.com/homeSeason: April through October.
What We Like
- On-site RV repair service.
- Beautiful location in nature.
What We Don’t Like
- It can get noisy.
- Some sites are a little cramped.
5. Black Rock State Park
If you’re looking to spend time in nature, Black Rock State Park is an excellent place to camp. It features 78 sites, all of which are spacious and well-maintained.
Black Rock State Park is a great place to hike, and you can visit destinations like Buttermilk Falls, Whitestone Cliffs, Tory’s Den and Leather Man Cave. To cool off and relax afterward, you can fish or go for a swim.
You can call or make a reservation through the Reserve America website.
Restrooms, showers and potable water are all available, but this is likely to be a fairly rustic experience.
Location: 2065 Thomaston Rd, Watertown, CT 06795Website:https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Black-Rock-State-ParkSeason: April through the beginning of September.
What We Don’t Like
- There’s a beach.
- A choice between wooded and open sites.
What We Don’t Like
- Sites might not be as level as you’d prefer.
- Limited amenities.
6. Macedonia Brook State Park
New England is known for its fall foliage, and Macedonia Brook State Park is one of the best places to enjoy it.
Macedonia Brook State Park is another popular destination for hikers. You’ll have access to the Blue Trail, which crosses Cobble Mountain. You’ll also have a view of both the Catskill and Taconic Mountains. When you’re not enjoying the mountains, you’ll be able to walk to the village of Kent for a coffee or supplies. There’s fishing, but no swimming.
Reservations are available online through Reserve America’s website, or you can call.
Sites are pretty rustic, although there’s water and bathrooms available.
Location: 159 Macedonia Brook Rd, Kent, CT 06757Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Macedonia-Brook-State-ParkSeason: April through September.
What We Like
- Great mountain views.
- Excellent hiking.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited amenities.
- Not pet-friendly.
7. White Pines Campsites
The White Pines Campsites campground is located in the northwest corner of Connecticut with lots of nearby lakes. It’s a great place to go to relax with your family.
White Pines is well-known for its fishing opportunities, with a stocked trout pond on-site and the nearby Farmington River. Lots of sports and games are available, and there’s a pool and playground.
You can search for availability or make reservations online through the campground’s websites.
Sites with and without hookups are available, as is WiFi throughout the park. None of the sites have sewer, although there is greywater access. Showers and restrooms are also there for you to use.
Location: 232 Old North Rd, Barkhamsted, CT 06063Website: https://whitepinescampsites.com/Season: April through October.
What We Like
- There’s a dog park, so your furry friends can stretch their legs.
- Tons of activities.
What We Don’t Like
- Roads might be a bit tight for larger rigs.
8. Rocky Neck State Park
If you’re looking for a more coastal camping experience, Rocky Neck State Park is a great option. You’ll get to enjoy a sandy beach and see the salt marshes while you’re there.
When not relaxing on the beach watching the waves, you can hike, bike and even go crabbing. Some of the campsites are located directly on Long Island Sound, so you can relax and birdwatch by the water.
Make your reservations through Reserve America’s website or give them a call.
Sites are rustic, although bathrooms, showers and a dumping station are available.
Location: 244 W Main St, Niantic, CT 06357Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Rocky-Neck-State-ParkSeason: May through September.
What We Like
- Enjoy the Atlantic coast.
- Great hiking.
What We Don’t Like
- Depending on the time you visit, the beach can be crowded.
- It might also be noisy.
9. Branch Brook Campground
Branch Brook Campground is located conveniently off Route 6 in Thomaston, and it’s close enough to state parks and amusement parks that there’s a little something for everyone.
When not appreciating nature in Black Rock State Park, you can visit a local winery, several museums or go bowling. There’s also a pool and game room on site.
You can make reservations easily on the campground’s website.
Sites are well-maintained, and you’ll appreciate the fact that they have water, sewer and electricity. There are back-in and pull-through options, and WiFi is available.
Location: 435 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, CT 06787Website: https://branchbrookcampgroundct.com/Season: April 1st through November 1st.
What We Like
- Space for RVs up to 46 feet in length.
- Readily available amenities.
What We Don’t Like
- It can get noisy.
- You might find the driveway narrow.
10. Brialee RV & Tent Park
Last but certainly not least is the Brialee RV and Tent Park. It’s been managed by the same family since 1974, and their dedication has turned it into one of the best RV campgrounds in Connecticut. You’ll appreciate the fact that it’s been renovated recently, too.
There are themed weekends, a beach and on-site fishing if you’re looking to relax at the campground itself.
You can make reservations online.
You’ll have a range of options when selecting a site. The basic price includes water, electricity and cable, although you can expand on that with a woodsy site, a waterfront site and an option for sewer. Pull-through and back-in options are available.
Location: 174 Laurel Ln, Ashford, CT 06278Website: https://www.brialee.com/Season: April through October.
What We Like
- There’s a pet-friendly beach.
- You’re close to a state forest if you’re looking to spend some time in nature.
What We Don’t Like
- It might get noisy.
- COVID-19 restrictions may be unclear.
If you enjoyed this review of the best RV campgrounds in Connecticut, check out the rest of our blog for more great content about RV living. We hope you get the chance to enjoy some of Connecticut’s beautiful foliage this fall!
