Best Camping In Connecticut: 20 Top-Rated Campgrounds
Connecticut, often thought of for its rich history and picturesque coastline, also offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. Camping in the Nutmeg State provides a unique experience to enjoy the serene landscapes ranging from seaside tranquility to forested hills. With an array of state parks, forests, and campsites, Connecticut’s camping scene is diverse and filled with opportunities for adventurers of all levels.
One such gem is the Hammonasset Beach State Park, renowned for being Connecticut’s largest shoreline park and offering over 550 grassy campsites. Campers can listen to the waves crash at night and enjoy long walks along the beach at sunrise.
Further inland, Lake Waramaug State Park provides a retreat to those who prefer fresh waterside environments. With 76 wooded sites, it’s a great spot for families looking to connect with the beauty of Litchfield Hills while engaging in fishing or boating on Connecticut’s most scenic lake.
For those seeking seclusion among the towering pines, Macedonia Brook State Park offers 51 sites in a woodland setting without direct water or electrical supply, thus appealing to campers who like rustic accommodations.
Housatonic Meadows State Park presents another rustic experience with fly-fishing opportunities alongside Housatonic River—renowned for some of the best trout fishing in the state. The park contains 95 sites in shaded settings perfect for those who relish tranquility.
Black Rock State Park in Watertown caters to families with its easy access to swimming and hiking trails that reveal panoramic views of western Connecticut. The campground consists of 96 sites which are very popular during peak summer months.
Devil’s Hopyard State Park offers perhaps one of the most picturesque settings with its legendary waterfall and cobblestone bridges—a photographer’s paradise replete with well-spaced campsites amongst hemlock-canopied streams.
Kettletown State Park, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Zoar, offers 61 campsites available for both tent and RV camping. The area is famous for its deep forested areas interspersed with craggy hillocks offering isolation as well as family-friendly picnic areas.
Bigelow Hollow State Park is part of one of the largest unbroken forest tracts in the state which includes Nipmuck State Forest. This park’s appeal lies in its extensive trail systems suitable for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking trips.
For a waterfront camping experience combined with historical exploration, Mystic KOA provides a unique venue close to Mystic Seaport where one can camp luxuriously while diving into early American maritime history.
Lastly, Rocky Neck State Park allows campers to explore diverse habitats including tidal rivers, broad salt marshes, swamps, and forests—all within reach from their 160 spacious campsites.
These top-rated destinations reflect only a fraction of what Connecticut has to offer. With dozens more hidden across this verdant state—from quiet corners by gently flowing rivers to vibrant family-friendly resorts—the choices are plentiful. Whether you’re after backcountry solitude or an activity-packed family getaway by the beach, camping in Connecticut delivers experiences that nourish both heart and soul under open skies.