5 Best Camping Spots in Connecticut (2024)

The state of Connecticut is blessed with an abundance of nature. It is, therefore, no wonder that so many people love to go camping in Connecticut. This magnificent state, even though it is the third smallest in the country, is home to many spectacular waterfalls, mesmerizing lakes, and a variety of wooded hiking trails that take you through some of the most stunning places in Connecticut.

Due to an abundance of nature, there is a multitude of places for camping. From pitching a tent to hooking up an RV, there are many nature-rich regions that are the perfect camping grounds. The best camping sites in Connecticut are usually located in the state parks, where you will find important features like toilets, showers, and running water available. So whether you want to camp under an open starry sky or fall asleep around the roar of a crashing waterfall, there is no dearth of perfect camping spots in Connecticut.

5 Best Camping Spots in Connecticut

Here are some of the best camping spots in Connecticut:

1. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison

One of the best camping spots in Connecticut is the Hammonasset Beach State Park. The magnificent park in Madison is a hot favorite for beach lovers throughout the year. However, during the summer months, you will be hard-pressed to find any place on the shores of this state park in Connecticut. Spread over two miles in length, though, you will still be able to find some space to put down your towel and relax under a beach umbrella.

The Hammonasset Beach is the largest and the best beach in Connecticut. Due to this, this state park is a very popular destination for families, and you will find people of all ages having a grand time here enjoying the calm waters of the Long Island Sound. And whether you like to indulge in swimming, paddling a SUP, kayaking, or boating, there is something to do for everyone at this pristine state park.

You can not only try your luck at fishing, walking to explore the many trails, and also enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables at the park. There are many concessions available along with clean restroom facilities to use. Make sure to take out some time to check out the park’s incredible Meigs Point Nature Center.

This park is a great place to camp overnight as it is home to a huge camping ground that opens from Memorial Day weekend till mid-October. There’s a volleyball court, playground, an amphitheater, and many other fun activities available at the campground.

The campground at this park is called the William F. Miller Campground, and it is the perfect place to relax after a day of fun on the beach. The campsite remains open from Memorial Day to mid-October. There are 558 sites here, including a camp store, trailer water, bathrooms with showers, and a dump station.

There is also an option to rent a rustic cabin here. If you don’t want to prepare your meals, you can head over to the nearby town of Madison, which is one of the best beach towns in Connecticut.

2. Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme

Located in East Lyme, the Rocky Neck State Park is one of the best state parks in Connecticut. The state park is home to a half-mile-long crescent-shaped beach and over 700 acres of diverse parkland. The park is home to five miles of mountain biking and hiking trails that crisscross through the western edge of the park and take you through salt marshes. There is a marine estuary that divides the area, making it the ideal place for fishing, scuba diving, swimming, or just checking out the wildlife in the area.

Campers at the Rocky Neck State Park can put up for the night at any of the 160 sites in the large camping ground that remains open from May to September. If you are coming with an RV or trailer, be mindful that there are no hookups at this campground.

You can easily find drinking water taps throughout the camping site, and there are also central toilet buildings for each of the camp circles. Showers are also inside these buildings.

There is a specific area reserved for tent camping, complete with pit and composting toilets. You can buy firewood as you need at the camp office for use at your on-site fire ring. An important note about this camping site is that the park is not accessible to campers between sunset to 8 in the morning.

3. Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston

This is one of a kind camping spot in Connecticut, and you will not want to leave from this beautiful campground. The biggest attraction at the Lake Waramaug State Park in New Preston is the massive sparkling Lake Waramaug, after which the park is named. You can see this spectacular lake from almost every angle as a huge 96 acres of campground welcome you to this stunning state park.

This park is also home to a soft and sandy beach that stretches along the shore and is located near the main parking area. This is an excellent beach for families with small children as you can play around in the sparkling water or opt to kayak, swim, paddleboard, or canoe. There are endless options to have fun on the water.

The Lake Waramaug State Park Campground is one of the best places to go camping in Connecticut, especially for families. There are 76 open and wooded campsites to choose from, all of which offer breathtaking lake views.

On the campsite, you will find all the amenities like showers, bathrooms, and a dumping station. Shelters and picnic areas are built separately, and you can also rent a canoe. It is also possible to rent a cabin if you don’t want to stay inside a tent.

4. Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam

If you are looking for a perfect tranquil spot for camping in Connecticut, the Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam is that spot. Despite the strange name, this is a natural paradise to behold. The main feature of this state park is the large cascading waterfall known as Chapman Falls, which is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state.

There are multiple hiking trails throughout the park that offers many bird watching opportunities as well as fishing spots. This is perfect for all nature lovers.

The Devil’s Hopyard State Park is home to a great camping ground that has 21 wooded sites that are beautifully located near the waterfall. You even get to hear the sound of the water crashing nearby as you drift off to sleep. An important point to keep in mind here is that campers need to bring their own drinking water since the water at this camping spot is unsafe to consume. Also, campers can fish in the streams, but swimming is not allowed at this spot.

Amenities include trash receptacles, toilets, a camp office, and even a horseshoe pit. This camping spot is open from early April till early October.

5. Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent

This beautiful state park is a 2300-acre natural wonderland that is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Connecticut. With bubbling streams that make their way through the park, cross under wooden bridges, and divert around the ancient rock walls. This is one of the prettiest camping grounds in the state, complete with grills, picnic tables, outhouses, and covered pavilions.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Trail, which takes you all the way up Cobble Mountain and other nearby peaks, the park is home to a beautiful campground where you would want to spend at least two to three nights. This is by far one of the most popular places to camp in Connecticut.

You can take your pick from 51 sites, all located amidst a peaceful, rustic setting. While some of these sites are located in a meadow, others are in the woods, and others are sitting beside a stream. You can take your pick from the spot that you like the best.

Even though swimming is not allowed here, you can indulge in fishing, hiking, or just sit beside the stream to enjoy and relax in nature.