Connecticut has campgrounds in seven of its eight counties. You can tent camp in a state forest or park, or at a privately owned facility. New London County, in the southeastern part of the state, has the most private campgrounds, with 24. The remaining six counties have a total of 30 private campgrounds. State forest and park campgrounds are found in the western and eastern halves of Connecticut, with none in the central region. Connecticut's campgrounds open in late spring or early summer and close in the fall.
Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds offer many activities and facilities, to give your camping experience a bit of luxury and provide you will plenty to do. At private campgrounds you will find swimming pools, fishing, hiking trails, electric hookups, wi-fi Internet and scheduled special events. Nelson's Campground in Middlesex County even has a miniature golf course. White Pines Campground in Litchfield County holds special holiday events with activities such as water balloon volleyball, a fishing derby, tug of war, a treasure hunt, BBQs, horseshoes and a pool beach party. Many campgrounds accept pets, but limit each camping group to one pet that must remain on a leash at all times. Private campgrounds in Connecticut accept both tent and RV campers.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is open from May 21 until October 30. The campground has 558 sites, toilets, showers, walking paths, beach swimming, picnic areas and a nature center. The park also provides opportunities for bicycling, saltwater fishing and boating. The campsite does not allow pets. Connecticut residents pay a reduced fee, which was $20 in 2010. Within three miles of Hammonasset, you will find three state parks, all of which have picnic areas, hiking, fishing and swimming. Hammonasset Beach State Park has attracted outdoors lovers since 1920, with over one million visitors each year.
Equestrian Campgrounds
Western Connecticut has two campgrounds for the exclusive use of equestrians who bring their own horses: Frog Hollow Horse Camp in Pachaug State Forest and Silvermine Horse Camp in Natchaug State Forest. The campgrounds have a limited number of tent pitch sites: Frog Hallow has 15 and Silvermine 18. Silvermine Horse Camp does not charge a camping fee, but you must clean up the site upon leaving; Frog Hollow charges $14 for Connecticut residents and $24 for non-residents in 2010. Both parks open in mid-April and close on Thanksgiving.
State Forest Campgrounds
You can go tent camping in three of Connecticut's state forests. Pachaug State Forest has two campgrounds open to everyone. Pachaug does not take reservations, so arrive early on popular weekends to fish, hike and swim. American Legion State Forest takes reservations through its campground office. Facilities include showers, toilets and waste disposal. You can enjoy fishing and hiking in the park, but note that swimming is not available. Natchaug State Forest, as mentioned in the section above, only allows equestrian campers. Each state forest campground allows one pet per camping group.
General Information on State Parks
Connecticut has 11 state parks, all of which provide plenty of room to hike, fish and enjoy nature. You can fish in the available streams or ponds, though swimming is not available in certain parks. Connecticut residents pay a reduced fee when camping. Since campsites have limited availability, you should make a reservation in advance by calling the campground office. These campgrounds do not offer frills, allowing you to experience a healthy, active lifestyle. However, most do have community toilets and showers. Each park has its own specific rules, opening dates and camping fees. Some parks do not allow pets at any time of year. Alcohol within the state parks is subject to year-round bans or temporary bans during the summer.
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