Best Camping Spots in Connecticut
Camping allows you to experience the outdoors without really ever leaving your home base. Soak up nature among trees, wildlife and insects. You may even see a shooting star or two, and catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. With over 10 state parks and forests to choose from throughout the great state of Connecticut, there’s no shortage of amazing campsites to discover.
The following is our list for Connecticut’s top 10 places to go camping.
1.Black Rock State Park
Located just south of the Hammonasset Beach State Park on Long Island Sound, Black Rock has a few things going for it. There’s a six-mile stretch of barrier beach with dunes and salt marshes which towers above the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, there are over 10 miles of trails to explore. If you’re up for a hike, you’ll likely see some beautiful scenery along the way.
Black Rock is also home to one of the best fishing spots in the entire state. 15 species of saltwater fish can be caught right off of the coast, including tautog – tautoga onitis, bluefish and American eel.
2. Salmon River State Forest
These campsites are located on a river, so you can enjoy nice views of both sunrise and sunset thanks to a colorful sky, as well as a relaxing paddle back to your campsite after a day spent exploring the forest.
Salmon River is a three-hour drive from Boston and New York City, as well as Hartford. There are over 50 campsites to choose from, as well as hiking trails, fishing, canoeing/kayaking and swimming opportunities. Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Camping starts at $18 per night and the park is open from May until October.
3. Ox-Eye Wildlife Refuge
These campsites are located in a wildlife refuge, so you can expect to see plenty of animals on your trip! The best time to visit is during migratory season, around October.
There are over 100 campsites available to choose from, so you’ll want to arrive early if possible. Hiking trails allow you to explore the surrounding area and explore some of Connecticut’s natural beauty (and wildlife) first-hand. Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Camping starts at $8 per night and the park is open from April until October, with certain areas closed during winter for hunting season.
4. Ashland State Park
These campsites are located minutes away from a town, yet feel completely secluded in nature thanks to the surrounding trees and animals you’re sure to spot.
There are over 110 campsites, as well as swimming and fishing opportunities, a boat launch and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Camping starts at $27 per night and the park is open from mid-April until mid-October.
5. Gilbert Lake State Park
These campsites are located on a lake, providing a picturesque view of nature at its finest. The park offers a total of 90 campsites on the lake as well as fishing, hiking trails and bird watching! Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Camping starts at $25 per night and the park is open from May until October.
6. Silver Sands State Park
These campsites are located on a beach, so you can take a romantic stroll with your significant other or enjoy some time relaxing on the sand after a long day of exploring the rest of the park.
There are over 60 campsites available to choose from, as well as swimming and fishing opportunities. Bicycling, hiking trails and playgrounds are also readily available for campers’ entertainment! Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Camping starts at $23 per night and the park is open from May until mid-October.
7. Hammonasset Beach State Park
These campsites are located on a beach, so you can enjoy some time relaxing in the sand with your family or friends after a long day of exploring all that this unique park has to offer.
There are over 300 campsites available, as well as trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding. You can also visit the maritime museum or one of Hammonasset’s two welcome centers. Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Camping starts at $23 per night and the park is open from mid-April until mid-October.
8. Coginchaug State Forest
These campsites are located in a forest, providing a secluded atmosphere where you can truly escape the outside world and take some time to relax! The best times of year to visit are May through October.
There are over 300 campsites available to choose from! You can also go swimming, fishing, cycling, hiking and horseback riding. Bicycling is always free at Coginchaug State Forest. Pets are allowed but must be kept on leashes not exceeding six feet in length at all times.
Camping starts at $10 per night and the park is open from April until October.
9. Rocky Neck State Park
These campsites are located on a beach, so you can take a romantic stroll with your significant other or enjoy some time relaxing on the sand after a long day of exploring all that this unique park has to offer.
There are over 1,300 feet of shoreline where you can pitch a tent and get some much-needed rest. In the park itself there are multiple areas offering up public restrooms, showers and picnic areas for your enjoyment.
Camping starts at $23 per night and the park is open from May until October.
10. Chatfield Hollow State Park
These campsites are located in a forest, providing a secluded atmosphere where you can truly escape the outside world and take some time to relax! The best times of year to visit are May through October.
There are over 100 campsites available to choose from! You can also go fishing, hiking and horseback riding.
Camping starts at $20 per night and the park is open from mid-May until the end of September.
In the end, no matter where you choose to camp in Connecticut, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable trip surrounded by the majestic beauty of nature!