The best camping in Connecticut.

The Nutmeg State boasts big New England beauty for its size. Colonial towns, deep forests and rolling green hills create a picturesque backdrop for camping. Along the shoreline, the waves are calm and the beaches less crowded, particularly as you head east. Connecticut is a balance of busy towns and rural scenery, letting you escape civilization without being beyond its reach.

Camping areas range from primitive lean-tos on hiking trails to furnished cabins with wifi on private campgrounds. Pitch your tent right on the beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Or park your RV at Bantam Lake, the state's largest natural lake and one of its top fishing spots. Connecticut has great options for family campgrounds, too. The West Thompson Lake Campground is popular for its well-tended grounds and kid-friendly amenities like basketball and disc golf.

Summer is prime time for camping and fishing, but autumn's blazing foliage and crisp days are beloved by hikers. The Appalachian Trail passes through several state parks, including the Housatonic State Forest. Near the town of Meriden, the Mattabesett Trail offers views of Hartford from Chauncey Peak. Kayakers can see much of the state from its many rivers and lakes. Explore the brackish coves of Mystic Harbor or paddle the Class III rapids of the Farmington River.

Connecticut's relatively small size makes it ideal for day trips. The farms in the rural northwest corner of the state are just an hour's drive from its cities, with all the restaurants, museums and theaters that come with them. With your campground as a home base, you can experience a different slice of the state every day.