Camping in Connecticut

Rolling forests, sandy beaches, and rural retreats give campers options in the Nutmeg State.

97% (1226 reviews)
  1. Connecticut
97% (1226 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Connecticut

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Connecticut

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12 top campgrounds in Connecticut

100%
(18)

Forest Treasure Island

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Wilton, CT
Welcome to Our Nature-Loving Farm Retreat in Connecticut Escape to our serene 7-acre farm, where forest, field, low mountains and gentle animals create a peaceful haven just 15-20 minutes from the ocean in Westport Sherwood Island close to Stamford and Norwalk and beautiful Lake Mohegan in Fairfield. Stay in one of our 4 spacious glamping tents or find your own magic in our Freedom of the Forest camping area, or bring your own RV home, please read description at RV site Wake each morning to birdsong and the scent of floral or mushroomy air around . This is amazing I bet you will remember it for long time 😍 Upon request, enjoy a nourishing breakfast or brunch made with our homemade butter, sourdough bread, eggs, foie gras different kind of cheese, pancakes (GF or buckwheat) and seasonal delights ,extra fee applies, and each time menu is different, depending what do we have that day for ourselves. Wander through our organic garden, gather free-range eggs, sip fresh goat milk (when available), and forage for wild berries, nuts, figs, wild ramson (March/April) forest herbs in season. Children can play freely in our natural playland with organic sand, a treehouse, and adventure zones, while adults relax with a river stone foot bath and the aroma of cedar. A gentle creek is just a short walk away. Massage services available upon request. Our land is shared with friendly goats, ducks, rabbits, goose chickens of rare breeds, peacocks, pigs, chickens, cats, and dogs One dog included next dogs is extra fee applies. • Breakfast/brunch is optional and available by request (fee per person). • All walking children (ages 2 –12) must be counted as guests; infants are free. • Visiting guests to ours campers must be registered and paid for—please contact us in advance. • Early check-in (before 2 PM) adds $20 (2 hours) • As of July 2025, unfortunately firewood is no longer provided anymore • We are a peaceful, loving family and kindly ask all guests to bring the same spirit. Aggressive or disrespectful behavior is not welcome, for the safety and well being of ours and other guests. Please note: that we have animals here and you will hear the occasional sounds of peacocks, geese, barking of dogs as a greeting to new guests . We look forward to share it all
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$64
 / night
96%
(180)

Humble Farm with Simplicity

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Higganum, CT
Bring your family & friends to camp at our quiet and very modest small farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with chickens, a dog, and a couple of horses. The property is very spread out and there are 2 outhouses for all sites to use. Your pets are welcome too! Locally there are state parks with beaches, and state forest for trails and lakes, hiking and biking. Or you can just relax and enjoy the serenity! OUR ADDRESS IS #200 NOT #204 THE DRIVEWAY TO THE LEFT FROM THE STREET IS OURS., THE ONE PARALLEL TO THE RIGHT FROM THE STREET IS OUR NEIGHBOURS. Other attractions include local farmers markets, Gilette's Castle, and the famous River Ferry crossing the Connecticut River with a vehicle across to East Haddam. We offer an hot H2O outdoor shower here for the comfort of out clients. It is located on the back of main house in corner. See map in photos. We cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be pre-purchased for $12 per bundle on this site, or $10.00 cash here at farm. Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $5.00 per 1/2 dozen. There are blankets and pillows are provided, and linens for cabin or trailer sites. Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.
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$49
 / night
99%
(202)

Mickelberry Forest Gardens

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Newtown , CT
The meadow we occupy was once the farmers property that I grew up next to at my parents farm house. When he wanted to sell his property he offered it to us for purchase at a fair price if we would not develop more than we needed to live here. We maintained the meadow adjacent to our property and have kept it as an agricultural site. We have had our son develop an edible forest garden and a unique diversified small orchard so we can eat and share healthy organic fruits and vegetables while helping our environment and wildlife and educating others to do the same. It is expensive to live in Newtown but we love our property. We want to teach others to grow food from their land while helping to support us keeping our adjacent property agricultural and undeveloped. Our property has provided many happy gatherings and events and we love to share it with others. Let us know if there is anything special we can help provide for you. Come visit Mickleberry!!! Learn more about this land: Thank you to all the wonderful friends we have met through this amazing program.  We regret that our community at this time does now allow for "transient" renting of property and I unknowingly was operating outside of the zoning rules and regulations of our town.  Please continue to get outside and enjoy all the beautiful places and spaces this world has to offer and keep in touch.  We love you all!  Thank you for your support!   Bill and Amy  Enjoy your stay next to our edible forest garden on the Edge of a beautiful meadow along side the orchard of berries, nuts  and fruit trees.  Various seasons will offer you an opportunity to pick your own breakfast in our maturing establishment.   You can enjoy exploring, and examining our 7 year permacultuire food forest with chestnut seedlings already tall enough to climb , 10-foot hazels bearing buckets of nuts and a different selection of raspberries, blackberries, gooseberry, currents, golden berries, service berries and Mulberries.      Enjoy a stroll   through the meadow trail to breath in  morning views and evening fireflies and stars.  This camp area is very private but household amenities are not far away if desired.  This site is much more private than Mickelberry Forest Garden Site and the beautiful mountain view is only a small step away.  One mile away we offer nearby blue mark trails, mountain biking, lake and outdoor activities are at your fingertips and your hosts will be happy to provide any assistance needed to find or enjoy these opportunities.  The Creamery (Ferris Acres) is one of the best farm ice cream shops in the East.  We can provide breakfast upon request from our free range chickens on our kiwi lined deck with beautiful mountain views.     Come and enjoy the croak of the bullfrog and the sound of the crickets.  We are new and growing our amenities so at this time check the overview for available amenities but you can guarantee we won't disappoint.  Come visit Mickelberry Forest Garden and The Meadow's Edge our newest most private site!!!
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$60
 / night
99%
(103)

Fernwood on Alan F.’s Land

2 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Hampton, CT
There are several options for setting up your tent. You will be the only ones at Fernwood, or Fernwood 2 unless we happen to be up working on the land.  No matter where you set up you'll have your own private fire pit, and level ground for your tent(s).  Come and enjoy a quiet retreat, or use Fernwood as a base for many outdoor activities-biking, fishing, hiking-all nearby.  Natchaug Forest offers great trout fishing.  Goodwin State Forest is less than 3 miles away by car where you can put in a canoe on Pine Lake, amble through the wildflower and pollinator gardens, or enjoy the Education Center and Museum. From Goodwin, you can access the Air Line State Park Bike/Hiking Path.  Hampton also has a general store that has simple food, frozen dinners that Kara will heat up for you, gifts, and awesome Ice Cream Sodas! ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085946253543&mibextid=LQQJ4d )  If you want a change from all that nature, there is Sharpe Hill Vineyard less than 10 miles away, as well as We-Li-Kit IceCream less than 6 miles.  The route to either place will take you through beautiful scenic farmland.  We hope you enjoy our forest and the surrounding area as much as we do.
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$54.15
 / night
100%
(1)

Zichichi Family Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents58 acres · Mashantucket, CT
Your Quintessential New England Farm Getaway and, Outdoors Enthusiast's Paradise. Zichichi Family Farm Estate is located on 58 private acres in North Stonington CT. The property is in a very private and natural setting, yet very close to other amenities, including Foxwoods, Misquamicut Beach, Mystic Seaport, and Downtown Westerly. As a family farm we produce a wide variety of items on our property. Depending on the season, these items may include lamb, pork, produce, eggs, syrup, honey, etc… They can be purchased in advance or when onsite (subject to availability), we always recommend letting us know in advance if you are interested in something in particular so we can do our best to accommodate as we do sell out of items from time to time. The property features numerous hiking trails though fields and woods, a pond for swimming, boating, and excellent private fishing areas in the pond and brook; Fishing is catch and release only on the farm property. Barbless hooks are required (you can file them off, let us know we can help). Adults are fly rod only, Kids are fly or spinning rod. No is license required for the pond. The Brook requires an CT state fishing license and trout stamp to fish. Never fly fished... don't worry we can help. Check out addons below. Add On Packages (packages are not always available, please check before booking and reach out to us well in advance if you think you would like something specific) : Animal Meet and Greet, Property Tour (Hike), Guided Flyfishing, Campfire Service (we light it for you).
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$1
 / night

Other options in Connecticut

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Connecticut guide

Overview

What it lacks in size—this tiny New England state is just 110 miles in length—Connecticut makes up for in landscapes and rural charm. Whether you’re hiking part of the Appalachian Trail or the New England National Scenic Trail, cycling or horseback riding through the state parks, or kayaking and paddleboarding at the beach, campers will find plenty to entice them out of the city. While summer sees Connecticut’s beach resorts brimming with vacationers, New England’s rolling woodlands and epic hikes are most spectacular in fall, when the countryside is ablaze with autumn colors.

Where to go

Litchfield and the Northwest

The sweeping woodlands and patchwork slopes of the Litchfield Hills afford some of Connecticut’s most enchanting views. This is the spot for fall foliage walks, leisurely bike rides, and trout fishing along the Housatonic River. Hop between the chocolate-box villages of Kent, Cornwall Bridge, and Litchfield; dine at farm-to-table restaurants; then park your RV or pitch your tent at Lake Waramaug State Park, Housatonic Meadows State Park, or Macedonia Brook State Park.

Fairfield and the Southwest

A ferry ride from Long Island and a short drive from NYC, coastal Fairfield fills up with weekending New Yorkers come the summer months. Check into a beachside cabin or seafront RV park at beach resorts like Stamford, Bridgeport, and Fairfield, or head inland to hike in the hills, admire the mansion houses and golf courses of Greenwich, or go glamping in the woods.

Hartford and Central Connecticut

While the state capital of Hartford is the biggest draw to Connecticut’s central region, pastoral farmlands, pretty villages, and state parks dot the banks of the Connecticut River Valley. The best camping options are in the state parks, whether you prefer a tranquil spot by the riverside in River Highlands State Park, boat-in camping at Selden Neck State Park, or exploring a medieval castle at Gillette Castle State Park.

Greater New Haven

Connecticut’s cultural capital and foodie hub, New Haven is famous for its prestigious museums, Yale University, and award-winning pizzerias. Hop between beach towns along the north shore of the Long Island Sound and you’ll find great family campgrounds, amusement parks, and sandy beaches, or pitch a tent right by the beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Further east, the white sand beaches of Rocky Neck State Park are a bird-watching hotspot, especially in spring.

Eastern Connecticut

You’ll find old-fashioned seaside resorts, and leafy country escapes in equal measures in south-eastern Connecticut’s Mystic Country. Once you’ve hit the beach and the seafront casinos, head inland to cruise the Thames River, drive the National Scenic Byway of Route 169, or fish and paddle at Mashamoquet Brook and Hopeville Pond state parks.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Connecticut, free camping options are limited. Most campgrounds and state parks charge fees for camping. However, there are a few primitive and dispersed camping options available in state forests, such as Pachaug State Forest and Nipmuck State Forest. Keep in mind that these sites usually have no facilities, and you may need to obtain a permit or follow specific regulations. It is always recommended to check with the local authorities for the latest information on free camping availability and regulations in Connecticut.

Yes, camping is allowed in several state forests in Connecticut. However, not all state forests offer camping facilities, and some may require a permit or have specific regulations. Some popular Connecticut state forests with camping options include: 1. American Legion State Forest - Offers campsites along the Farmington River with access to hiking and fishing. 2. Paugussett State Forest - Provides primitive camping options and access to hiking trails. 3. Natchaug State Forest - Offers camping at the Natchaug State Forest Campground, with access to hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. It's essential to check the specific regulations and requirements of the state forest you plan to visit before camping. You can find more information on the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website.

Rules for campgrounds in Connecticut can vary depending on the specific campground or park. However, there are some general guidelines that apply to most campgrounds in the state. These include:

  • Reservations: For many campgrounds, you will need to make a reservation in advance. You can do this online or by phone. Some campgrounds may have first-come, first-served sites available, but it's best to check before you go.
  • Check-in/Check-out times: Check-in times are typically in the afternoon (around 1 PM or later), and check-out times are usually in the morning (around 11 AM).
  • Quiet hours: Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours, typically between 10 PM and 7 AM. During this time, campers are expected to keep noise levels to a minimum to respect the peace and quiet of other campers.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is generally prohibited in Connecticut state parks and campgrounds.
  • Pets: Pets are allowed in some Connecticut campgrounds, but not all. Be sure to check the specific pet policy for the campground you plan to visit. You can find a list of pet-friendly campgrounds in Connecticut here.
  • Firewood: To help prevent the spread of invasive species, campers are encouraged to buy firewood locally and not bring it from home. Some campgrounds may have firewood for sale on-site.
  • Trash: Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and belongings when leaving the campground.
  • Firearms and fireworks: The use of firearms and fireworks is generally prohibited in campgrounds.
  • Vehicle access: Most campgrounds have designated parking areas, and vehicles are not allowed to drive on grass or other natural areas.

It's important to check the specific rules and regulations for the campground you plan to visit, as there may be additional guidelines or restrictions in place. You can find more information about Connecticut campgrounds here.

In Connecticut, finding free RV parking may be challenging, as most campgrounds and parks have fees associated with RV camping. However, you may be able to park your RV for free overnight at certain retail establishments, such as Walmart, Cabela's, or Cracker Barrel, with permission from the management. Keep in mind that these locations are not official campgrounds and may not offer any amenities. For RV camping options in Connecticut, check out Hipcamp.