The best cave camping near Bristol

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for unique camping experiences in the United States. If you're looking for a cave camping adventure near Bristol, Connecticut, we've got you covered with over 80 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned spelunker or just curious to try something new, our top campsites like Magic Forest Farm (317 reviews), Boulder Point Camp (221 reviews), and Mustang Valley Sanctuary (125 reviews) offer incredible cave experiences. With amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly policies, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can enjoy activities like swimming, whitewater paddling, and hiking in the stunning surroundings. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable cave camping adventure!

Top-rated campgrounds

Branch Brook Campground

1. Branch Brook Campground

8.1mi from Bristol · 78 sites · Thomaston, CT

Branch Brook Campground stands out as a serene retreat nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Thomaston, CT, making it the perfect getaway for nature lovers and families alike. As a Good Sam top-rated campground and RV park, we prioritize our guests' comfort and satisfaction, ensuring a memorable experience from the moment you arrive. Conveniently located just minutes from Route 8, our campground offers easy access for traveling campers. The charming town of Thomaston and its surrounding areas boast a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, including local markets and quaint cafes, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore beyond a single night’s stay. At Branch Brook Campground, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re taking a refreshing dip in the pool, playing a game of pickleball, fishing in our scenic brook, or hiking the nearby trails, our amenities are designed to enhance your stay and provide endless fun. We offer 70 well-maintained sites, including seasonal and year-round rentals. Our dedicated staff and efficient reservation system are here to accommodate your needs, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance with your future reservations; we can’t wait to welcome you to Branch Brook Campground! To further enhance your stay, we

Black Rock State Park

2. Black Rock State Park

76 sites · Thomaston, Connecticut

Up, down. Up, down. Up, down…the rolling hills of Black Rock State Park would lull you to sleep in a heartbeat. That is, if your legs weren’t pumping and sweat wasn’t trickling down your face. With each crest of a wooded hilltop, the hiking gets even better, and more remote, too.Scenic views and cool waters put Black Rock high on the traveler’s list when the weekend rolls around. The western highlands of Connecticut don’t get much better than this. Ask any local—the Mattatuck Trail from the Grey section of Waterbury to the Wigwam Reservoir in Morris is one hike you don’t want to miss. At the very least, it’s a good place to start.

American Legion and Peoples State Forests

3. American Legion and Peoples State Forests

34 sites · Winsted, Connecticut

Tree huggers unite! This is the promised land. Consisting of two separate forests, the wooded bastions of Mother Nature rise tall and strong in these parts. Each tree is beautiful in its own way, but perhaps no trunk is better for squeezing than those in the 200-year old white pine grove in the Whittemore Recreation Area of the Peoples Forest. One can only hug so many trees, however, so it’s a good thing there are lots of other things to do in the American Legion and Peoples State Forests. The trails that wind through these wooded acres will keep hikers on their feet for days on end. And the waters of the wild and scenic West Branch of the Farmington River attracts kayakers and fishers from all over Connecticut and even neighboring states. But if you want to just come and squeeze an oak, no one will fault you.

Devil's Hopyard State Park

4. Devil's Hopyard State Park

22 sites · Moodus, Connecticut

Devil’s Hopyard got its name from a couple of different stories, although it does sounds like a great name for a delicious india pale ale. The Hopyard part is in fact believed to have origins tracing back to a farmer who grew hops for brewing near Chapman Falls, the main attraction of this area. The Devil part likely comes from early settlers who tried to explain away the unique potholes in the stone around the waterfall with the supernatural.These potholes are actually perfectly explainable by science, go figure. As stones moved down stream, some would occasionally get trapped in an eddy, causing them to swirl around and erode the rock. The devil story is much more interesting though, which claims that the devil accidentally got his tail wet one day and was so angry, he burned holes in the stones with his hooves. Guess you'll have to go see it for yourself and make up your own mind on what truly happened. While you're there, make sure to check out the awesome hiking, fishing and mountain biking in the area. Devil's Hopyard State Park is just as full of outdoor activities as it is with history.

Rocky Neck State Park

5. Rocky Neck State Park

158 sites · Niantic, Connecticut

If you were (or have) the little kid who had the toy train setup every holiday season, you’re going to go ballistic over this place. Rocky Neck State Park is home to some of the country’s finest train watching. Kick back on the Long Island Sound, watch the railroad cars roll by and try to guess how many there are until the caboose.Of course, there are a whole lot of other things to do in this beautiful area. The beach here rivals the best in Connecticut, with soft white sand that makes it ideal for swimming. If you get tired of watching trains, you can watch birds instead. Osprey, cranes, herons and mute swans all frequent the marshes. So how about it? All aboard to Rocky Neck!

The campsites are comfortable and well maintained.

6. Fahnestock State Park

75 sites · Merritt Park, New York

Whether on the water or on the trails, this NY park is the perfect setting for adventure.

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for unique camping experiences in the United States. If you're looking for a cave camping adventure near Bristol, Connecticut, we've got you covered with over 80 options to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned spelunker or just curious to try something new, our top campsites like Magic Forest Farm (317 reviews), Boulder Point Camp (221 reviews), and Mustang Valley Sanctuary (125 reviews) offer incredible cave experiences. With amenities like trash disposal, pet-friendly policies, and showers, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Plus, you can enjoy activities like swimming, whitewater paddling, and hiking in the stunning surroundings. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable cave camping adventure!

Top-rated campgrounds

Branch Brook Campground

1. Branch Brook Campground

8.1mi from Bristol · 78 sites · Thomaston, CT

Branch Brook Campground stands out as a serene retreat nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Thomaston, CT, making it the perfect getaway for nature lovers and families alike. As a Good Sam top-rated campground and RV park, we prioritize our guests' comfort and satisfaction, ensuring a memorable experience from the moment you arrive. Conveniently located just minutes from Route 8, our campground offers easy access for traveling campers. The charming town of Thomaston and its surrounding areas boast a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, including local markets and quaint cafes, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore beyond a single night’s stay. At Branch Brook Campground, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re taking a refreshing dip in the pool, playing a game of pickleball, fishing in our scenic brook, or hiking the nearby trails, our amenities are designed to enhance your stay and provide endless fun. We offer 70 well-maintained sites, including seasonal and year-round rentals. Our dedicated staff and efficient reservation system are here to accommodate your needs, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance with your future reservations; we can’t wait to welcome you to Branch Brook Campground! To further enhance your stay, we

Black Rock State Park

2. Black Rock State Park

76 sites · Thomaston, Connecticut

Up, down. Up, down. Up, down…the rolling hills of Black Rock State Park would lull you to sleep in a heartbeat. That is, if your legs weren’t pumping and sweat wasn’t trickling down your face. With each crest of a wooded hilltop, the hiking gets even better, and more remote, too.Scenic views and cool waters put Black Rock high on the traveler’s list when the weekend rolls around. The western highlands of Connecticut don’t get much better than this. Ask any local—the Mattatuck Trail from the Grey section of Waterbury to the Wigwam Reservoir in Morris is one hike you don’t want to miss. At the very least, it’s a good place to start.

American Legion and Peoples State Forests

3. American Legion and Peoples State Forests

34 sites · Winsted, Connecticut

Tree huggers unite! This is the promised land. Consisting of two separate forests, the wooded bastions of Mother Nature rise tall and strong in these parts. Each tree is beautiful in its own way, but perhaps no trunk is better for squeezing than those in the 200-year old white pine grove in the Whittemore Recreation Area of the Peoples Forest. One can only hug so many trees, however, so it’s a good thing there are lots of other things to do in the American Legion and Peoples State Forests. The trails that wind through these wooded acres will keep hikers on their feet for days on end. And the waters of the wild and scenic West Branch of the Farmington River attracts kayakers and fishers from all over Connecticut and even neighboring states. But if you want to just come and squeeze an oak, no one will fault you.

Devil's Hopyard State Park

4. Devil's Hopyard State Park

22 sites · Moodus, Connecticut

Devil’s Hopyard got its name from a couple of different stories, although it does sounds like a great name for a delicious india pale ale. The Hopyard part is in fact believed to have origins tracing back to a farmer who grew hops for brewing near Chapman Falls, the main attraction of this area. The Devil part likely comes from early settlers who tried to explain away the unique potholes in the stone around the waterfall with the supernatural.These potholes are actually perfectly explainable by science, go figure. As stones moved down stream, some would occasionally get trapped in an eddy, causing them to swirl around and erode the rock. The devil story is much more interesting though, which claims that the devil accidentally got his tail wet one day and was so angry, he burned holes in the stones with his hooves. Guess you'll have to go see it for yourself and make up your own mind on what truly happened. While you're there, make sure to check out the awesome hiking, fishing and mountain biking in the area. Devil's Hopyard State Park is just as full of outdoor activities as it is with history.

Rocky Neck State Park

5. Rocky Neck State Park

158 sites · Niantic, Connecticut

If you were (or have) the little kid who had the toy train setup every holiday season, you’re going to go ballistic over this place. Rocky Neck State Park is home to some of the country’s finest train watching. Kick back on the Long Island Sound, watch the railroad cars roll by and try to guess how many there are until the caboose.Of course, there are a whole lot of other things to do in this beautiful area. The beach here rivals the best in Connecticut, with soft white sand that makes it ideal for swimming. If you get tired of watching trains, you can watch birds instead. Osprey, cranes, herons and mute swans all frequent the marshes. So how about it? All aboard to Rocky Neck!

The campsites are comfortable and well maintained.

6. Fahnestock State Park

75 sites · Merritt Park, New York

Whether on the water or on the trails, this NY park is the perfect setting for adventure.

Public campgrounds near Bristol

Black Rock State Park Campground

Black Rock State Park Campground

8.7mi from Bristol · 76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Rock State Park

Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground

Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground

17mi from Bristol · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in American Legion and Peoples State Forests

Devil's Hopyard Campground

Devil's Hopyard Campground

34mi from Bristol · 22 sites · Tents, RVs · in Devil's Hopyard State Park

Rocky Neck State Park Campground

Rocky Neck State Park Campground

44mi from Bristol · 158 sites · Tents, RVs · in Rocky Neck State Park

The campsites are comfortable and well maintained.

Fahnestock State Park Campground

48mi from Bristol · 75 sites · Tents, RVs · in Fahnestock State Park

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Black Rock State Park

Black Rock State Park

Thomaston, Connecticut

American Legion and Peoples State Forests

American Legion and Peoples State Forests

Winsted, Connecticut

Devil's Hopyard State Park

Devil's Hopyard State Park

Moodus, Connecticut

Rocky Neck State Park

Rocky Neck State Park

Niantic, Connecticut

The campsites are comfortable and well maintained.

Fahnestock State Park

Merritt Park, New York

Other options near Bristol

Branch Brook Campground

8.1mi from Bristol · 78 sites · Thomaston, CT

Branch Brook Campground stands out as a serene retreat nestled in the picturesque rolling hills of Thomaston, CT, making it the perfect getaway for nature lovers and families alike. As a Good Sam top-rated campground and RV park, we prioritize our guests' comfort and satisfaction, ensuring a memorable experience from the moment you arrive. Conveniently located just minutes from Route 8, our campground offers easy access for traveling campers. The charming town of Thomaston and its surrounding areas boast a variety of restaurants, shops, and attractions, including local markets and quaint cafes, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore beyond a single night’s stay. At Branch Brook Campground, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Whether you’re taking a refreshing dip in the pool, playing a game of pickleball, fishing in our scenic brook, or hiking the nearby trails, our amenities are designed to enhance your stay and provide endless fun. We offer 70 well-maintained sites, including seasonal and year-round rentals. Our dedicated staff and efficient reservation system are here to accommodate your needs, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance with your future reservations; we can’t wait to welcome you to Branch Brook Campground! To further enhance your stay, we

Value Prop

Value Prop

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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