The best family-friendly campgrounds near Bristol, Connecticut

Looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in the great outdoors near Bristol, Connecticut? Hipcamp has over 160 family-friendly camping options in that area, ranging from rustic cabins to tent sites. With an average price per night of $58 and options as low as $20, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Magic Forest Farm (317 reviews), Timbertrail Farm (257 reviews), and Paradise Valley Homestead (248 reviews) for highly-rated options. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, and engage in activities such as biking, whitewater paddling, and climbing. Get ready to experience nature in its purest form!

99% (571)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bristol

Looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in the great outdoors near Bristol, Connecticut? Hipcamp has over 160 family-friendly camping options in that area, ranging from rustic cabins to tent sites. With an average price per night of $58 and options as low as $20, there's something for every budget. Check out top campsites like Magic Forest Farm (317 reviews), Timbertrail Farm (257 reviews), and Paradise Valley Homestead (248 reviews) for highly-rated options. Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and campfires, and engage in activities such as biking, whitewater paddling, and climbing. Get ready to experience nature in its purest form!

99% (571)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bristol

1. Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

100%

(238)

47mi from Bristol · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The Upper Shire Private Campsites in the Hudson Valley are on a gorgeous hill with a small pond surrounded by 22 acres of an old horse ranch. It is located in Columbia County near the Massachusetts and New York border. There are currently 5 unique camping areas located here. Each one is special due to its location on the hill. Check out our map and enjoy our spacious yet secluded campsites and our new off-grid double shower shack with hot and cold water on demand. This place has a relaxed atmosphere and is located near Catamount Ski Resort, Bash Bish Falls, Taconic State Park, Hudson NY, and Great Barrington, MA. If you plan on bringing a pet please be sure to add that fee to your booking under "extras" ($25) If you have additional guest(s) that would like to join you that fee is ($25 a night per person) and you will need to message us about how to arrange that. We have extra easy pop-up two-person tents available to rent ($15 for two nights) you can also find that option under "extras" along with bundles of firewood ($15)

2. Holiday Hill

99%

(113)

39mi from Bristol · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

A century old chicken farm that was turned into a summer day-camp and outdoor recreation center in 1958. Currently it hosts about 500 happy campers every summer and events on the weekends.

3. Humble Farm with Simplicity

96%

(213)

26mi from Bristol · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Bring your family and friends to camp at our quiet and very earthy and modest small family farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with chickens, a dog, and a few 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 Two parallel driveways THE DRIVEWAY TO THE LEFT FROM THE STREET IS OURS. Other attractions include local farmers markets, Millers Pond, Hammonassette State Park Beach, Gilette's Castle, with the famous River Ferry crossing the Connecticut River with a vehicle across to East Haddam at end of Rt. 148... 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. Entrance through gate is marked. Also 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. Blankets and pillows only are provided, NO LINENS for cabin or trailer sites only. Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.

4. Maple Corner Farm

98%

(50)

31mi from Bristol · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging

Eighth generation farm in continuous since 1812. 200 acres of open fields, forest and streams. We have many trails on the property as well as a waterfall. There is fishing, kayaking and the Appalachian trail all within 30 minutes. Farm store is open with maple syrup, maple products, beef, pork, eggs and specialty products.

5. Hucklebuck Railway Campsites

99%

(82)

49mi from Bristol · 2 sites · Lodging

Welcome to our secluded forest getaways, nestled alongside the historic Huckleberry Railway bed and offering scenic views of the Roeliff Jansen Kill. This state-stocked trout stream provides an ideal setting for fishing and swimming. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you enjoy activities like swimming, tubing, kayaking in the river, and exploring miles of hiking trails. Abundant wildlife and birdlife enhance the tranquility of the surroundings. Our campsites offer proximity to a variety of attractions, including breweries, wineries, pick-your-own farms, farmer's markets, historical sites, restaurants, and shopping. For your convenience, the nearest supermarket is just eight miles away, and a general store is only four miles from the site. Come unwind in nature's embrace and experience the best of both seclusion and nearby amenities.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Jarvis

November 2025

2 nights at Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

Amazing stay! Host was really helpful and campsite is well kept

K

Kristen

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Humble Farm with Simplicity

My son and I appreciated the care they took to help us get settled, we were able to get all our needs met- water, our dog ran free, wood for the fire and a nice bed when I couldn’t get the hammock set up! We will definitely come back in the spring.

C

Caitlin

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Maple Corner Farm

This site was perfect for us! We came with our dogs and they loved running around on the trails and in the fields - the site had a picnic table and cooking area, and we grabbed firewood, eggs, maple syrup and a few other goodies from the farm stand on the way in. David and his family were amazing hosts, checking in periodically to see if we needed anything to make our stay even more comfortable. We took advantage of the permanent tent at the site and our own tents, both were super fun - we will most definitely be back again, thank you David and family!

A

ANDREW

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Humble Farm with Simplicity

Wonder stay on a beautiful piece of property. Host was very gracious and met us at the site and was very accommodating. Would definitely stay again!

L

Laura

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hucklebuck Railway Campsites

Paula and her husband are kind, thoughtful, and helpful hosts! They were very quick to respond to our messages and were incredibly accommodating. I’d forgotten to pack cooking oil and Paula was generous enough to offer some of hers. This place has everything you need! If you enjoy birding this place has a variety of birds. Also, it was so cool to hear a great horned owl in the middle of the night. We all had so much fun at their campsite - the perfect fall getaway. We’d love to visit again in the summer so we can enjoy the swimming holes and take advantage of the hiking trails!

S

Steven

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Humble Farm with Simplicity

Easy to find with Google and written directions. The property is secluded and ideal for camping with close access to local trails. Mary and Victor were very nice and when asked were flexible to let us stay in the converted trailer due to weather. The horses were amazing and friendly to bet! Great experience and definitely will return and recommend.

Cassie

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hucklebuck Railway Campsites

We had a wonderful time at Paula and Bill’s campsite. It’s rustic yet well stocked and maintained, with tons of walking paths and a beautiful creek where we spent the afternoon skipping rocks. Bill brought us fresh water and firewood (along with some lovely conversation), and even when a nor’easter rolled through on our final night, we stayed warm and dry in our tent. Paula was so easy to get in touch with and they were flexible with our arrival time coming from NYC. The land they are on is truly stunning and they really care for it with such love. Our six-year-old had the best time and now wishes we could camp there every weekend! We also spent part of one of our days at Kesicke Farm, where he played in the corn maze, fed the animals, and just had an absolute blast. Mighty Donuts was also amazing and a great spot for kids, and Red Hook diner on our way out was just exactly what we needed. Overall, our experience was fantastic, and we would love to come back again!

J

Jerry

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Maple Corner Farm

Loved the site! Although there was some minor confusion, David was fantastic during my stay!

S

Shane

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

Would go again! Great location, accommodating hostess

Rebecca

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hucklebuck Railway Campsites

The campsite was perfect for a group and had everything we needed! Paula was very communicative and helpful, would definitely recommend!

Rebecca

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hucklebuck Railway Campsites

The campsite was perfect for a group and had everything we needed! Paula was very communicative and helpful, would definitely recommend!

Two shelters side by side with a campfire ring and two picnic tables.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Holiday Hill

A beautiful place to stay with the perfect balance of woodsy and civilization! We'd definitely visit again.

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Humble Farm with Simplicity

Quiet and comfortable- great location. The camp sites are in the same field, but far enough apart for some privacy. The privies were clean and the hot outdoor shower was great after long days hiking!

W

William

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Maple Corner Farm

Great place to stay, very scenic, historic, and private farm that is family run for generations. We ended up switching to another spot last minute and David was able to accommodate, we had a whole back hay field to ourselves and our dogs for the whole weekend. Incredibly tranquil setting for a weekend getaway to nature!

S

Sindu

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

Our time at Tin Valley in Upper Shire Campground was so special. Joanna’s land was beautifully maintained and the campsite had everything we needed and more - a fire pit, hammocks, comfortable beds to lay in, even an electric kettle and french press! The outhouse was a very convenient location and warm showers was a huge plus - made the weekend a perfect glamping excursion. Location was lovely as well, just a short drive from fantastic hikes like Bash Bish Falls and Little Apple Cidery, where we had a great time at the Orchard Bar. This was my first adventure through HipCamp and Joanna made it an easy and perfect experience - thank you!

b

beccaslavin

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Hucklebuck Railway Campsites

We had a wonderful time! The campsite is well-stocked and exceeded our needs. It was a happy medium between glamping and rustic. We look forward to returning!

Crystal

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Maple Corner Farm

Great site, amazing communication. David was more than helpful with anything I needed.

T

Tien

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Upper Shire Campsites Hudson Valley

Joanna was a great host and the site was perfect!!!

D

Debra

September 2025

With pets

1 night at Humble Farm with Simplicity

Stayed overnight in the remodeled horsetrailer in the field. Quiet. Large enough for 2 adults and 2 dogs. Hosts were nice and the horses were beautiful.

D

Deeanna

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Humble Farm with Simplicity

This campground is amazing! If you want a place that is serine and private, this is the place for you. Mary and Victor are super hospitable and accommodating. They keep the outhouses clean and the campsites are roomy and comfortable. It’s a beautiful property with gorgeous horses. Thanks to the hosts for a wonderful stay!!! I recommend this to anyone who likes true camping as there are no hookups, but gorgeous serenity and peace.