Lake Camping in Connecticut: Best Lake Campsites 2025

From the Atlantic shores to the Western Highlands, the New England state of Connecticut has a lot to offer in lakeside camping areas. Connecticut campers have many state parks to choose from, such as Hammonasset Beach State Park and Rocky Neck State Park in the eastern portion of the state, where you can find family-friendly campsites to kayak and be close to the water’s edge. Near Macedonia State Park, Kettletown State Park, and the nearby Pachaug State Forest, tent sites and rustic cabins await near biking and hiking trails. Lake Waramaug State Park is another perfect place for family-friendly lake camping in Connecticut, where swimming, fishing, and paddling await on its clear waters. Whether you’re looking for a camping resort with electric hookups, wifi, disc golf, volleyball court, and swimming pool or simple pet-friendly tent sites with a fire pit and picnic table, you can find the perfect lake camping getaway in Connecticut.

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Top-rated campgrounds

From the Atlantic shores to the Western Highlands, the New England state of Connecticut has a lot to offer in lakeside camping areas. Connecticut campers have many state parks to choose from, such as Hammonasset Beach State Park and Rocky Neck State Park in the eastern portion of the state, where you can find family-friendly campsites to kayak and be close to the water’s edge. Near Macedonia State Park, Kettletown State Park, and the nearby Pachaug State Forest, tent sites and rustic cabins await near biking and hiking trails. Lake Waramaug State Park is another perfect place for family-friendly lake camping in Connecticut, where swimming, fishing, and paddling await on its clear waters. Whether you’re looking for a camping resort with electric hookups, wifi, disc golf, volleyball court, and swimming pool or simple pet-friendly tent sites with a fire pit and picnic table, you can find the perfect lake camping getaway in Connecticut.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. Humble Farm with Simplicity

96%

(212)

10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Higganum, CT

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.

2. Mickelberry Forest Gardens

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(220)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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!!!

3. Heaven Sent Barn!

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1 site · Lodging · Chaplin, CT

Probably the most stunning properties ever ! The sounds of nature abound as do the views. It is LUSH and a feast for the eyes any time of the day or night. Come and camp and experience The Barn! You will have life long memories! Forested hiking trails, bountiful rivers and watering holes, fishing, birdwatching, peace…stars and nature! Learn more about this land: AMAZING STUNNING PROPERTY! PRIVATE! PEACEFUL! Absolutely heaven sent! A place that will stay in your hearts forever. The property's backdrop is the lush James Goodwin forest where you can walk directly from to hiking trails. Fall asleep under the magnificent brilliance of the millions of stars, hear nothing but the sound of crickets, croaking frogs, hooting owls; see fireflies light up the night and fall asleep to the sound of the streams running right alongside the property. Watch the ariel acrobatics of the swallows swoop into the barn to feed their chicks! The two streams feed into the huge Natchaug River right across the street which is great for fishing, or spending the day at Diana's pool basking on the rocks with a picnic lunch. The area and property is perfect for hiking, horseback riding, small retreats, family gatherings all the while enjoying nature at its purest. We offer a Weber grill and large fire pit and outdoor picnic table with umbrella. You can either sleep in the barn, down in the clean stalls, or up in the barn loft. Bring supplies as if you are camping ie bedding, hammock, tent, sleeping pad or inflatable mattress. There is a long wooden table up in the barn loft that seats 14. There are games up there too, (dominos, cards, trivial pursuit etc). You may also camp outside under the starry skies. No loud music. Noise off by 10.30pm please We provide a VERY clean porta potty and the barn has electricity and running (cold) water. Bring a solar portable shower should you need.

4. Desi Camping Adventures

1 site · Lodging · Stafford Springs, CT

Enjoy the best of both worlds with our 37' Winnebago motorhome, fully equipped with water, electricity, and a private shower. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this escape has it all! Amenities include serene ponds for fishing, a swimming pool, playground, basketball and tennis courts, a recreational center, and weekend kids' activities. Perfect for families, outdoor lovers, or anyone needing a break. Book now and make unforgettable memories!

5. Retreat, Camp & Event Space

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Glastonbury Center, CT

Retreat-Style Open Space on 2 Acres Discover a peaceful, open-air setting perfect for gatherings, retreats, or creative setups. This 2-acre parcel, located in a quiet residential area, offers a versatile blank canvas for your tent, outdoor seating, or wellness-style retreat. Enjoy the natural surroundings and spacious layout — ideal for small group events, meditation circles, or private getaways. Please note there are no restroom facilities on-site; guests must bring their own accommodations and supplies. If you’re looking for a private, serene spot with plenty of room to create your own unique outdoor experience, this property is ready to host your vision.

Public campgrounds in Connecticut

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(2)

Kettletown State Park Campground

61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kettletown State Park

Lake Waramaug Campground

76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Waramaug State Park

Black Rock State Park Campground

76 sites · Tents, RVs · in Black Rock State Park

West Thompson Lake Campground

24 sites · Tents, RVs · in West Thompson Lake

Stories from the community

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Daniel

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Heaven Sent Barn!

Loved staying upstairs in the barn! It kept us protected from the wind and rain and had all we needed for a quick getaway. Highly recommended!

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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.

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Christian

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Heaven Sent Barn!

We overnighted here for my sons birthday fishing trip. 3x 13 year olds and dad. Jocelyn was an amazing host. Super friendly and approachable. The barn is a great place for cold nights and rain. It’s a great way to plan a camping trip without worrying about rain or weather. If you are into trout/small mouth fishing the Natchaug is right across the street and there are many many walks all around. Great location will definitely be back again!

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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!

Great Site setup with fire ring, chairs, a grill, and a beautifully made log bench.

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Alicia

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mickelberry Forest Gardens

Lovely gracious host, peaceful setting, delightful farm animals, and a beautiful view of the rolling Connecticut countryside. It was just the getaway I needed.

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Abbey

October 2025

24 ft campervan

1 night at Mickelberry Forest Gardens

We enjoyed our stay here! It was very brief and unfortunately rainy when we stayed but a good experience. Amy was responsive and the directions to get there and where to park were clear. Very peaceful place. I hope we can explore the property next time we are up that way!

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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.

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Jessie

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Mickelberry Forest Gardens

I really enjoyed my stay here! The property is lovely and the host is very kind :)

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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!

Christopher

October 2025

15 ft toy hauler

2 nights at Mickelberry Forest Gardens

Had a lovely time at Mickelberry Forest Gardens. The views are spectacular in a quiet setting among goats and chickens in their pens. Big fire pit in the back field makes for a serene time.

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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.

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Kimberly

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mickelberry Forest Gardens

Amy was communicative and so lovely! The property is beautiful. The goats and chickens and ducks were fun camp neighbors to have. There’s a gas station and market 5 minutes away should you need anything last minute. Due to the grass in the field being dry, we had to camp a little closer to the house than we would have preferred so that we could have easier access to load/unload our camping gear and so that we could have fresh grass to set up the fire pit over. But, it sounds like the meadow will be developed over time to allow for that! So, knowing that I think we would definitely consider returning when my friend and I continue our annual camping tradition next year!

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Kornil

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Humble Farm with Simplicity

Great place and friendly people! Highly recommend!

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Emily

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mickelberry Forest Gardens

Amy and Bill were wonderful hosts - we had two spots (a tent and an Airstream) and really enjoyed the atmosphere and gardens - especially the cute ducks waddling around! Great spot - we will be back :)

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Paul

September 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Humble Farm with Simplicity

This is a very cute farm. Victor was very friendly. The campground was private for us; we were the only ones there though, and there were three campsites pretty close together; so there are no guarantees it will be as peaceful for you if that’s important.

A

Andrew

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Humble Farm with Simplicity

Mary and Victor hosted us for one night and as my first experience on Hipcamp, exceeded all expectations! Victor showed us around when we got there (even though it was very late) and let us do our thing. We woke up to a beautiful sunrise on his gorgeous property. Highly recommend this place!

Site 3 looking toward horse trailer site

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Erica

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Humble Farm with Simplicity

Vic was wonderful! Very responsive and attentive. There were 4 horses on the property at the time we were there. The two older females were wonderful and it was so nice to get to feed them some watermelon rinds! They loved them! We will be back to camp again. While they do have a grate for 2 of the fire pits, the slats are a bit wide, so you may want to bring your own griddle or high quality grate to set over the pit. The table provided was nice and helped keep the wood dry from the morning dew. We took a day trip over to Miller's Pond two days in a row to hike and swim. It was awesome!

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Ian

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mickelberry Forest Gardens

This place was amazing! The pictures don’t donut justice, beautiful place to spend the night. The meadow was fun for the kids and the starts were perfect.