Camping in Connecticut with wildlife watching

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

94% (1080 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Connecticut

Under $50

12 top campgrounds in Connecticut with wildlife watching

98%
(31)

Offsite Cabin Wassaic

1 site · Lodging60 acres · Wassaic, Dutchess
***PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION - NO RUNNING WATER NOV - MARCH*** Our *NEW* cabin is located on the top of a clearing in the mountains outside Wassaic. Enjoy swimming, hiking, chilling, fires and sunsets views without any light pollution or street noise. Designed as a retreat for the modern creative, the cabin is fully off-grid but features Starlink Internet, a compost toilet and heat / AC. We do provide 5 gallons drinking / cleaning water, but during the winter no sinks or showers are operable. Nearby towns (Kent, CT / Wassaic, NY) have awesome art, shopping and plenty of food options as well as easy access to the Appalachian trail and Macedonia state park. 15 minutes from the Wassaic metro north station, the cabin can be reach by taxi. The cabin is accessible by car, but may require a short hike in after heavy rain or snow. This cabin is part of the Offsite Camp family (www.offsite.camp).
from 
$195
 / night
99%
(160)

Mickelberry Forest Gardens

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Newtown , Fairfield
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 who is a permaculture expert 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!!! 
from 
$60
 / night
98%
(97)

Humble Farm with Simplicity

5 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Higganum, Middlesex
Bring your family & friends to camp at our quiet and very modest small farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with free range chickens, a dog, and a couple of horses. The property is very spread out and there is an outhouse for all sites to us. Your pets are welcome too! Locally there are state parks with beaches, and state forest for trails & lakes, hiking and biking. Or you can just relax and enjoy the serenity! 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 cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be purchased for $12 per bundle. Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $5.00 per 1/2 dozen. And there are also blocks of ice $5 for the large styrofoam cooler in grilling area next to horse trailer. Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.
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$49
 / night
99%
(64)

Holiday Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Mansfield, Tolland
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.
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$45
 / night
100%
(2)

Water Forest Retreat

3 sites · Lodging100 acres · Norwich, New London
This property has been in my family for three generations. It is classic Connecticut with hills and streams and stone walls. The octagon is a private 122 ft.² that is electrified and heated. It has a full size bed, cabinet and table with chairs. It sits next to a brook on 100 acres of forest with a pond, small waterfall, marsh and 2 1/2 miles of hiking trails. There is a fire pit and outdoor dining area next to the octagon. Out house with composting toilet close to octagon. A great place to rejuvenate in the forest!
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$130
 / night
100%
(501)

Vernal Heights

6 sites · Tents70 acres · Colebrook, Litchfield
The Farm was built in the mid 1700's on the same track of land. Hike in or drive to your campsite.  Site #5 & 6 are accessible with a 4x4.  Site #3 is located in a blueberry field. It's car accessible but in close proximity to the Farm. Site #1 & 2 are Hike in sites(1/2 mile).  The farm is surrounded by thousands of acres of conservancy and preserve land. Enjoy nature at its finest!! Camp in a field of fire flies or a remote site surrounded by old growth trees and Mt laurel blossoms. This is a Nature Preserve!!  Please be kind to the Trees and Wildlife that inhabit the land!!
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$55
 / night
100%
(76)

Yurt Farm Stay

1 site · Lodging18 acres · New Milford, Litchfield
Our 18 acres has been farm land for hundreds of years. After many years of overgrowth, we homesteaded the property in 2012. We cut trees, milled wood and built our homes and barn. We live in harmony with our animals and our crops in a permaculture environment. We are just miles from many beautiful lakes, rivers and spectacular parks. Enjoy a farm stay in our luxurious yurt tent complete with queen size bed and outdoor shower. Meet the goats, cows, ducks, chickens and our pony, Mr. BoJangles, and have a walk around the acre plot of permaculture grown produce. Stop into the farm shop, The Shack and purchase some maple syrup, jam and whatever is in season. Plenty of things to do locally. Visit the many vineyards and breweries, take a cooking class at Hunt Hill across the street, visit the quaint NE towns such as Kent or Washington.We are following all Covid-19 standards and protocols and will maintain social distance. We are only offering two night minimum weekend stays so the amount of time between guests is maximized for cleaning and disinfecting. 
from 
$125
 / night
96%
(204)

The Hay House Farm

4 sites · Tents12 acres · Old Saybrook, Middlesex
Welcome to our charming retreat in historic Old Saybrook, Connecticut! Nestled in one of the state's oldest towns, dating back to 1635, our property offers a truly unique and enriching experience. Situated at the confluence of the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook boasts a treasure trove of historical and cultural gems waiting to be explored. Our pet-friendly and family-friendly haven is designed to provide you with a sustainable and rejuvenating escape. Embracing eco-conscious living, we're proud to offer a composting toilet, ensuring your stay has a minimal environmental footprint. Please note that we encourage guests to adopt eco-friendly practices, as our property does not have potable water. Pack out your garbage and leave this exquisite haven as untouched as you found it, allowing future generations to appreciate it! For adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, we're thrilled to announce that our retreat is conveniently located right by miles of well-marked hiking trails. Embark on an exploration of diverse terrains, from enchanting woodlands to breathtaking vistas. Prepare to immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Connecticut's outdoors. Experience the allure of Old Saybrook's rich history, indulge in delectable cuisine at unique local restaurants, and discover hidden treasures among eclectic shops. Whether you're seeking an unforgettable family getaway, a chance to unplug and unwind, or an eco-conscious adventure, our property is the perfect getaway for you.
from 
$50
 / night
94%
(54)

The Sandbox Campground

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Groton, New London
The Sandbox campground was born from The Sandbox Indoor Beach Sports and Events facility, which mainly focuses on providing year round beach volleyball. We bought the property in 2015 and opened the facility in 2019. As it happens, it's a 12+ acre lot surrounded by wetlands, hiking and biking trails ... there will never be another building built within view of our facility. We are surrounded by nature, and will be forever. So what a great opportunity to offer camping and access to all of the forests, woodlands, wetlands and trails around! And if you're up for it, come play some beach volleyball and meet new lifelong friends :)
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$60
 / night
100%
(17)

Adesa Farm

2 sites · Tents82 acres · North Stonington, New London
We live on a picturesque 82-acre farm in North Stonington, CT located near many serene natural areas. Pachaug State Forest, Ell Pond Preserve, and the Westerly, RI beaches are all within a 20 minute drive from us. Our land is secluded and rural, offering a respite from the hubbub of city life. We have a spring-fed pond on-site and the majority of our land is heavily forested. With very low light pollution, the night sky on our farm is breathtaking.
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$36
 / night
94%
(16)

Tipi on the Ct River

1 site · Lodging4 acres · Chester Center, Middlesex
Included with your stay are: 6-10 pieces of firewood a night, a multi gallon water supply (for washing and extinguishing fire) a campfire grate, campfire ring, a screened in picnic table area and semi-private tented latrine. Makes it easy to enjoy some time “away” with all your basics. The woods you are enjoying are protected, please don't chop firewood, feel free to gather downed limbs. Learn more about this land: Enjoy our authentic tipi nestled on the edge of the CT River. Enjoy our Canoe, toss in a line, or just relax… Enjoy an escape from reality while being a stones throw from many great attractions. Gillette’s Castle, Essex steam train, Goodspeed Opera House, Eagles Landing and many more things to discover. A short walk up and over the railroad tracks leave you in a secluded oasis. We look forward to sharing our peaceful retreat with you! Don’t be surprised to be greeted by our rambunctious 3! We love to make new friends.
from 
$100
 / night
90%
(10)

Enegren Farm

1 site · RV, Tent21 acres · East Hampton, Middlesex
from 
$50
 / night

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Camping in Connecticut with wildlife watching guide

Looking for the perfect camping experience in Connecticut? Look no further than Vernal Heights. With over 300 options specifically tailored for wildlife watching, you'll be sure to find the ideal spot to observe nature's wonders. From the top-rated Vernal Heights with 173 reviews, to The Hay House Farm and Mickelberry Forest Gardens, you'll have plenty of great choices to choose from. And with popular amenities like trash service, campfires, and showers, you won't have to sacrifice comfort for adventure. Enjoy activities like hiking and boating, all while immersing yourself in the beauty of Connecticut's wilderness. With an average price per night of $53 and options as low as $30, camping in Connecticut has never been more affordable and exciting.

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