The best campgrounds near Hartford, Connecticut with climbing

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Hartford, Connecticut with a focus on climbing, you're in luck. We have over 699 options specifically tailored to your preferences in that area. With an average price per night of $57 and options as low as $25, there's something for every budget. Looking for the best campsites? Check out Timbertrail Farm (257 reviews), The Mountain Top @Wright's Farm (219 reviews), and Maple Ridge Farm (203 reviews) for top-rated options. And don't worry, popular amenities such as potable water, trash facilities, and pet-friendly sites are available. Plus, you can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and fishing during your camping adventure. So start planning your climbing trip near Hartford, Connecticut with Hipcamp today!

94% (236)

Top-rated campgrounds near Hartford

Welcome to Hipcamp, the go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near Hartford, Connecticut with a focus on climbing, you're in luck. We have over 699 options specifically tailored to your preferences in that area. With an average price per night of $57 and options as low as $25, there's something for every budget. Looking for the best campsites? Check out Timbertrail Farm (257 reviews), The Mountain Top @Wright's Farm (219 reviews), and Maple Ridge Farm (203 reviews) for top-rated options. And don't worry, popular amenities such as potable water, trash facilities, and pet-friendly sites are available. Plus, you can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and fishing during your camping adventure. So start planning your climbing trip near Hartford, Connecticut with Hipcamp today!

94% (236)

Top-rated campgrounds near Hartford

1. Moon In The Pond Farm

94%

(244)

42mi from Hartford · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Well off the beaten track, it's scenic, private and peaceful. Camping at Moon In The Pond Farm is a bit of heaven. There are separate sites to choose. Around the farm, you have your own secluded spot to enjoy. (Though you may be in a field next to our Scottish Highland cattle!) Two are tent sites: the PondSide and the FieldEdge. There's one site for small/tiny RVs or Campervan. And finally there's the HiddenCabin--a bed a roof and convenience. Each has a firepit with a small grill to cook over the fire. (all firewood provided) Our campsites are in quieter areas of the farm. One overlooks the pond, others are on the edges of different farm fields, one a cabin nearer the farmstead. All require a beautiful, bucolic trek of 150-350 yards from the roadside parking--ensuring the quiet, natural experience. During the day times, you may see or hear farm work. At night it's lusciously dark and serenely quiet. You'll hear owls hoot, frogs croak, crickets chirp, foxes yowl and coyotes howl! In June and July the fields and trees light up like Christmas with fireflies, and you'll see the stars. During the week is the absolute best time--the local hot spots (or cooling down spots!) are much quieter, and all our campsites have reduced weekday rates. If you can, take advantage by adding a Thursday or Sunday night to a weekend stay. We've got an awesome, easy hiking trail on adjacent Nature Conservancy land. It meanders through woodlands, around rock ledges, through wetlands (on a 600' of boardwalk) and ends at a beautiful stream and pond with a gigantic beaver dam. Not far from here are numerous well-marked hiking trails (including the Appalachian Trail (with famous Bash Bish Falls) and several offshoots (Sage's Ravine, Race Brook Falls), Bartholomew's Cobble, Umpacheenee Falls, and others). Also in the neighborhood are opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, rock climbing, gavel-road and country-road biking, and pretty much any outdoor activity/adventure opportunity. Or... you can just chill and relax, sleep, or read the day away! Love food? This is Farm-to-Table for real! Never so close--the table's AT the farm! Bring your cooking gear and get some of our wicked fresh organic food--veggies, chops, sausages, eggs, bacon, granola, yogurt, etc. Sear yourself up a real treat! Very nearby, as the Berkshires is a cultural mecca, there are also numerous opportunities from many great restaurants to art, dance, music, spas, galleries, antique shops, museums, cafes and much more. It's still amazingly quiet at the farm where the Milky Way is clearly visible.

2. The Sandbox Campground

91%

(76)

43mi from Hartford · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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 :)

3. Streamside Camping in Leverett!

91%

(32)

49mi from Hartford · 3 sites · Tents

Our 2 acre property and home is located in the center of the small town of Leverett. We have a private camping spot located down by the stream. We are near a paved road with moderate traffic. The property abuts many acres of woods and there are a number of great walking trails nearby. A half-mile walk behind the house takes you through the forest to an outlook on Leverett Pond. The Peace Pagoda is just a few miles up the road. Other nearby destinations include Cushman Market and Cafe, the Montague Bookmill, and Mt. Toby waterfall, caves, and lookout tower. Leverett Pond has a public boat launch nearby. We have canoes, paddles, and lifejackets available for rent--inquire for details! The area has excellent bike riding as well. We enjoy all these activities and are happy to share further destinations, routes, and suggestions!

4. American Legion and Peoples State Forests

100%

(1)

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.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Kettletown State Park

100%

(2)

61 sites · Heritage Village, Connecticut

Summers get hot in the northeast. And muggy. We’re sweating just thinking about it. When it’s mid-July and Connecticut is threatening to burst into flames, Kettletown State Park is where people go to cool off.The refreshing waters of the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar are guaranteed to lower your body temperature and restore your energy levels. The rest of the park that isn’t water is heavily wooded, providing lots of welcome shade. Shoot, you could even go for a hike and not worry about overheating. It’s the perfect summer getaway from summer, if that makes sense. Don’t think about it too much, just go.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

6. Romantic Botanical Glamping

35mi from Hartford · 1 site · Lodging

Pets: Conditionally accepted with owner approval. Must be cat-friendly (we have 3 cats), well-trained, quiet, and not use garden beds as bathrooms. Contact us before bringing pets. Seasonal Activities: June - strawberries, irises, snowbells; July - wild raspberries, roses, cucumbers, nasturtiums, tomatoes; August - squash, peppers, more flowers; September/October - apples, pears. Roses bloom all summer. 20+ page local activity guide provided. Property Details: Organically sprayed monthly for ticks/bugs. Rain creates a soothing tent experience. Some amenities (refrigerator, dryer) available by request. Check-in/out: Early check-in 9am, late checkout until 3pm (if no other guests arriving). Flexible checkout times available - just ask. Pool shared with homeowners, no lifeguards - swim at own risk. Housekeeping: Use trash receptacles. Extra bags in clear container behind tent chair. Recyclables can be returned by guests (.10 value in CT) or left in buckets by dish cart.

7. Offsite Cabin Wassaic

98%

(33)

43mi from Hartford · 1 site · Lodging

***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.

8. Macedonia Brook State Park

100%

(3)

51 sites · Connecticut

A trip to Macedonia Brook State Park is basically what the word “splendid” was invented for—blissfully scenic and impossibly pleasurable. Hiking down the Blue Trail, you can’t help but feel good about the world. Wipe that smile off your face, we dare you. It’s okay, we know you can’t.The Blue Trail, which is by far the main area attraction, meanders over Cobble Mountain and several other peaks, crossing a handful of babbling springs and streams. The views of the Catskills and Taconics are downright gorgeous. And don’t even get us started on fall colors. So go have yourself a splendid time at Macedonia Brook.

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Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near Hartford

100%

(1)

Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground

20mi from Hartford · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in American Legion and Peoples State Forests

100%

(2)

Kettletown State Park Campground

36mi from Hartford · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Kettletown State Park

100%

(3)

Macedonia Brook State Park Campground

42mi from Hartford · 51 sites · Tents, RVs · in Macedonia Brook State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Gabriel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Moon In The Pond Farm

Dominic was a wonderful host. His land is magical and was the perfect spot. We will definitely be going back!

Rosemary

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

3 nights at Streamside Camping in Leverett!

The tent camping area was really cool. Could hear a wide array of wildlife at night. A fire pit was set up with stump seats that we loved winding down the night at. Stayed here for quality access to Farley Ledges and wasn’t disappointed.

K

Kevin

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Sandbox Campground

Great location, and you don’t hear any cars or traffic around. Would highly recommend if doing a road trip and need to stop by somewhere to camp along the way. Many thanks to Brendan as well, who was great with communication throughout my stay.

J

John

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at The Sandbox Campground

Great spot to stop for a few days and catch up on some remote work on the road. We invited Brendan to stop by and got a personal tour of the Sandbox beach volleyball facility and new amphitheater currently under construction. Really close to historic Mystic and Stonington, as well as, some pleasant short hikes! Brendan was very nice and accommodating. We're hoping to pass through next year to see the progress on the theater project!

L

Lorraine

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Sandbox Campground

Loved the privacy & the off leash friendly rule. Had the best time. Host was very responsive to questions too.

J

Jeffrey

August 2025

3 nights at Moon In The Pond Farm

Accommodations and site were as described. Dominic is very friendly and helpful. It's a few miles off any main roads so it's very quiet and dark at night so the star gazing is excellent and so is the sleeping. I would note that there is no shower available for use but he will let you use the hose! :)

J

Janet

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Streamside Camping in Leverett!

It rained and they let us hang out under a covered porch for a yurt site they had. Thankfully the yurt wasn't rented. We were able to hang out, cook our meal and wash our dishes all while staying dry. Our tent was down by the stream which was a nice site.

K

Kayla

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Moon In The Pond Farm

Last minute decided to book a camping trip at Dominic’s Idaho site and it was the most incredible experience. This was my first time camping on a farm and seeing all the animals on site was truly magical! Dominic was a great host and walked us to our campsite and gave us a quick history of the land. Such a perfect spot to unwind, star gaze, and enjoy nature. Waking up to the cows grazing in the pasture was something really special. Will definitely be back!! !!

L

Lexie

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Moon In The Pond Farm

We loved being at Moon in the Pond!!! Dominic keeps an idyllic, lush farm and the Idaho site was absolutely beautiful and private. We woke up each morning to grazing highland cows in the pasture nearby - the site is definitely in and among the working farm and its animals. Photos don’t really do it justice. Guests who are bug bite prone like me should make sure to bring repellent for the dusk and early evening hours. Would absolutely stay again. Thank you Dominic!

J

Jamie

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Sandbox Campground

As described, this is a rustic site in the woods with access to water and a portapotty. It was beautiful and peaceful, everything we needed!

L

Laura

July 2025

Tent

4 nights at Moon In The Pond Farm

Owner was very friendly and helpful! Camped at ‘Idaho’ and spot was very private besides the cows, who came over to say hi but still kept a friendly distance! Fell asleep to fireflies and woke up to a beautiful sunrise

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Hannah K

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Moon In The Pond Farm

The farm was so well-maintained, the animals so happy, and the campsite beautiful, wild and private. We had the best time and will come again.

O

Olivia

June 2025

3 nights at Moon In The Pond Farm

Our stay at Dom's Moon in the Pond farm was ideal. The cabin was cozy and comfortable while the screens successfully kept the bugs out. The property is bucolic with adorable cows, lambs, chickens, etc. We pre ordered the spicy sausage with fennel along with other farm fresh foods - which were delicious. It was the perfect home after a long day of swimming and hiking. Would definitely come again!

P

Peter

June 2025

33 ft Class A

With pets

10 nights at The Sandbox Campground

We had a quiet 10 days enjoying the fresh air and sunshine in eastern Connecticut. Brendan's hospitality was more than we expected, and he let us know when other visitors would to be coming in. They are working on improvements to the camp sites and an outdoor amphitheater to be ready soon. Looking forward to returning and hearing some music in there. Shopping in nearby Groton for food and other supplies was really convenient. We did a little touring both in the countryside and along the shore which have that classic New England beauty. Mostly just hanging out at the campsite, cooking outdoors, taking walks with our dogs, and taking in the surrounding landscape. The water is good and accessible at 2 points, one near the main facility and the other on the road to site #2. This was our first trip this year and it was a great place to get all the camping stuff sorted out, which for us includes both tenting and RVing. The cellular signal was good so you're not really "off the grid" and a big plus if you have people that can't be away from the internet. Site #1 gets plenty of sunshine so prepare for that as we experienced the hottest days so far this year. Tested out some new portable solar power stations which proved to be perfect for recharging and playing music.

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Paxton

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Moon In The Pond Farm

We loved our stay here! We were on the pond site and we loved the sound of the frogs and nature in the night time. It was also nice to walk the trails and see all the other animals on the farm. The campsite was very private and came with a fireplace. Dominic was very kind when we chatted and gave us a good amount of wood for $10! Thanks for the awesome stay!

Recinda

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Streamside Camping in Leverett!

This was a great little spot! And the hosts went out of their way to be accommodating. We were experiencing a severe thunderstorm with flash flood warnings, and they took care of us. Really want to come back and have some time to enjoy this spot. But we were through hiking the Robert Frost Trail, so we had limited time. Fully recommend!!!

C

Casey

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Moon In The Pond Farm

This is such a lovely place to spend a few nights! Dom is very kind and helpful, and met us upon arrival to make sure we had everything we need. The tent site is awesome - the pond is beautiful and the site is private. The animals are the best part!! They are always out and about and super cute :)

D

Diana

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Streamside Camping in Leverett!

Great camp site! The access was easy, and there was plenty of wood for the fire pit. The stream is truly beautiful. Most importantly, there is endless hiking either straight from the campsite or a short walk down the road.

D

Dean

May 2025

9 nights at Moon In The Pond Farm

Very good owner to work with. Food and other services readily available.

C

Cameron

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Moon In The Pond Farm

Very nice property, each site is very private. Be ready to walk your things to the site. Dom has wheelbarrows to help move things which is great. Great experience, the firewood is a nice big bundle. We loved the animals on the farm too. No tables at the sites but there are some nice stumps you can easily use as a table. Thanks Dom