Camping in Connecticut

A complete guide to camping in Connecticut

Scenic autumn landscape of Squantz Pond in Connecticut with fall foliage

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Overview

Connecticut camping operates at a smaller scale than its New England neighbors, fitting into a state roughly 90 miles long and 70 miles wide. The camping character builds around state parks and forests in the northwestern hills and the quiet eastern woodlands. The Litchfield Hills in the northwest hold the highest terrain and the most developed camping, with Housatonic Meadows and Macedonia Brook state parks along the Housatonic River corridor. Goshen and the surrounding hill towns provide a rural character that feels removed from the metro areas.

The eastern half of the state around Voluntown, Chester, and the Pachaug State Forest holds Connecticut's largest state forest with the most extensive camping. The shoreline along Long Island Sound has limited camping but Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison provides the primary coastal option. Connecticut sits between the New York City and Boston metro areas, making weekend camping competitive at popular parks despite the state's small size.

Browse All RV Parks & Campgrounds in Connecticut

Best Seasons to Camp in Connecticut

Spring

Mar-May

Mountain laurel (the state flower) blooms in June. Campgrounds open in April and May. Cool temperatures through May. The Housatonic and Farmington rivers run high for fishing.

Summer

Jun-Aug

Peak season. Hammonasset Beach campground fills on summer weekends. The Litchfield Hills provide cooler temperatures than the coast or Connecticut River valley. Swimming in lakes and rivers warms by late June.

Fall

Sep-Nov

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	—	—	Mountain laurel (the state flower) blooms in June.
Summer	Jun-Aug	—	—	Peak season.
Fall	Sep-Nov	—	—	Fall color in the Litchfield Hills peaks in mid to late October.
Winter	Dec-Feb	—	—	Most campgrounds close by late October.

Camping Regions in Connecticut

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Litchfield Hills and Northwest	Mountain	Goshen, Kent, Cornwall, Litchfield
Eastern Woodlands	Forest	Voluntown, Preston, Chester, East Hampton
Long Island Sound Shore	Coastal	Madison, East Lyme, Westbrook, Old Saybrook

Litchfield Hills and Northwest

Mountain · Goshen, Kent, Cornwall, Litchfield

The highest terrain in Connecticut with rolling hills, covered bridges, and the Housatonic River. Housatonic Meadows, Macedonia Brook, and Lake Waramaug state parks anchor the camping. The Appalachian Trail passes through Kent and Cornwall. Goshen and Woodstock provide a rural New England character. Hemlock Hill Camp Resort in Goshen and campgrounds near Kent along the Appalachian Trail corridor serve the Litchfield Hills camping demand.

Eastern Woodlands

Forest · Voluntown, Preston, Chester, East Hampton

Pachaug State Forest near Voluntown covers over 27,000 acres and provides the most extensive camping in the state. Green Falls and Mount Misery campgrounds sit within the forest. The terrain is lower and flatter than the northwest hills. Quieter than the western parks. Nature's Campsites in Voluntown and Strawberry Park Resort Campground in Preston provide the primary Pachaug State Forest area options.

Long Island Sound Shore

Coastal · Madison, East Lyme, Westbrook, Old Saybrook

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison provides the primary shoreline camping with beach access on Long Island Sound. Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme adds a second coastal option. The Connecticut shore is more sheltered than the open Atlantic coast, with warmer water and calmer conditions. Aces High RV Park and The Island Campground and Cottages in East Lyme serve the Rocky Neck State Park coastal area.

Camping Tips for Connecticut

Hammonasset Beach State Park is the most popular campground in Connecticut and fills immediately for summer weekends. Book as far ahead as possible.
Connecticut state park reservations open five months in advance. The system is competitive for shoreline and Litchfield Hills parks.
Ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent statewide. Connecticut's Old Lyme is where the disease was first identified. Use protective measures at every campground.
The Appalachian Trail crosses 52 miles of northwest Connecticut. Through-hikers and section-hikers share some campground spaces in May and June.
Connecticut campgrounds are close to towns and services. No campground in the state is truly remote. This makes for convenient supply runs but less wilderness feel.
Pachaug State Forest in the east is Connecticut's largest state forest with the most camping options. Less competitive than western parks for reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Connecticut too small for good camping?

Connecticut is small but its state park system is well-maintained. The Litchfield Hills in the northwest provide genuine rural mountain character. The eastern woodlands around Pachaug State Forest have extensive trail systems. No campground is truly remote, but the proximity to towns means convenient access to restaurants and supplies.

Where is the best beach camping in Connecticut?

Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison is the primary option with two miles of beach on Long Island Sound and a large campground. Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme provides a smaller alternative with a crescent beach. Both fill on summer weekends. Book months ahead.

Is Lyme disease named after a Connecticut town?

Lyme disease was first identified in Old Lyme, Connecticut, in 1975. The state has high tick populations and Lyme disease rates. Deer ticks are active from April through November in wooded and grassy areas. Connecticut campgrounds require standard tick prevention measures at all times of year except deep winter.

Where does the Appalachian Trail cross Connecticut?

The AT enters Connecticut from New York in the southwest and crosses 52 miles of the Litchfield Hills before entering Massachusetts. The trail passes through Kent, Cornwall, Falls Village, and Salisbury. Housatonic Meadows and other state parks along the route provide camping near the trail.

How far ahead should I book Connecticut campgrounds?

Five months ahead for popular parks. Hammonasset Beach and Litchfield Hills parks fill within days of opening for summer dates. Eastern woodland parks like Pachaug have more availability. Fall foliage weekends in October also book quickly for northwest Connecticut parks.