There is a beach for swimming or floating at Water's Edge. Social distancing measures are in place this summer. Photo courtesy of the campground

1. Water's Edge Family Campground - Lebanon

This 10-acre camping destination located in Lebanon is wooded with a stocked fishing lake as well as a huge swimming pool for families to take a dip on hot summer days. During open season, the campground's several activities include a fishing derby, Bingo tournaments, Christmas in July, bicycle parade, horseshoe, cornhole, ice cream social, and more! Visit during August for the great Lebanon Country Fair.

Lodging types offered: RV, tent, cabins
Amenities include: swimming pool, free WiFi, dog park, water and electric, bathrooms with showers.

2. Odetah Camping Resort - Bozrah

Located on 500 acres, Odetah offers campers cabins, tent space, and, get this...yurts! The campground has a 32-acre lake, beach, and tennis court as well as boat rentals and fishing. There is on-site cafe and ice cream as well as a pool, splash-pad, and jacuzzi. Themed weekends include: Hawaiian Luau Event, Under the Sea Week, and Christmas in July. Regular events are run by the staff and include things like tug-o-war, hay rides, and group scavenger hunts.

Lodging types offered: tents, RV, cabins, yurts
Amenities: jacuzzi, pool, cafe, tennis court, social hall, ice cream, mini golf, playground

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Kids have a ball in the swimming pool at Mystic KOA. Image courtesy of the campground

3. ​Mystic KOA Campground - North Stonington

This KOA is located on a historic site in Southeast Connecticut. It has a swimming pool, WiFi, and even a mini-golf course on site. A new jumping pillow has been installed as of May 2021. This KOA offers families Community Campfire where employees tell stories, roast s'mores, and entertain kids by the fire. The campgrounds also has a playground, dog park, banana bike rental, pool, and on-site catch-and-release fishing. 

Lodging types offered: RV, tents, cabins
Amenities include: WiFi, pool, playground, basketball, and outdoor cinema.

4. Brialee Campground - Ashford

Located in the Quiet Corner, Brialee considers itself a real family-oriented camping location. It offers a packed weekend schedule starting in early April going all the way until October. Bring your kids to camp and enjoy weekend events like Sleuths and Spies, Pirates and Mermaids, or Around the World. Visit the website to see all the weekend events and activities.

Lodging types offered: RV, tents, log cabins, A-frame cabins
Amenities include: playground, mini golf, pond, boat rental, volleyball court



Cozy Hills lives up to its name. Photo by bethlehemtuz via Instagram

5. Cozy Hills Campground - Bantam

Open from April to October for family camping, Cozy Hills offers families Bingo, crafts, laser tag, kayaks, and canoes. Pitch a tent and enjoy camping on Lumberjack Weekend, Lobster Bake Weekend, or NASCAR weekend. Cozy Hills has a 12-acre pond for fishing and playing, a playground, and an indoor playground. If you're looking to get off campus for a little while, Action Wildlife is just twenty minutes away.

Lodging types offered: RV tents, cabins
Amenities include: pool, WiFi, basketball court, arcade, arts and crafts (free!), and lending library.

6. Wolf's Den Campground - East Haddam

Wolf's Den has several ponds, a mini golf course, horseshoes, and a swimming pool. Every summer, on different weekends, Wolf's Den sets up a huge water slide, bounce house, toilet seat horseshoes, and coconut bowling. The campground is open for camping from April to October. Kids love the fun outdoor games and swimming pool. Themed weekends include Carnival, Minute to Win It, and It's a Mystery. Just a short drive away are Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park and Gillette Castle.

Lodging types offered: Tents, rental RV
Amenities include: pool, WiFi ($), pets welcome, softball field, recreation hall.

7. Nelson's Family Campground - East Hampton

This is a Central Connecticut campground with a lot to do. Located on a whopping 175 acres, Nelson's has been serving families since the 1960s. Bring an RV or rent one. Tent spaces are plentiful as well. Nelson's offers themed weekends such as Nelson's Tri-Athalon, Wild Wild West, and See You at the Drive-in. On site a family can enjoy horseshoes, volleyball, soccer, a recreation hall, and an arcade. There is also a fishing pond and a swimming pool and pond.

Lodging types offered: tents, RV, and rental RV
Amenities include: laundry room, WiFi ($), hiking trail, and access to Lake Pocotopaug

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Pitch a tent and head to the water to canoe, fish, or swim at Nature's Campsites. Photo by rozny via Instagram

8. Nature's Campsites - Voluntown

​Located in Pachaug State Forest, Nature's Campsites is a large campground with many beautiful spots to park a tent or RV. Bring another family along and utilize Nature Campsite's group tent sites. There are plenty of places to hike, fish, canoe, or swim. There is a playground, basketball court, zorb balls, campfires, paint ball, and swimming pool. Nature's Campsites is pet-friendly.

Lodging types available: tents, RV, rental RV, cabins
Amenities offered: WiFi, pool, group games, and dance parties

9. Hemlock Hill Cooperative Campground - Litchfield

Scenic wooded RV and tent sites are provided by Hemlock Hill. The campground features a large pool, whirlpool tub, playground, and tons of themed weekends. A family can enjoy the open air pavilion and the grilling area or take in a game of ball on the basketball courts. Local to the campground are other fun things to do with kids as well such as Lime Rock Park or Action Wildlife.

Lodging types offered: RV, tents
Amenities include: swimming pool, basketball court, playground.

"Luxury cabins" at Charlie Brown Campground feature screened-in porches, air conditioning, and TVs. Photo courtesy of the campground

10. Charlie Brown Campground - Eastford

If you're looking to explore the quiet side of Connecticut, this campground offers opportunities for horseback riding, biking, fishing, hiking, and swimming in the Natchaug River—as well as 85 campsites with water and electricity. Children can enjoy moon bounces, pony rides, horseshoe tournaments, and other entertainment. The revolutionary war town of Eastford features charming antique shops, ice cream parlors, and an orchard.

Lodging types available: RV, tent, and luxury cabins
Amenities offered: WiFi, TVs, video games, swimming hole, and moon bounces

11. Strawberry Park Resort Campground - Preston

No one runs out of things to enjoy here: the campground features five pools (including a kids' diving pool and a kids' swimming pool), indoor arcade, recreation center, super soaker wagon rides, a jumping pillow, athletic fields and courts, a nine-hole Frisbee golf course, and plenty of activities to keep the family entertained all day. Themed weekends include Family Fun Fest, Disney, and Mardi Gras.

Lodging types available: cabins, RV, Rental Trailer, tent
Amenities offered: pools, arcade wagon rides, athletic fields and courts

12. Lake Compounce Campground - Bristol

In addition to RVs or tents, Bear Creek offers deluxe tipis, cub huts, and cabins. Campers can also participate in family-friendly activities and take advantage of transportation to and from Lake Compounce Family Theme Park. Fun themed weekends for 2021 include Aloha Week, Around the World Week, and Nature Week. 

Lodging types available: cabins, RV, tipis, "cub huts," or tents
Amenities offered: play area, basketball court, volleyball court, tram service to Lake Compounce

This post was originally published in June 2017 and is updated annually.