Looking for a great getaway for your family this summer? Parents and children will enjoy camping out under the stars at one of Connecticut’s fun campgrounds. Numerous amenities such as hiking trails, swimming areas, and playgrounds make this an easy, family-friendly trip. Here are a few awesome family-friendly campgrounds in the Nutmeg State.
This might be the ultimate of family-friendly campgrounds. Located in the sleepy town of Salem, Witch Meadow Lake Family Campground features a gorgeous lake for swimming or relaxing in a tube. If the weather’s not great for watersports, test out their great playground that has a nice curly slide, recreation hall to play pool, pinball, ping-pong, or video games, borrow a book from the children’s library, or enjoy basketball, volleyball, softball, kickball, and tons of other outdoor sports. Adults will also be happy to hear that there is an Adult Lounge equipped with free Wi-Fi and a TV. Note that free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the park. For a warm swim, dip into the new heated pool. If all of these activities have your family hungry, stop by the restaurant area for breakfast sandwiches, coffee, hot dogs, and more. This is a pet-friendly park, so feel free to bring Fido along!
Pachaug State Forest is a great place for hiking and has numerous trails as this state forest is 24,000 acres and is the largest state forest in Connecticut. Families will find great options for camping located near Mt. Misery, Frog Hollow Horse Camp, and in the Green Falls area. Parents wanting to camp with young children will enjoy the freshwater fishing areas and beautiful Rhododendron Sanctuary that explodes with blooms in approximately mid-July. Little swimmers will find clean swimming areas as well. Do keep in mind that alcohol is not permitted at the campgrounds.
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a great option for families that love to swim. Hammonasset Beach is the largest shoreline park in Connecticut and features two miles of soft sand—ample enough space to spread out. Hammonasset features 550 campsites with bathrooms, showers, and other amenities. Camping at Hammonasset is a great budget getaway, and costs only $20-$35 per night for Connecticut residents or $30-$45 per night for non-Connecticut residents. Additionally, little naturalists will find events and programs at the Meigs Point Nature Center. This state park also features a long boardwalk and fun playground.
Located along Lake Zoar, Kettletown State Park offers visitors and campers swimming, hiking, picnicking space, and fishing areas. This 605-acre park has numerous hiking trails and 56 partly wooded and open camping spaces. Amenities include drinking water, bathrooms, picnic areas, and recycling.
Chamberlain Lake Campground is a great option for active kids into sports or the outdoors. This campground features a swimming and fishing area, basketball and volleyball court, horseshoe pits, game room, and a playground. So, if kids get bored of one activity, it is easy to move to the next. Row boat and canoe rental facilities are also provided. The general store on site will have you covered if any necessities get left at home.
