Best Camping in and near Gillette Castle State Park

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Community favorites near Gillette Castle State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Gillette Castle State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Gillette Castle State Park

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Peconic River Campgrounds

20 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Calverton, NY

Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible. We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY. Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site. If you're bringing an RV, we can accommodate vehicles up to 30 ft in length and the sites require levelling. There is a water hookup but no electrical hookup. Toilet & showers are available. Potable water available. Pet-friendly! Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further! It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!

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Glamping with the Wild Horses

12 sites · Lodging, Tents150 acres · Sterling, CT

Enjoy all that our beautiful 150 acres mustang sanctuary has to offer - you can even bring your own horse! 100% of net proceeds go to our 501c3 nonprofit’s mission to promote, train and adopt out America’s wild mustangs. Our property has over five miles of trails, seasonal blueberry and huckleberry picking, and one-of-a-kind experiences like hiking along side our free roaming herd of formerly wild mustangs, exploring the property on our off road safari tours, yoga in our dome and more! Check out our website and sign up for our email list for updates: wildridect.org/email

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Hartwoods

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Guilford, CT

Welcome to Hartwoods, where tranquility meets wilderness in the heart of North Guilford, Connecticut. Nestled amidst a serene wooded landscape, our property offers a unique and private getaway for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For RV enthusiasts, we provide a convenient hookup for electricity and water, allowing you to enjoy modern comforts while surrounded by nature's beauty. While sewage facilities are not available on-site, our serene setting more than makes up for it. In addition to RV accommodations, we offer the option to rent a yurt and bathhouse separately, providing a cozy and secluded retreat for those seeking a more traditional camping experience. Nature lovers will delight in the abundance of outdoor activities available right on our doorstep. Explore miles of scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking in the nearby Genesee Trails, or take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil brook that meanders through our property. Despite our secluded location, we're conveniently close to downtown shoreline areas, allowing you to easily explore the charming shops, restaurants, and attractions of the region. There are signs at both entrances to the site; one is a Hipcamp sign at ground level on the left side of the road (going north) and one is "Hartwoods" with reflectors on a tree (also on left side of the road going north). There is also a sign at the actual site. Whether you're seeking adventure in the great outdoors or simply looking to unwind in a peaceful wooded environment, Hartwoods offers the perfect escape. Come and experience the beauty and serenity of our wilderness retreat in North Guilford, CT. We look forward to welcoming you. There is a cement block fire pit with grill available for outdoor cooking and enjoyment. Please be responsible and use proper fire extinguishing techniques, utilizing the provided water hose. Firewood is BYO. Any smoking paraphernalia must be disposed of in a responsible manner, as should be all trash. There are no bathroom facilities available. Please be aware that you will have to be self-contained, either in your RV or with a camp toilet. Thank you!

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Greener Pastures Camp

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Rockfall, CT

Spend some time away at our small but growing homestead located on 2 acres of pastures, within minutes of Wadsworth Falls, downtown Middletown full of cute shops and restaurants, and local walking/hiking trails. Come experience country life while being close to new places to explore, as well as being centrally located in CT, aka easy to get to wherever you need to go! Dogs are welcome.

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Humble Farm with Simplicity

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Higganum, CT

OUR ADDRESS IS #200 NOT #204 THE DRIVEWAY TO THE LEFT FROM THE STREET IS OURS., THE ONE PARALLEL TO THE RIGHT FROM THE STREET IS OUR NEIGHBOURS. Bring your family & friends to camp at our quiet and very modest small farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with 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 and 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 offer an hot H2O outdoor shower here for the comfort of out clients here. It is located on the back of main house in corner. See map in photos. We cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be pre-purchased for $12 per bundle on this site, or $10.00 cash here at farm. Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $4.00 per 1/2 dozen. There are blankets and pillows are provided, but not linens for cabin or trailer sites. Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.

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Leyden’s Regeneration Sanctuary

8 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · West Greenwich, RI

A third generation tree farmer is trying to regenerate this property to keep it as a land sanctuary. This is a project of my brother and I, to create a healing center / space for people to come connect with the land. We have just built a deck to put a yurt on site for healing sessions. I am a cranio sacral therapist and did my yoga teacher training in India, taught in India, Australia, Hawaii, now RI! If you are interested in sessions please reach out to me. I host women's gatherings here on the land as well as seasonal celebrations (solstice and equinox). Creating common unity. tribe.visionaryfund.com/leydensregeneration All money through hipcamp and visionary fund goes directly towards the land... Regeneration, planting, maintaining, taxes and future projects awaiting to be funded! Thank you. Step 1: get people back on it. Come live off grid for a bit in West Greenwich. Must have your own water, head lamps; respect for the land. 1.5 hour drive from Boston 3 hour drive from NYC 40 minutes to Providence, Newport, Mystic CT. and all RI beaches. ENJOY :)

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Holiday Hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Mansfield, CT

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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Mickelberry Forest Gardens

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Newtown , CT

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!!!

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Black Rabbit Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Southwick, MA

Black Rabbit Farm is not only a beautiful oasis, but a fully operational 10 acre farm. Situated at the foot of the Berkshires, the farm is home to a small orchard, vineyard, and garden space. We take pride in creating a sustainable environment for all our production, based on what the land has to offer. Small greenhouse spaces create year-round production. Rocky hillside will develop a significant "terroir" for our grapes. Even adopted cats prowl the fields to reduce small animal populations. The views are to die for and the easy access to Rte 91 and the Mass Pike will make your trip an easy one for all involved. Visit our gallery farmstore, open Friday-Sunday, and find local punk crafts, clothing, cut flowers, heirloom vegetables, CBD products, and more!

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Flex Cribs Backyard Glamping

2 sites · Lodging1 acre · New Haven, CT

Backyard RV site. 3 RVs- 3 sizes- 24 ft wildwood with full bathroom 5 beds and kitchen. 19 feet Que with shower and kitchen 15 get Frolic-Canham Candy Store. 2 sleeping options. RVs center a jacuzzi, fireplace, axe throwing and bow and arrow fun. An Outdoor Movie TV Screen option is available along with open bar nights. Minutes from Yale University.

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Water Forest Retreat

3 sites · Lodging56 acres · Bozrah, CT

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 56 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 is heated. A great place to rejuvenate in the forest! Dogs welcome.

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Milk Thistle Farm

4 sites · Tents5 acres · Greene, RI

With the original home built in 1785, Milk Thistle farm is on the historic register and is comprised of the main house and 5 acres of land. It is run as a small non-profit animal sanctuary and is home to rescued chickens, goats, and pigs, as well as two humans and their dog and cat companions. The main property is fenced in, with a large back field great for tent camping, and an orchard to explore that can also double as hammock camping. There is parking for cars and bikes. We try to minimize our impact on the environment as much as possible, and encourage our guests to compost, recycle, and dispose of waste accordingly. Please note we have dogs, including a Livestock Guardian Dog that does bark to alert us of new people and warn off would be predators. We will happily introduce him to any guests to minimize disruptions. Check us out on instagram @milk_thistle_farm

The best camping near Gillette Castle State Park guide

Overview

About

Straddling the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Gillette Castle State Park receives a whopping 300,000 visitors each year. But then again, that’s just kinda what happens when you have a flippin’ medieval castle here. The landmark castle was once a private residence commissioned and designed by actor, director and playwright William Gillette, known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.

Besides touring the castle and its museum, the park entertains many traditional recreational opportunities, but also some far less common ones too. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can river camp, and in honor of its history, still hosts many theatrical celebrations. It’s elementary dear reader, why you won’t want to skip over this one.