Campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Pocotopaug, CT

Lake Pocotopaug is a 512-acre natural lake in East Hampton, Connecticut, roughly midway between Hartford and the Long Island Sound. The shoreline is largely private, so most RV travelers base themselves at a nearby commercial campground and use Sears Park, the town-run beach and boat launch, for water access. Note that Sears Park is restricted to East Hampton residents with a town-issued sticker, so visitors should plan on off-lake swimming and boating options. The closest full-service RV park is Nelson's Family Campground, a large property on Mott Hill Road with hookup sites, a pool, and a pond beach. Markham Meadows Campground sits a short drive south with tent and RV sites on a rural meadow property. Grandview Camp Resort in Moodus is a quieter option about 15 minutes southeast, oriented toward relaxation rather than programmed activities. For paddlers, Hurd State Park offers primitive boat-in campsites on the banks of the Connecticut River. Portland Riverside Campground provides another river-adjacent base to the west.

Private campgrounds around Lake Pocotopaug take reservations directly. Nelson's Family Campground books through its own website and phone line, and its themed weekends fill early. Markham Meadows and Grandview Camp Resort also take direct reservations, with Grandview offering both online booking and phone reservations. Portland Riverside Campground handles bookings through its own office. Hurd State Park river campsites are reserved through Reserve America, and reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance of the arrival date. Reservations are required and walk-ins are not accepted. Campers must arrive and depart by canoe or kayak, and vehicle access is not available.