New England Adventures: A Guide To The Best Backpacking Campsites In Connecticut

Backpacking continues to be a popular American pastime as more people want to engage in low-cost activities to improve their mood and well-being. According to a recent study compiled by the Outdoor Foundation, about 10.3 million people went backpacking in the USA in 2021, which is a stable number from the 10.1 million backpackers back in 2014. There are over 250,000 miles of backpacking trails across the nation, and some of them can be found in the New England region, specifically in Connecticut. 

Blessed with parks, edge forests, and majestic mountains, Connecticut is a haven for all outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Most of the locals have their favorite spots for backpacking, and these areas are quite popular during peak camping season, which is from May to October. If you’re planning to go on a New England adventure sometime this year, here’s a guide on backpacking regulations, as well as the best backpacking campsites in Connecticut.

Know the Local Regulations

Before going on your trip, it’s important to know the local backpacking and camping regulations to have a hassle-free experience while you’re in Connecticut. First, check out the Connecticut Visitor Guide to have a general idea of which towns you’d like to visit, then see if these areas are anywhere near the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. These trails have over 800 miles of public footpaths that are maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association to keep them safe for hiking. Keep in mind that backpack camping is only allowed on the trail’s campsites, so avoid setting up anywhere else for the sake of your own safety. 

Some of these sites are on private lands, so be sure to respect the rights and property of the landowners if you’re camping on a privately owned area. Be mindful of the local wildlife since a lot of animals, such as songbirds, deer, squirrels, bears, and red-backed salamanders, have made homes in the forests where most of these campsites are situated. You’ll also want to be careful when going on trails in forests where hunting is permitted. Hunting is allowed in some of Connecticut’s state forests and state parks, so steer clear of areas where people hunt for small game like squirrels, rabbits, and ducks. 

Be aware that the majority of these campsites have limited facilities, so bring a tent, some drinking water, a GPS, and other essentials. For forest camping, check out these state parks for your backpacking trip.

Pachaug State Forest- Voluntown

Pachaug is the largest state forest in Connecticut, and it covers nearly 27,000 acres in six towns. Hunting and camping are allowed here, and there are four areas with Adirondack-style lean-tos or log shelters where you can stay for the night in case you don’t have a tent. The lean-to near Dawley Pond is an excellent place to set up if you want to be near a water source, while the Peg Mill shelter is the farthest from the reservoir. Get a map from the state forest management office to identify the exact locations of these lean-tos. 

Nipmuck State Forest- Stafford Springs

If you want to go backpack camping in a site that offers more recreation opportunities, consider setting up a tent in Nipmuck State Forest Park. Here, backpackers can enjoy boating and fishing, and even cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the winter months. Nipmuck also has a dedicated campsite and two separate areas with lean-tos, giving you more options for your stay. Facilities include pit toilets and picnic tables, making it the perfect place for novice backpackers. 

Tunxis State Forest- Hartland

The Tunxis State Forest is a vast area that’s spread over the towns of Hartland, Granby, and Barkhamsted. Several trails can be found all over the forest for you to explore, but hiking is not the only activity that backpackers can enjoy here. Winter sports fans can also engage in some cross-country skiing as a recreational activity or as a way to traverse the snowy terrain. Simply head to the Balance Rock Road, cross the Blue Blazed Tunxis Trail, and you’ll see the ski cabin on the right. You can also do some snowshoeing, hunting, fishing, or mountain biking if you’re planning on having an adventure-filled day at Tunxis Forest. 

To establish your base camp, head to the Nepaug Campsite, which has access to some of the best trails in the forest. This area is secluded and quiet, so you’re sure to get a peaceful night’s sleep here. If you’re feeling social or if you don’t feel like roughing it for the night, camp at the Roaring Brook Campground. This backpacking campsite has 400 sites for tents, as well as showers, toilets, a store, and access to water, propane, and electricity. 

Connecticut is a paradise for adventure seekers. Plan on going on a backpacking trip here sometime this year to get close to nature and have peaceful and relaxing nights under the stars.