Best Free Camping in Connecticut

Free Camping in Connecticut

By Nathan Swartz

The Land of Steady Habits, as Connecticut likes to be known, lives up to that title by providing a consistent free camping experience largely depends on the kindness of private businesses. Given the small size of the state and proximity to New York City–and that the state is used as a weekend getaway for those millions of residents–the handful of camping opportunities that do exist are relatively abundant.

See a map of all free camping in Connecticut.

Dispersed Camping in Connecticut

The most natural of the free camping areas in Connecticut is a small patch of beach in Voluntown, Connecticut, near Pachaug State Forest. Expect pit toilets, a boat ramp in little else in the way of amenities, but you're perfectly primed for swimming and fishing. It's also the contender among the spots listed here that's suitable for tent camping and your best bet for solitude instead of convenience.

Free Overnight RV Parking in Connecticut

If you're traveling along the state's southern highways near the coast, you'll find free camping at the Cracker Barrel outside of Bridgeport, and a couple of locations further East. The North Stonington Rest Area allows overnight stays in their parking lot and even has a fire pit.

Along I-84, in Northern Connecticut, another highway stop–Willington Rest Area–also allows overnight stays. It's also only a few minutes from a free dump station in Willington.

Free Casino Camping in Connecticut

Two casinos in that region, Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun Casino allow camping in their parking lots. Foxwoods Resort is a barebones patch of asphalt surrounded by woods, while Mohegan Sun provides views of the Thames River. Both are known as great basecamps for exploring towns like nearby Mystic, CT, and nearby attractions like Rocky Neck State Park. Neither provides hookups.


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Recent Connecticut Free Campsite Reviews

Dec 16, 2023

"Important overnight stop when out of season travel."

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There is a separate parking area for RVs farthest from the highway. Very good rest area.

JPutnam
1 review
Mashantucket, CT

Foxwoods Resort Casino

Oct 06, 2023

"Decrease In Allowed Days"

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I have stayed here many times. Was here in August and returned in October. Please not the length of allowed stay is not longer 10 days but is now 5 days. New paperwork fill out also.

Sassy
12 reviews
Mashantucket, CT

Foxwoods Resort Casino

Aug 26, 2023

"Crowded lot, hard to find"

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Stayed: 8/26/2023 to 8/26/2023 “Still Free but moved and cramped” The previous lot for RV's between Mobil and the casino is marked off and a bunch of construction is going on. I finally found signage that finally takes you clear down to an Employee Parking Lot that they are using maybe 1/4 of for RV's. It is just a small parking lot with...
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camper-866016
1 review
Uncasville, CT

Mohegan Sun Casino

Jun 29, 2023

"Love It Here"

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One of my favorite free spots. Lot is big and slopes a little, but you can find a spot. There is a number to call to register when you get there. Have your license and registration ready. Was told you could stay five days. Used to be seven, but some jerk dumped their gray water and ruined it for others. That’s what I was told. Security is 24/7...
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Brenda
5 reviews
Mashantucket, CT

Foxwoods Resort Casino

Jun 29, 2023

"Nice Parking Lot"

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I’ve stayed many times. Lot is quite level. There is a number to call and sign in. Can stay ten days. Security drives around all the time. Very friendly. Shuttle service, free except a small tip for the driver. Well lighted. Some road noise, but not bad. Some inconsiderate generator owners. All in all, a great spot.

Brenda
5 reviews