Branch Brook Campground

The Bates Motel RV

We stayed at this campground for eight days. Upon arrival, we encountered an issue with our assigned site being too small to accommodate our camper, necessitating an unconventional parking arrangement that left minimal space on the site (see photos). Jodie, a representative from the campground, offered to relocate us; however, by the time we spoke, we had already completed the unhooking process. Nonetheless, an alternative option was provided, which was appreciated. Jodie consistently demonstrated exceptional pleasantness and helpfulness. The Wi-Fi service was notably superior to that experienced at other campgrounds. The rationale behind our three-star rating stems from our experiences during our stay. Having specifically requested an end-cap site for privacy, as we work from our RV, we were dismayed by the constant presence of children and parents traversing our site, often parking bicycles adjacent to our bumper (see photos). Despite polite requests to refrain from doing so, these individuals persisted. Furthermore, the proximity of a path across the stream, which was frequently utilized by dirt bikes, generated considerable noise all week. Our site was also marred by the presence of broken glass. All through the campground there was dog feces. Notably, the office was consistently unattended, with check-in procedures being entirely virtual, and an absence of security or gated access. The campground primarily accommodates seasonal sites, although we did encounter friendly neighbors adjacent to our location. Overall, our experience at this campground was underwhelming. We stayed at site 34 which was a FHU. This park is 8 miles from 84 and would be a good place for an over night stay for long travels.

Hal Fellows

Campground is in idea location. Issue we had were the office was closed most of the time. Second, maintenance or ground keeper carried himself like he owed the campground. First day he told me to move our stuff cause he needed to mow the area which wasn’t really the problem, my issue was getting on me about my dog being on a leash. I was literally grabbing one out of my car to put her on it. He kept telling me campground strict and again said to put my dog on a leash. I explained I was in the process. Seems he gave an ok for his friends to shoot off fireworks to where I had to put my dogs inside, seeing they get very nervous with fireworks. Was surprised this is allowed at this campground. Bathrooms were clean when we arrived but never cleaned for 3 days. Men’s or women’s. Last I had parked near the building while my wife was using the facility and stayed far left as possible for any other campers who might be registering. Again maintenance kid complained to my wife on how I parked. Owners might want to have a talk with the kid before other complaints. Positive note, campground is quiet, shady and easy to maneuver around.

Marie-Claude Thellend

We stayed here one night, mid-week, in early June, so there were many nicer sites vacant. This is what the campground judged adequate to put us on??? Beware… if you choose to reserve here, you may want to specify not to be given a site in the trashy part of the campground… we were surrounded by these “beauties”… There was no logical reason not to give us a better, decent site. Very disappointing, and we will definitely not return here.

Matthew Falls (lobstahtrap)

**Late post** Campground: Branch Brook Campground State Park City, State: Thomaston, Connecticut Check-in: April 11, 2023 Check-out: April 12, 2023 Site Number: 7 Our Set Up: Class C Motorhome (32 feet) plus TOAD We Liked: It was the only campground open in Connecticut, anywhere near Hartford given the time of year. It had opened a week or two earlier. Easy access to I-84. We Didn't Care For: It wasn't a big deal for our overnight but there seem to be quite a few seasonal RVs and they weren't in the best shape. Made sections of the campground look dumpy. Bathroom had seen better days. Overall Assessment: We never saw anyone working at the office but saw several maintenance workers preparing sites for the upcoming season. Pool and common room were closed (seasonal) but looked decent. Camp roads a wee bit narrow which made backing into spot a little precarious. Would definitely consider for an overnight in the future.

Charlie & Danielle Barrett

Pros: Better wi-fi than most campgrounds. My wife and I both were able to work with mostly no issues, though there were some situations where it would go out. Same with streaming, we could stream a show but it would occasionally have to buffer so it wasn’t great but again, better than most campgrounds. Spaces were decent sized. We were in site 16 and it was on the creek which was a decent view and gave us plenty of space to sit outside and for our dog to have space to roam. Cons: As a disclaimer to this I want to emphasize that we had nothing physically dangerous happen to us nor any real threat of that. However, my wife just felt it important to mention that as a woman she would have felt unsafe camping here alone due to the fact that it was mostly men camping here, one of which did make her feel a bit uncomfortable. So she just felt it was good to warn any potential women who might be camping alone that this may not feel like the safest campground for you. Our site had a “deck” outside which was great but it had some very weak boards that you could have easily fallen through. They did have mats over those spots (as pictured) but it still felt very unsafe to walk on. Other reviews have mentioned that it didn’t seem like the office was ever opened and while we never had a reason to go to the office, it was closed early in the day when we arrived and we never saw anyone who appeared to work for this campground so I can imagine it could have been difficult to get any assistance if you needed it. Overall: Not the worst place you could stay at by any means but definitely not the best. Just a very average campground that’s probably best for if you’re just passing through the area.

Aron Lebowsky

These folks are great and so nice! They make sure we are taken care of and the place is well maintained. Unfortunately they don't have laundry during winter season but everything else is great.

Sarah Decoteau

We were only here for one night on our way to visit family, but the staff here were friendly and super accommodating with our last minute reservation and very late arrival. Leashed dogs are welcome, and most of the other campers' dogs were friendly and well behaved. We will definitely be back the next time we are driving through!

John Mc Entee

Very nice campground! Great piece of property with private lake tucked away in the pinelands. Close to parkway which makes travel easy. Owners were welcoming. However, spots are tight, not necessarily side to side between campers but getting in and out. We have a 26 ft TT and it fit fine in the site but pulling out I had to carefully maneuver to ensure I didn't hit the pine trees on either side of the exit. Campground is beautiful, clean and worth the visit but for those newer to towing with bigger rigs make sure you let them know when booking your spot.

Brandi Shame

Just left this camp ground last week, we loved everything about it except the electricity!! This park must have been built before big rigs came into play, because when it got over 80* the electric kept shutting off! There was a sign for everyone to only use one ac unit, which we did, and several people in the camp said their power wouldn't stay on either. It got up to 85* INSIDE the camper because the electric couldn't stay on for more than 5 min at a time!! My husband measured the voltage at our electric box and it was coming in very low, hopefully it didn't damage the compressors in our AC or fridge. We had to keep the dog outside because it was cooler! Definitely DO NOT come during the summer, I hope this is something they can improve!

emely Gonzalez

Love this place. The people are awesome 😊