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Nelson's Family Campground
Overview
Nelson’s Family Campground has served as a staple of the Connecticut camping scene since the mid-1960s. Spanning over **175 wooded acres**, this park offers a **classic outdoor experience** that prioritizes family bonding and relaxation. Whether you are traveling in a large motorhome or a smaller travel trailer, the grounds provide a sense of seclusion while maintaining accessibility to modern conveniences. The park’s long-standing reputation is built on providing a safe and welcoming environment for generations of campers.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of East Hampton, the park is nestled within a **tranquil forest setting** that feels worlds away from the hustle of city life. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and dense canopies, providing plenty of shade and a natural cooling effect during the humid summer months. Its proximity to the beautiful **Lake Pocotopaug** adds to the area's appeal, offering a picturesque backdrop for travelers exploring the central Connecticut River Valley and its charming local villages.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is well-equipped to handle the needs of modern RVers with a variety of site types featuring different hookup options. Guests have access to a **large swimming pool** and a dedicated recreation hall that serves as the social hub of the campground. Popular features include:
- Professional **miniature golf** course for family competition.
- Full-service snack bar and well-stocked camp store.
- Spacious recreation hall for community events and gatherings.
For active families, the grounds include facilities for basketball and volleyball, ensuring there is never a dull moment. Essentials like laundry facilities make longer stays more comfortable for those exploring the region.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is easily found just a short drive from the campground gates. History buffs and nature lovers often visit the nearby **Comstock Covered Bridge** or take a scenic drive to the impressive and eccentric **Gillette Castle State Park**. For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping activities, the Brownstone Discovery Adventure Park offers zip-lining and water sports nearby. Additionally, the **Salmon River State Park** offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing and hiking through pristine New England landscapes.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for **family-oriented travelers** who appreciate a traditional camping atmosphere with a strong sense of community. It appeals most to those who enjoy scheduled activities and organized events, making it a favorite for parents traveling with children. RVers looking for a **rustic yet structured environment** will find that Nelson’s provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and social engagement, making it a reliable choice for a summer retreat.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
bostonrottie t
Great first ever RV camping experience. We were required to leave a day early as the campground was closing after Columbus Day, even though the website allowed us to book for 4 nights! The reception was very apologetic and promptly refunded us and even offered to book us at their sister location. Folks were very friendly, helping my newbie hubby park our rig was a huge help! Lots of seasonal campers, alas the weather was pretty bed, Nor’easter! Overall the park met our needs and we’d be happy to book again in future.
Amie Arnold
Nelson’s Family Campground is the best! There’s so much to do, and my daughter has an amazing time with all the activities, from crafts and bounce houses to slip-and-slides, slime-making, and so much more. The camp store is our favorite spot; we love getting soft serve ice cream! The playground is great, the pool is super fun, and the smell of campfires filling the air just adds to the awesome atmosphere. They have horseshoes, pickleball, bingo, and even a little restaurant and the food is yummy! We love spending time at the beach and playing in the sand. Everyone there is so friendly, it truly feels like our home away from home!
Paul Bessette
This was once a great place to camp. Since becoming corporate, it is nothing but a problem. When you book a site, they’ll promise you one or tell you it’s available and then when you show up, it’s a totally different site because you didn’t pay an extra 20 or $25 to lock it in. This very similar thing happened not too long ago where we were told D9 was available and we had to unexpectedly cancel upon canceling. I realize we were on E11 and I got charged 50% of what was the deposit was. I feel this is wrong as it’s not the site that I initially paid for and then unfortunately I had to cancel. Nelsons and Wolf, then become the type of Campground that’s more worried about making money than working with people who camp there for many years. We used to go there for five times a year now and we always bring two or other three campers with us-we’re hard press the go once a year after this experience, I will never return again. And if anybody asked me if I would ever camp At Nelsons, I would surely tell them not to waste money or time in this place.
Jeff Godin
Yeah you would have gotten 5 stars but I stayed for a month and your black tank dumping service needs some improvement. You can’t just pull the handle and drain all the liquids and not back rinse you are asking for problems. My RV has a tank rinse that I totally set up for before my scheduled dump left your guy a note all he had to do is turn one knob to spay and help clear the tank. It was never done. Instead solids built up for 3 weeks 3 dumps later and yes we had a clog. Sean came out on an emergency dump because honestly it wouldn’t happened if it was done effectively the 3 times prior I was charged 40 dollars for something that should’ve never happened. I made sure I was present for this dump and thanks to Sean it went well. Again my stay there was excellent grandchildren had a great time. Family visited and had great time. But honestly, if I were to do it again, I would probably spend 250 bucks on my own tank and dump myself because that’s something that has to be done right.
Alrity
We had a fantastic time at this campground and would highly recommend it, especially for families. The atmosphere is incredibly welcoming and truly family-oriented. One of the highlights is the sheer number of activities available. There was constantly something going on for everyone, from young kids to adults, ensuring no one in our group was ever bored. It's important to know that the vast majority of the sites (about 99%) are seasonal, but we had no trouble booking one of the daily spots. A unique feature we absolutely loved is that despite its large size, the park doesn't allow golf carts. This made a huge difference, creating a wonderfully quiet and laid-back environment. It was so pleasant to see people walking and biking around, which really added to the relaxed, community feel. Overall, this was a great experience and an excellent choice for a fun-filled yet peaceful family getaway.