For us here in Connecticut, finding the right balance of outdoor adventure and creature comforts can make all the difference when planning a getaway. Branch Brook Campground in Thomaston, CT, presents itself as a versatile option, accommodating various camping styles from full-service RV sites to more rustic tent camping, and even offering cabins for those seeking a touch more convenience. Located in a scenic area, this campground aims to provide a pleasant escape for individuals, couples, and families looking to enjoy the Connecticut outdoors.
Branch Brook Campground is designed to be a place where both short-term visitors and seasonal campers can find their ideal spot. It offers a range of site types to suit different preferences, whether you're passing through for a night or settling in for a longer stay. While it boasts amenities often sought after by modern campers, such as good Wi-Fi, it also maintains a connection to the natural environment. The campground understands the needs of today's campers, including those who may work remotely from their RVs, recognizing the importance of reliable connectivity. It strives to be a friendly and accommodating environment, with staff who are available to assist with various needs, aiming to make your stay as smooth as possible.
Branch Brook Campground benefits from a generally accessible location in Thomaston, CT, which is a key advantage for us local Connecticut residents. The campground's address, 435 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, CT 06787, USA, places it within reasonable driving distance from many major population centers across the state. This means less time on the road and more time enjoying your camping experience, whether you're coming from Fairfield County, Hartford, or further east.
Thomaston itself is a charming town in Litchfield County, offering a blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to local amenities. The campground is situated approximately 8 miles from I-84, a major interstate highway, making it an ideal stop for those on longer travels or an easy weekend trip for those staying local. While some visitors have noted that the visual appeal of the park might be influenced by a prevalence of seasonal sites, there are indeed lovely areas, particularly by the stream, that highlight its natural setting. The proximity to towns means access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other services, providing a practical balance between an outdoor escape and everyday conveniences.
Branch Brook Campground offers a variety of services designed to enhance the camping experience for its diverse clientele, ranging from overnight visitors to long-term seasonal residents. The focus is on providing essential comforts alongside opportunities for recreation. Here’s a summary of the services and amenities generally available:
Branch Brook Campground provides several features and highlights that contribute to its appeal for campers in Connecticut. While some experiences may vary, these elements generally form the core of what the campground offers:
For those looking to contact Branch Brook Campground for reservations or more information, here is the essential contact information:
Address: 435 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, CT 06787, USA
Phone: (860) 283-8144
Mobile Phone: +1 860-283-8144
It is strongly recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak season and on weekends, as sites can book up quickly. While some guests have mentioned that the office may not always be attended in person, it is important to utilize the provided phone numbers for inquiries, reservations, and any immediate needs. For the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, specific site details, and campground policies (including pet rules, quiet hours, and visitor policies), it is always best to directly contact the campground or consult their official website if available. Online reservation systems are often the most convenient way to secure your spot.
Branch Brook Campground offers a compelling option for us Connecticut locals, particularly due to its convenient location and diverse offerings. Its position in Thomaston makes it an accessible escape from various parts of the state, allowing for quick weekend trips or more extended stays without requiring excessive travel. This ease of access is a significant benefit for anyone looking to maximize their time outdoors.
While some aspects, like the maintenance of communal facilities and certain noise levels, have received mixed reviews, the campground's core strengths remain. It provides essential amenities such as strong Wi-Fi, a clean pool, and various site types, catering to a broad spectrum of campers from those with large RVs to tent campers and cabin renters. The fact that it's largely quiet and shady for many sites, coupled with its general ease of maneuverability, adds to its appeal for a relaxing getaway. For locals seeking a convenient, pet-friendly campground with good connectivity and a range of sites to choose from, Branch Brook Campground presents itself as a viable option for creating outdoor memories right here in Connecticut.
Onsite services
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV sewer hookup
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Good for kids
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
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.
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.
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.
**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.
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.