New Haven District Campground

For Connecticut residents seeking a distinctive blend of history, community, and seasonal living, the New Haven District Campground in Plainville, CT, offers a truly unique experience. While not a traditional campground where you pitch a tent for a weekend, this historic site has evolved into a vibrant secular community of charming summer cottages. It represents a fascinating piece of Connecticut's past, originating as a Methodist camp meeting site in 1865, and now provides a tranquil and close-knit environment for those looking for a seasonal retreat close to home.

Often referred to as the Plainville Campground, this 17-acre property is a testament to 19th-century social and religious trends, which saw camp meetings transform into popular leisure destinations. The campground was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, preserving its unique architectural style and circular layout that once accommodated revivalist gatherings. Today, it stands as a community of 89 privately owned wood-frame cottages, many adorned with the fanciful gingerbread decoration typical of camp meeting architecture, creating a picturesque and almost whimsical setting.

This distinct community is ideal for those who appreciate a slower pace of life, historical charm, and the camaraderie of a seasonal neighborhood. It's a place where you can enjoy warm summer months, surrounded by mature trees and a sense of timelessness. While the religious affiliation ended in 1957, the spirit of community and peaceful gathering continues, making it a compelling option for Connecticut locals seeking a different kind of summer residence or getaway.

The unique nature of the New Haven District Campground means it's not a typical "camping" spot for transient visitors with tents or RVs. Instead, it offers a deeply rooted, seasonal lifestyle for cottage owners. This makes it particularly appealing to those looking for a long-term summer home or a place to escape to for extended periods during the warmer months, fostering strong community bonds among residents who share a love for this historic and charming enclave.

The New Haven District Campground is located at 19 Circle Ave, Plainville, CT 06062, USA. This address places it in northwestern Plainville, nestled in a quiet area northeast of the junction of Camp Street and Northwest Drive. Its location in central Connecticut makes it highly accessible for residents across the state, from the greater Hartford area to New Haven and beyond.

Reaching the campground is generally straightforward by car, with major state routes providing easy access to Plainville. Despite being a historic and somewhat secluded community, it remains conveniently close to the amenities of Plainville town center, which are typically just a short drive away. This balance allows residents to enjoy the peaceful, rustic ambiance of the campground while still having quick access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services.

The layout of the campground itself is distinctive, with a network of roads radiating to the north from Circle Avenue, at whose center is the main pavilion. This unique circular pattern, a remnant of its camp meeting origins, contributes to the close-knit feel of the community. While the immediate surrounding area has seen some development, including a 1960s elementary school nearby, the campground itself, set amidst 17 acres of woods and inward-facing cottages, "retains a restful, rustic ambiance," according to historical descriptions. This means that despite its accessibility, a sense of quiet seclusion is largely preserved within its historic boundaries. For Connecticut locals, this provides an ideal balance: a historical retreat that feels a world away, yet is comfortably within reach for regular visits.

Services Offered (primarily for cottage owners/residents):

• Seasonal Residential Community: Operates as a community of summer homes, with owners permitted to reside from May 1st to October 31st each year.
• Community Governance: Managed by the Plainville Camp Grounds Association, Inc., a self-governing, Connecticut Not-For-Profit Corporation.
• Utilities: Cottages and other buildings are supplied with water from Bristol, CT, and the sewer system is provided by Plainville, CT.
• Community Activities: Regular activities are organized, including interdenominational services in the Parker Memorial Chapel (Sundays at 3 pm in July and August), Ladies Guild activities, Wii bowling, whist card games, yoga, Wednesday night potluck dinners, Friday golf outings, Friday night pizza, and bus trips to casinos.
• Community Celebrations: Hosts community celebrations on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day.
• Proximity to Amenities: Conveniently located near grocery stores, building supply stores, golf and tennis clubs, movie theaters, major department and specialty stores, and various restaurants.

Features / Highlights:

• Historic Significance: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its unique 19th-century camp meeting layout and architecture.
• Architecturally Distinctive Cottages: Comprises 89 individually owned, small wood-frame cottages (ranging from 300 sq. ft. to over 3,000 sq. ft., most around 1,000 sq. ft.) often featuring fanciful lathe-turned and jig-sawn woodwork.
• Circular Layout: The unique circular grouping of cottages around a central preaching area (now the main pavilion) is a defining architectural and historical feature.
• Restful, Rustic Ambiance: Despite surrounding development, the wooded 17-acre property and inward-facing cottages maintain a quiet and natural atmosphere.
• Strong Sense of Community: A close-knit seasonal residential community where neighbors engage in shared activities and celebrations.
• Central Pavilion/Auditorium: A historical focal point where community gatherings and services are held.
• Well-Preserved Sense of Time and Place: The area largely retains its original character, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
• Proximity to Cultural and Recreational Hubs: Easy driving distance to Hartford, the Berkshires, and the Connecticut shore, with Boston and New York City about 2 hours away for day trips.
• Ideal for Seasonal Living: Offers a perfect solution for those seeking a summer retreat without permanent residency requirements.

Contact Information:

Address: 19 Circle Ave, Plainville, CT 06062, USA

As this is a unique community of privately owned cottages governed by an association, direct public phone numbers for "camping" inquiries are not typically provided. For general inquiries about the community or historical aspects, interested parties may need to seek information through the Plainville Camp Grounds Association, Inc. website or local historical societies in Plainville, CT. There is no public phone number provided for transient camping reservations, as it is a residential community.

The New Haven District Campground is exceptionally suitable for Connecticut locals who are looking for more than just a temporary camping spot; it's for those seeking a unique seasonal home and a vibrant community. Its historical significance and distinctive architecture offer a charming alternative to modern summer rentals, providing a sense of stepping back in time while enjoying modern comforts. For Connecticut residents, the accessible location in Plainville means that this tranquil retreat is always within easy reach, allowing for frequent and convenient escapes from daily life.

This community particularly appeals to individuals or families who appreciate a close-knit environment, where shared activities and celebrations foster strong neighborly bonds. It's a place where traditions are cherished, and a peaceful summer lifestyle is paramount. Unlike transient campgrounds, the New Haven District Campground offers the stability and familiarity of returning to your own summer cottage year after year, deepening your connection to the community and the picturesque surroundings.

Furthermore, for those interested in local history and architectural preservation, living within this National Register of Historic Places site provides a unique cultural experience. It offers a tangible link to Connecticut's past, allowing residents to be part of a living historical narrative. The balance of rustic charm with necessary utilities (water, sewer) and proximity to Plainville's amenities ensures a comfortable and convenient seasonal living arrangement. For any Connecticut local dreaming of a summer home that offers both tranquility and a rich sense of community and history, the New Haven District Campground is an unparalleled choice.