Nickerson Park Family Campground

- 1036 Phoenixville Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235

Introduction / Overview

Nestled deep within the serene Natchaug River Valley, Nickerson Park Family Campground stands out as a premier destination for local Connecticut residents seeking a genuine and memorable outdoor experience. Far from the 'hustle and bustle' of everyday life, this campground positions its guests at the gateway to over 12,000 acres of pristine State Forest, offering a perfect blend of peaceful natural retreat and engaging family activities. Established in 1967, the Nickerson family has maintained a tradition of providing a clean, friendly, and family-oriented environment that generations of campers have come to love.

Guests consistently praise the super helpful and friendly staff, who are dedicated to ensuring every visit is comfortable and enjoyable—from offering a warm greeting and site explanations to having genuine conversations in the clubhouse. The campground is known for its immaculately clean and spacious sites, accommodating everything from secluded tents to larger RVs. But the true draw is the direct access to the clear, cool Natchaug River, providing unparalleled opportunities for fishing, swimming, and the quintessential summer activity: relaxing family tube floats. Nickerson Park truly embodies what a family campground should be, fostering connections and creating lasting memories for all ages.

Location and Accessibility

Nickerson Park Family Campground is ideally situated at 1036 Phoenixville Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA. This location places it squarely in the heart of Connecticut's 'Quiet Corner,' an area famous for its natural beauty and preserved woodland character. The campground’s setting is a major advantage for local users, as it is conveniently located off main state routes yet feels wonderfully secluded.

Crucially, the campground is flanked by the Natchaug River and is adjacent to the vast Natchaug State Forest, creating an expansive natural buffer that guarantees a peaceful environment. The easy-to-reach Chaplin address makes it a perfect weekend getaway for families in the Hartford, New Haven, and Norwich areas of Connecticut, minimizing travel time and maximizing relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, the immediate connection to the State Forest—which features over 12,000 acres of hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities—is an invaluable highlight. The location is an ideal launchpad for exploring the Blue-Blazed Natchaug Trail and other local natural treasures, making it a central point for Northeast Connecticut adventures.

Services Offered

• Variety of Site Types: Offers a wide range of sites, including full hook-up pads (Water, Sewer, Cable TV, up to 50 Amp Electric), spacious river-side sites (Water, Cable TV, up to 50 Amp Electric, but no sewer), wooded tent sites (Water, 20 Amp Electric), and easy-access pull-through sites for large RVs.
• Dump Stations: For sites without sewer hookups, convenient dumping stations are available for guest use.
• The Lodge/Rec-Hall: A central social hub that houses the main office, a well-stocked camp store, an arcade, billiards, and ping-pong tables.
• On-Site Supplies: Campers can purchase essential items right at the clubhouse/office, including ice cream, propane, ice, and firewood (crucially, they enforce a zero-tolerance policy against bringing in outside firewood to protect the Natchaug Forest, in compliance with CT-DEEP regulations).
• Laundry Facilities: A coin-operated laundromat is located within The Lodge/Rec-Hall for guest convenience.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean restroom facilities are distributed throughout the campground, including a dedicated shower-house with coin-operated showers, open 24/7 during the camping season.
• Group Area: A designated large area available for family reunions, church groups, or youth programs, complete with a pavilion and a large fire ring.

Features / Highlights

• Natchaug River Access: The campground runs along the west bank of the Natchaug River, a Trophy Management Area well-stocked with trout, offering world-class fishing, swimming, and multiple entry/exit points for river tubing.
• Adjacency to Natchaug State Forest: Direct access to over 12,000 acres of State Forest, providing an incredible network of hiking trails (including loops connected to the Blue Trail and CCC Trail), mountain biking routes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The campground has a robust activity schedule, especially on holiday weekends, featuring events like Kid's Bingo, Scavenger Hunts, and their famous Frog-Jumping Contests.
• Spacious and Well-Maintained Grounds: Sites are consistently described as clean, spacious, and well-maintained, promoting a comfortable and relaxing stay for both short-term and seasonal visitors.
• Extensive Play Areas: Includes a very cute, large playground adjacent to The Lodge, along with a volleyball court, basketball court, tether-ball, and horseshoe pits, ensuring plenty of outdoor fun for children and adults.
• Community and Generosity: The campground hosts a non-denominational Sunday Service during the season and notably donates over 10% of all camping fees to various non-profits, charities, and missionaries, allowing guests to support global efforts simply by vacationing.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: The campground is explicitly welcoming to dogs, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.

Contact Information

Address: 1036 Phoenixville Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA

Phone: (860) 455-0007

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Connecticut residents, Nickerson Park Family Campground is more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent—it is a traditional, nature-rich sanctuary that redefines the family camping vacation. Its location in Chaplin, nestled against the Natchaug River and State Forest, makes it a perfectly accessible escape for those seeking to unplug without a long-distance drive. You can spend the morning hiking into 13,000 acres of state forest and the afternoon tubing down a clean, clear river, all within your weekend home base.

What truly sets Nickerson Park apart for local users is the dedication to a genuine, wholesome family experience. The combination of spacious, clean sites and a welcoming, attentive staff (like Diane, Ray, and Heather mentioned in the reviews) creates a supportive community environment. This is a place where your children can grow up enjoying organized activities and safe play areas, and where adults can relax by a campfire under star-shows that rival the quietest corners of the country. If you are looking for a highly-recommended, well-run, and authentically friendly campground that captures the best of Connecticut's natural landscape and small-town charm, Nickerson Park Family Campground is the ideal destination to start—or continue—your family's outdoor adventures.

Nickerson Park Family Campground

1036 Phoenixville Rd, Chaplin, CT 06235, USA