Nelson's Family Campground

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For Connecticut residents, the pursuit of the perfect family getaway often involves finding a place that balances outdoor adventure with comfort, community, and convenience. In the heart of central Connecticut, Nelson's Family Campground in East Hampton stands out as an exceptional choice, offering an experience that beautifully "straddles the line" between a lively family resort and a peaceful natural retreat. For generations, Nelson's has been a cherished destination, providing a welcoming environment where families can create lasting memories, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a vibrant camping lifestyle close to home.

Owned and operated by the Gustine family since 1964, Nelson's Family Campground spans 175 scenic acres, catering to a diverse range of campers from seasonal residents to weekend adventurers. It's renowned for its clean, safe, and family-friendly atmosphere, striking a harmonious balance that ensures enjoyment for both kids and adults. Seasonal campers consistently praise the affordable rates and the tight-knit community feel, where neighbors and staff are always ready to lend a helping hand. With a wide array of amenities, exciting themed weekends, and a staff celebrated for their exceptional friendliness and responsiveness, Nelson's Family Campground truly embodies a perfect type of camping experience for Connecticut locals looking for fun, relaxation, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Nelson's Family Campground is ideally situated at 71 Mott Hill Rd, East Hampton, CT 06424, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of central Connecticut, offering excellent accessibility for residents from across the state and beyond. East Hampton is a charming town known for its natural beauty and community spirit, providing a welcoming backdrop for the campground.

The campground's positioning ensures that it feels like a genuine escape into nature, yet remains conveniently connected to major routes and local attractions. While nestled on 175 scenic acres, it's easily reachable, making the journey stress-free for families traveling with RVs or setting up camp.

Beyond the immediate tranquility of the campground, its central Connecticut location provides unparalleled access to a wealth of regional points of interest. Within a short drive, campers can explore:

• Historic & Cultural Sites: The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, the medieval-inspired Gillette Castle State Park, and the historic Goodspeed Opera House offering Broadway-quality musicals.

• Outdoor Adventures: Thrilling water activities at Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park, water sports on Lake Pocotopaug, and miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, including those near the Connecticut River.

• Museums & Family Fun: Kidcity Children's Museum, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and the Connecticut Science Center for engaging educational experiences.

• Local Delights: Numerous local eateries, breweries like Willimantic Brewing Company, and wineries like Arrigoni Winery for a taste of Connecticut's culinary scene.

This blend of a peaceful campground setting with easy access to diverse attractions makes Nelson's Family Campground a highly desirable and convenient destination for Connecticut locals looking to maximize their vacation experience without extensive travel.

• Diverse Campsite Options: Nelson's Family Campground offers hundreds of RV sites, including big-rig friendly, shaded, and open options with gravel or grassy pads. Sites come with electric service (30 & 50 amp), water hookups, and either sewer or gray water hookups. Cable TV is also included at sites. They cater to tent and pop-up campers as well.

• Seasonal Camping: A highly popular offering, seasonal rates are available for those who wish to make Nelson's their home away from home for the entire camping season. This fosters a strong sense of community.

• Outdoor Swimming Pool: A large outdoor swimming pool provides a refreshing escape, popular with both children and adults. The pool is heated and is a central hub for relaxation and fun.

• Fishing Pond: For anglers, a dedicated fishing pond offers a peaceful spot to cast a line and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: The campground maintains exceptionally clean restroom and hot shower facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience for all campers.

• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry facilities are available, providing a practical amenity for longer stays.

• Free WiFi and Cable TV: To help guests stay connected, free WiFi and cable TV are provided, offering modern conveniences amidst the natural setting.

• On-Site Convenience Store and Snack Bar: A well-stocked general store and snack bar offer essentials, treats, propane, and firewood, ensuring campers have everything they need without leaving the park.

• Recreational Hall and Arcade: A recreational hall serves as a gathering space, while an arcade with games like ticket redemption games and pool tables provides indoor entertainment, especially for kids.

• Sports Courts and Fields: The campground boasts a variety of sports facilities, including volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, softball, and soccer fields, catering to active guests.

• Playground and Gaga Ball: Dedicated play areas, including a playground and a gaga ball pit, ensure plenty of fun and activity for younger campers.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed at Nelson's Family Campground, provided they are kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and do not extend off the site. There are specific rules regarding pet behavior and locations, but overall, it's a welcoming place for furry family members (visitor pets are not allowed).

• Dump Station: A free dump station is available on-premises for RV waste disposal.

• Community Picnic Tables and Pavilion: Shared areas are available for group gatherings and picnics.

• On-Site Management: The presence of on-site management and a friendly staff ensures prompt assistance and a well-run operation.

• Paved & Smooth Gravel Roads: The internal roads are well-maintained, facilitating easy navigation within the campground.

• Perfect Balance of Atmosphere: Nelson's uniquely "straddles the line" between a lively family-friendly campground and a peaceful, non-party spot. This makes it ideal for families seeking engaging activities without the overwhelm of a party scene, providing a comfortable environment for all ages.

• Strong Sense of Community: Seasonal campers consistently praise the "tight-knit community type of thing" at Nelson's. This fosters a welcoming atmosphere where neighbors are friendly and often willing to lend a helping hand, creating a true sense of belonging.

• Exceptionally Friendly and Helpful Staff: The campground receives high accolades for its staff, particularly individuals like Erin, Danielle, and Shawn, who are noted for being super friendly, accommodating, and always available to assist with any issues, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience.

• Abundant Amenities for All Ages: With a large outdoor swimming pool, fishing pond, recreation hall, arcade, various sports courts (volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard), a playground, and gaga ball, there are plenty of options to keep both kids and adults entertained throughout their stay.

• Affordable Seasonal Rates: For Connecticut families looking for a consistent getaway without the cost of a vacation home, Nelson's offers attractive and affordable seasonal rates, making it a viable long-term solution for regular relaxation and fun.

• Themed Weekends and Planned Activities: The campground regularly hosts exciting themed weekends, featuring food trucks, bands, DJs, crafts, games, and contests. This robust event calendar ensures there's always something new and engaging happening, adding immense value to the camping experience.

• Clean and Safe Environment: Reviewers consistently highlight the cleanliness of the facilities and the overall safety of the campground, providing peace of mind for families and ensuring a comfortable stay.

• Convenient Location to Local Attractions: Situated in East Hampton, Nelson's offers easy access to a variety of Connecticut's cultural landmarks, outdoor adventure parks, museums, and natural beauty spots, allowing campers to combine on-site fun with regional exploration.

• Modern Conveniences: The inclusion of free WiFi and cable TV at sites means guests can stay connected and entertained, blending the joys of outdoor life with contemporary comforts.

Nelson's Family Campground, with its long-standing family ownership and commitment to guest satisfaction, often provides value-added opportunities for its campers, particularly for seasonal stays and off-peak periods. While specific, real-time promotional details can vary, here are the types of promotions and offers typically available:

• Seasonal Camping Rates: Nelson's offers competitive seasonal rates for RV sites, encouraging long-term stays. For example, reported rates from previous years indicate seasonal rates around $3495.00 for a 30 amp site, $3525.00 for a 50 amp site, and $3725.00 for a 50 amp pond site. These packages often come with perks like discounted winter storage if paid early.

• Early Payment Incentives for Seasonals: Seasonal campers who pay their balance in full by a specific date (e.g., April 15th) may receive perks such as free pump-outs or visitor passes, adding extra value to their long-term commitment.

• Spring & Fall Specials: The campground has historically offered attractive deals during the shoulder seasons. For example, "Spring Deal" and "Fall Deal" promotions allowed campers to pay only for weekends while enjoying free storage of their unit during the week (unit unplugged), or a nominal fee to keep it plugged in. These deals often allow for consecutive weekend camping.

• Passport America Discount: Nelson's Family Campground is known to accept Passport America Discount Club, which can offer significant savings on nightly rates for members.

• VIP Camper Club: A "VIP Camper Club" has been mentioned, where camping for three standard-price weekends could earn members 1/2 off a subsequent weekend of camping (with some restrictions).

• Themed Weekend Events: While not a direct discount, the extensive calendar of themed weekends with bands, food trucks, DJs, and organized activities adds immense value to a stay, essentially offering an "all-inclusive" entertainment package at no extra charge beyond the site fee.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current rates, seasonal packages, and any special offers, Connecticut residents are highly encouraged to contact Nelson's Family Campground directly or visit their official website. Promotions are subject to change and specific terms and conditions.

For reservations, inquiries about seasonal sites, or any questions regarding amenities and activities at Nelson's Family Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 71 Mott Hill Rd, East Hampton, CT 06424, USA

• Phone: (860) 267-5300

• Mobile Phone: +1 860-267-5300

• Website: nelsonscampground.com

The campground typically operates seasonally, from approximately April to October. It is highly recommended to call during their business hours or visit their official website for the most current information regarding availability, rates (including seasonal options), specific rules and regulations (such as pet policy details for visitors), and to explore their full calendar of themed events and activities. Given their popularity, especially among seasonal campers, early booking is often advisable.

For Connecticut residents, Nelson's Family Campground in East Hampton represents an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for a wide range of camping preferences. Its long-standing reputation as a family-owned and operated establishment since 1964 has cultivated a unique atmosphere that perfectly caters to the needs and desires of local families.

One of its most compelling aspects is its balanced environment. It's not an overly raucous party spot, nor is it exclusively a quiet retirement community; instead, it strikes a harmonious chord, making it ideal for families with children who seek engaging activities alongside a safe and clean setting. The abundant amenities, from the large swimming pool and fishing pond to the recreation hall, arcade, and various sports courts, ensure that there's never a dull moment for campers of all ages. The regularly scheduled themed weekends, complete with food trucks, live music, and organized activities, provide an incredible amount of value and entertainment, creating a vibrant community spirit right at your doorstep.

The affordability of seasonal rates makes Nelson's a fantastic solution for Connecticut families who wish to have a consistent "home away from home" without the commitment of a vacation property. This fosters a truly tight-knit community where neighbors and staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging and camaraderie. For many, this stable, supportive environment is invaluable.

Furthermore, its central Connecticut location in East Hampton is highly advantageous. It offers a convenient drive from various parts of the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing vacation time. Plus, the easy access to a plethora of Connecticut's major attractions – from historical sites and museums to thrilling outdoor parks and serene lakes – means that campers can seamlessly blend on-site fun with explorations of the wider region.

In essence, Nelson's Family Campground offers a perfect blend of fun, community, affordability, and convenience. For any Connecticut local looking for a reliable, enjoyable, and welcoming camping experience that truly feels like a second home, Nelson's Family Campground is an outstanding choice that promises memorable and fulfilling getaways for the entire family.

Nelson's Family Campground

71 Mott Hill Rd, East Hampton, CT 06424, USA