Here's one of the cool things about Connecticut: we're a short hop to Boston and New York and we have cool cities and towns of our own, so there is always plenty of bustle when we want it. But, sometimes, we don't want bustle. We want to feel like we're a million miles away from it all. When that feeling comes along, we have these rustic campgrounds to run off to.

1. Pequot Ledge Campground, Oakdale

Go motor boating, swimming, canoeing, and water skiing right from the beach and dock on Gardner Lake. Sunsets over the lake are nothing short of magical. Camping options include RV sites, tent sites, and furnished cabins.

157 Doyle Rd, Oakdale, CT 06370

2. Witch Meadow Lake Campground, Salem

Getting away from it all doesn't mean getting bored, especially when you're camping at Witch Meadow Lake. Enjoy the 14-acre lake on hydrobikes, canoes, and swan peddleboats. There are two swimming options: the lake or a heated pool. Kids can play video games, pool, and ping pong in the rec hall, while adults relax in the lounge.

139 Witch Meadow Rd, Salem, CT 06420

3. Odetah Camping Resort, Bozrah

Odetah offers one thing many other campsites don't: spa services. Camp in tent and RV sites, cabins, and yurts at Odetah Camping Resort. Large groups can rent a bigger site called "Safari Field." There's a lake for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as a pool and Jacuzzi.

38 Bozrah St Ext, Bozrah, CT 06334

4. Cozy Hills Campground, Bantaam

At Cozy Hills, RV and cabin rentals are available for the tent-averse. Of course, tent and RV sites are available too. Basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, an arcade, free arts & crafts activities, and more to keep the whole family entertained.

1311 Bantam Rd, Bantam, CT 06750

5. White Pines Campsites, Barkhamsted

Tucked away in Litchfield County's rolling hills, White Pines offers tent, RV, and cabin options. Cool off in the large pool after a working up a sweat on the volleyball court, or play games in the arcade.

232 Old North Rd, Barkhamsted, CT 06063

6. Lone Oak Campsites, East Canaan

Lone Oak Campground is nestled at the base of Canaan Mountain, a great place to hike. Swim in the campground's pool on a hot summer day. Themed weekends and regular music performances keep things lively.

360 Canaan Norfolk Rd, East Canaan, CT 06024

7. Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison

Beach lovers can camp along the shoreline at Hammonasset. Activities include nature talks, bingo, movies, horseshoes, bocce and volleyball. There's also a children's play area with a pirate ship, swings, and slides.

1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443

8. Grandview Camping & Cottages, Moodus

Rent a cottage, pitch a tent, or park an RV at Grandview for a relaxing retreat into the woods. Recreation options include horseshoe pits, basketball court, arcade, pool and playground.

89 N Moodus Rd, Moodus, CT 06469

9. Wilderness Lake Campground, Willington

Set on 100 acres of pristine countryside with a fresh-water lake, there's plenty of opportunity for recreation here. Campers enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing; mini-golf, trails for hiking and biking, horse-shoe pits, volley ball court, game rooms, new playground, and a lodge with home-theater entertainment.

89 N Moodus Rd, Moodus, CT 06469

10. Hemlock Hill Camp Resort, Litchfield

Themed weekends keep things lively at Hemlock Hill Camp Resort. The campground also includes two pools, a hot tub, basketball courts, and a game room.

118 Hemlock Hill Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759

11. Seaport RV Resort and Campground, Mystic

If you don't have your own RV, you can rent one at Seaport RV Resort and Campground. There are plenty of entertainment options, including laser tag, mini-golf, basketball, volleyball, fishing, and a pool.

45 Campground Rd, Mystic, CT 06355

Connecticut campgrounds offer something to suit every taste, from mellow nature-lovers to families craving lots of activity. Which campground appeals to you most?

If you're more of a hotel person, check out The One Place To Sleep In Connecticut That's Beyond Your Wildest Dreams.