Camping certainly isn't for everyone, but these locations might persuade even the most obstinate. They offer beautiful sights, safety, and family-friendly activities. That means you should start planning your weekend away right now because these are experiences offering the best camping in Connecticut that you won't want to miss! Here are 10 spots that are the best campgrounds in Connecticut.

1. Hopeville Pond State Park (Jewett City)

This idyllic site is alcohol-free, so not for adult-only trips, but with fishing and swimming it's perfect for the kids. You get to sleep right on the shore! Get an aerial view of this beautiful park:

2. Macedonia Brook State Park (Kent)

Here you can hike the Blue Trail across Cobble Mountain for views of the Taconic mountains. With 51 camping sites to choose from you don't have to worry about big crowds.

3. Pachaug State Forest (Voluntown)

One of the local favorite woods, the Green Fall Area will have you right beside the water. At 24,000 acres, this is a hike lover's dream. Plus, there are horses!

4. Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)

With 550 campsites, the hardest part will be deciding if you're there for the beach or the forest. Take a whole weekend and do both at Hammonasset Beach State Park! Enjoy the natural beauty of this beach park:

5. Kettletown State Park (Southbury)

The wooded camping settings at Kettletown State Park are great, and being near the Housatonic River is a big plus.

6. Black Rock State Park (Watertown)

Explore the hills of the Western Highlands and enjoy the large open areas for field sports. Also, if you love trout, this is where you can go to get them! Take a look at the scenic views you’ll find here:

7. West Thompson Lake Campground (North Grosvenor Dale)

Younger folks love this wonderful campground because there is so much to do! Swim, fish, kayak, disc golf, hike, climb giant rocks, or even just visit the playground. It's practically a woods theme park.

8. Mashamoquet Brook State Park (Pomfret Center)

Home to Wolf's Den, this lovely place is rich with history and some excellent stream fishing. You can also sign the kids up and dump them if you're so inclined.

9. Devil's Hopyard (East Haddam)

Devil's Hopyard is perfect for birding. Definitely a great choice for a lone trip or couple's day out. Grill yourself a burger and take it to the waterfall.

10. Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground (Barkhamsted)

Located in American Legion and Peoples State Forests, this snowmobiling site is also great for warmer days. For the more experienced hikers, there are a couple of challenging routes hidden here.

Are you planning to pitch a tent at any of the best campgrounds in Connecticut this year? Do you have any other favorite spots? Let us know in the comments. If you'd like even more places, here are 11 more spots with the best camping in Connecticut.