Lake Compounce Campground check-in and store 0
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Lake Compounce Campground check-in and store Introduce

For Connecticut families and New England travelers, Lake Compounce Campground—formerly known as Bear Creek—offers a one-of-a-kind residential experience right in the heart of Bristol. As the official lodging partner of Lake Compounce, America’s oldest continuously operating amusement park, this campground serves as a vibrant home base for those who want to extend their park visit into a multi-day adventure. The atmosphere here is distinctly energetic and geared toward families, providing a seamless transition from the high-speed thrills of the Boulder Dash wooden coaster to the cozy comfort of a campfire. It is a place where local residents often gather for weekend staycations, enjoying the rare opportunity to sleep just a stone's throw away from world-class attractions and water park fun.

The campground is designed to be as versatile as its visitors. While many people associate "camping" with rugged isolation, Lake Compounce Campground leans into the convenience and social aspects of modern outdoor hospitality. The sites are well-maintained and organized to facilitate a community feel, making it easy for children to make new friends at the playground while parents relax by their RVs. Whether you are a local from Southington looking for a quick getaway or a traveler passing through on the way to Maine, the campground offers a clean, managed environment that prioritizes safety and accessibility. With its unique positioning, it is more than just a place to park; it is an extension of the amusement park experience itself, complete with themed weekends and easy access to local Bristol history.

Located at 185 Enterprise Drive in Bristol, CT, Lake Compounce Campground boasts an incredibly convenient location just minutes from I-84. This makes it exceptionally accessible for campers traveling with large trailers or motorhomes from anywhere in the Northeast. The park is nestled at the base of Compounce Mountain, providing a beautiful backdrop of steep, wooded hills that contrast with the bright lights of the amusement park nearby. Accessibility within the campground is a major focus, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a parking lot that accommodates vehicles of all sizes. The roads within the park are wide and easy to navigate, ensuring that even those new to RVing can maneuver their rigs without stress.

For those worried about the logistics of moving between the campground and the amusement park, the facility offers a seasonal tram service that whisks guests back and forth, though many find the walk short and pleasant. Its proximity to downtown Bristol and the neighboring town of Southington means that guests are never far from essential services. Within a two-mile radius, campers can find grocery stores, pharmacies, and a wide variety of dining options ranging from classic diners to local pizzerias. This central location in Hartford County allows guests to easily explore other nearby attractions, such as the New England Carousel Museum or the American Clock & Watch Museum, adding even more value to their stay in the region.

  • Onsite check-in services at the General Store for a smooth arrival and departure process.
  • Full RV camping options including level gravel sites designed for easy setup.
  • RV electric hookups available with 20, 30, and 50-amp posts to accommodate any size rig.
  • Reliable RV water hookups and access to running water throughout the campground facilities.
  • Clean and spacious public restrooms and 24-hour shower facilities for guest convenience.
  • On-site General Store stocked with camping essentials, snacks, ice, and exclusive park souvenirs.
  • Laundry facilities available on-site to assist families on longer vacations.
  • Flexible payment options accepting major credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments.
  • Discounted amusement park ticket sales available exclusively for registered campers.
  • Direct proximity to Lake Compounce Amusement & Water Park, allowing for "walk-in" access to the thrills.
  • A dedicated playground area featuring swings and climbing structures that are perfect for younger children.
  • Level gravel sites that reduce the time spent leveling your RV and ensure a comfortable stay.
  • Dog-friendly policies that allow you to bring your furry family members along for the trip.
  • Centrally located pump-out station positioned at the front of the park for easy access upon exit.
  • Beautifully manicured grounds that provide a clean and professional look compared to rustic forest sites.
  • A safe, well-lit environment with professional staff on-site to handle guest concerns and security.
  • Themed activity weekends that often include bingo, corn hole tournaments, and kid-focused events.
  • Abundant picnic tables at each site, encouraging family meals and outdoor gatherings.

To secure a spot at this popular Bristol destination, especially during the peak summer season or for the popular "Phantom Fall Fest" and "Holiday Lights" events, it is highly recommended to book in advance. The campground staff can provide detailed information on site availability and current park operating hours.

Address: 185 Enterprise Dr, Bristol, CT 06489, USA

Phone: (860) 583-3300 (General Park Inquiry Number)

When weighing your camping options in Central Connecticut, Lake Compounce Campground is worth choosing for the sheer convenience and value it provides to families. The ability to purchase discounted park tickets and walk or take a tram to the gates saves both time and money on parking fees. For families with children, the amenities are unmatched; having a playground and organized activities right on-site means the fun doesn't have to stop when the park closes. It is one of the few places in the region where you can combine the nostalgia of a traditional campground with the high-energy excitement of a major theme park.

Furthermore, the quality of the infrastructure at Lake Compounce Campground is a significant draw for RV owners. Many local users praise the level sites and the versatility of the power posts, which accommodate everything from small pop-up campers to 30-foot motorhomes. While some traditionalists might miss the deep-woods seclusion of a state park, most travelers find the cleanliness of the showers, the friendliness of the staff, and the security of the grounds to be well worth the trade-off. Choosing this campground means choosing a stress-free, logistical win for your vacation. Whether you’re looking to conquer the world-famous Boulder Dash or simply want a well-managed spot to rest after a day in the water park, Lake Compounce Campground delivers a top-tier Connecticut outdoor experience that captures the heart of family-friendly hospitality.

Location

Customer Reviews

4.0
36 reviews
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Scott Unger
Oct 14, 2025

Got a last-minute reservation with them. Great, level gravel sites with 20/30/50 amp posts at each site. Very versatile. We didn't get sewer, but the pump out is perfectly positioned at the front of the park on your exit. The general store is packed with snacks and park swag. All kinds of kid-friendly activities, as well and dog friendly!

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Billy Ray
Oct 18, 2025

To be fair, we'd give this place a 5 star except for that constant low frequency hum that always seems to be present when we are there. Also, we usually stay as an overnight or 2 coming & going from Maine, so either at the beginning of the season, or on the tail end. Still, we enjoy our stay here, as it is quiet, sites are well maintained, & we have stayed here numerous times over the 8 years we been coming north. We have a 30' MH towing a car.

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Betsi Greene
Aug 20, 2025

Our reservation at another park fell through and we came into this place because of the sign on the highway. It's wonderful, quiet and easy to get to but not right in the middle of town. The sites were level and far enough apart so you weren't right on top of each other. The man in the office was extremely helpful and very polite and we definitely will put this on our list for the next time we come through here. It was only water and electric but there's a nice dump station on your way out.

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Daniel Castillo
Aug 18, 2025

I was there with a group of 11 sites with lots of young children and it was a bad experience. At around 10pm at night the kids were playing soccer in a field. Out of nowhere a man comes out of the woods dressed as Micheal Myers (he was wearing a blue janitor suit with a white mask) and was being close to the kids and playing around with them. Once the kids got close to him the kids started following him into a darker area and into the forest. The parents then called out to the kids saying that it was a stranger and they didn’t know who he was. When the kids were coming back to the camp the man went back into the forest up into the mountain. The kids were all crying and panicking because they thought the man was going to kidnap them. On top of that there is barely any security. When you go into the camp there is no one checking who comes in or out. There is also no one checking the sites and who is there. There should be more security making sure the camp is safe. This is the last time me and my family go to Lake Compounce Camp.

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Bill S
Jul 01, 2025

This is the second time that my family and I have visited lake Compounce campgrounds. The positives are friendly staff, and a reduced park pass / free park pass on second day. The bad: Cabins aren't very clean, heavy mold build up in areas of the bathroom, dirty floors, mouse urine on the countertops. Human body oil and dirt is embedded in nearly every wood surface, dirt on/under bed, leftover food from previous campers. The cabins need an overhaul, sanding and coat of shellac. I also wish they had an arcade / indoor play area. My fondest memories of camping were the nighttime visits to the campground arcade before bedtime. The camp store is ok, but my suggestion would be to get rid of the toy section, and provide a wider variety of food. I went in to buy milk/eggs, but they didn't have either. A hairdryer and toaster in the cabin would be a huge plus.