About West Thompson Lake Campground
Overview West Thompson Lake Campground is located near the wooded shoreline of its namesake lake in northeastern Connecticut. The natural setting surrounding West Thompson Lake can be enjoyed year round. Visitors come to the lake for camping, fishing, boating, kayaking and hiking.Recreation West Thompson Lake provides great boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing opportunities. It has an excellent population of warm-water fish, including bass and small panfish. A boat ramp is located near the campground for easy access to the water. The Thompson Section of the Quinebaug River Water Trail offers a leisurely three-hour outing for paddlers who are comfortable with moving water. The trail has no rapids or portages and meanders through extensive wildlife habitats. An 18-hole disc golf course is located on the lakeshore and is free to the public. This challenging course is known for its long drives and scenic views of the lake and dam.Facilities The entrance gate to the campground is closed from 9pm - 8am. The campground offers 11 campsites with electric and water hookups, 11 basic sites without hookups and two Adirondack lean-to shelters. Amenities include accessible flush toilets and showers, and a dump station. An amphitheater, playground, basketball court, and interpretive trails are located on-site. Natural Features The campground is nestled in a forest of Eastern white pine, Northern red oak and Shagbark hickory. Shade is abundant throughout the campground, and autumn leaves put on a beautiful show. An overlook at the dam offers pleasing panoramic views for sightseers and photographers.
How to Get There
From I-395, take Exit 50. Follow CT Route 200 east to Thompson Center. Turn right onto CT Route 193 south and proceed 2 miles to traffic light. Continue straight over the railroad tracks on Route 12. Take the first right onto Reardon Road. In 0.5 miles turn left onto West Thompson Lake Recreation Road and travel approximately 1,000ft to the campground entrance on the right. Follow up to the Campground Registration Building.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (44°F low → 71°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to West Thompson Lake Campground
Heading to West Thompson Lake Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for West Thompson Lake Campground?
No central reservation system listed for West Thompson Lake Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233476) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to West Thompson Lake Campground?
From I-395, take Exit 50. Follow CT Route 200 east to Thompson Center. Turn right onto CT Route 193 south and proceed 2 miles to traffic light. Continue straight over the railroad tracks on Route 12. Take the first right onto Reardon Road. In 0.5 miles turn left onto West Thompson Lake Recreation Road and travel approximately 1,000ft to the campground entrance on the right. Follow up to the Campgr…
How do I contact West Thompson Lake Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 860-923-3121.
References & Official Resources
