There’s a part of Connecticut that lives up to its nickname, the “Quiet Corner.” It’s a region of rolling farmland, dense forests, and historic towns where the pace of life seems to just slow down a notch. For an RVer, traveling through this area feels like a peaceful escape. And right in the heart of it all, in the colonial town of Lebanon, you’ll find Waters Edge Family Campground. This spot is a perfect example of what makes RVing in rural New England so special. It’s not just a place to empty your tanks; it’s a friendly, welcoming stop that offers a slice of country life along with the practical services you need.
The first impression you get when you pull into Waters Edge is one of wide open space. It’s set among farm fields, giving it a pastoral, uncrowded feel. This isn’t some tightly packed RV park. It’s a place where you can breathe. As a family oriented campground, it has a relaxed and friendly vibe. You’ll see kids riding bikes, families gathered around campfires, and people just enjoying the outdoors. Even if you’re just there for a quick service stop, that welcoming atmosphere is infectious. It’s a nice change of pace from the anonymity of a major travel center.
As with most private campgrounds, calling ahead is the way to go. You can confirm the fee for non guests, which in this region is usually a very reasonable ten or twelve dollars, and get clear instructions on where their dump station is located. At a place like Waters Edge, it's often situated near the maintenance area or check in kiosk, marked with clear signage. The staff here are known for being helpful; don’t be surprised if they offer to lend you a sewer donut if you’ve misplaced yours, a small gesture that speaks volumes about their hospitality.
One of the biggest draws of using a campground dump station is the access to water, and Waters Edge delivers on that front. Having a potable water spigot right there is incredibly convenient. You can give your black tank a proper rinse to flush out any stubborn debris, clean your hoses thoroughly, and top off your fresh water tank all in one go. If you've been on the road for a bit, you know how valuable a good, clean water source is. And if you decide to stay for a bit, many sites come with electric hookups, which is great for giving your house batteries a much needed boost while you take care of your chores.
Now, there are a couple of quirks you need to be aware of, which is common for smaller, independent campgrounds. While they offer many amenities, they don’t have on site propane or gas, so you’ll want to plan a fuel stop in the town of Lebanon after you leave. The other important detail is their trash policy. While registered guests have access to dumpsters, they ask that drive thru visitors pack out their own trash. This is a common practice to keep overhead low and it’s a small price to pay for the service. It’s an easy enough task; just plan to stop at a town transfer station or a gas station down the road.
The experience itself is generally low stress, but a little insider knowledge always helps. This campground is popular for its weekend theme parties, which can make the whole place, including the dump station, quite busy. If you can, aim for a mid week visit. An early afternoon on a Tuesday or Wednesday will likely mean you have the lane all to yourself. Also, pay attention to the ground, especially after a heavy rain. The campground sits near a pond, and some of the low lying grassy areas can get a bit soft. The staff can point you to the firmest spot to park your rig.
What really makes this stop special, though, is its location. Lebanon is a history lover’s dream, with a town green that’s one of the largest and most historic in New England. It’s also a fantastic base for outdoor adventurers. The Air Line State Park Trail, a beautiful rail trail perfect for biking or walking, is right nearby. You can make a day of it: use the campground as your base, hit the trail, and then come back to empty the tanks. For a great side trip, make the short drive to Fox Farm Brewery in Salem. It’s one of the most acclaimed breweries in the state and a perfect place to pick up some craft beer to stock the RV fridge.
Ultimately, Waters Edge Family Campground offers a wonderful combination of practicality and charm. It’s a place where you can take care of the nitty gritty of RV maintenance in a peaceful, farm like setting. The availability of potable water is a huge plus, and the friendly atmosphere makes the whole experience pleasant. As long as you call ahead to confirm the fee and remember to pack out your trash, it’s a fantastic, low stress service stop. It truly captures the essence of Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, leaving you refreshed and ready for whatever lies down the road.
271 Leonard Bridge Rd, Lebanon, CT 06249
(860) 642-7470
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
watersedgecampground.com