Lake Compounce Opens with Organics and a New Campground!

Lake Compounce is North America’s oldest continuously-running amusement park, and I happened to grow up just twenty minutes away! So I have several fond memories of riding their wooden coasters, flying on the swings, and getting soaked on the flume ride.

This year, thanks to media passes provided by the park, we took the boys for their first real amusement park experience! We’ve taken them to the Holiday Lights show the past two winters, but it’s been a bit chilly for more than a couple rides.

Enjoying the rides on a sunny day was much better! The boys rode all the kiddie rides. Our four-year-old even went on the grown-up Pirate Ship ride with me!

Organic Menu Items Now at Lake Compounce!

For lunch we sampled the new Organic Selects food items now available at the park. I’m happy to see organic foods popping up at entertainment spots like Lake Compounce. Generally when we go out, I have to pack all our own food to avoid the typical fast food choices. Since Lake Compounce doesn’t allow you to bring in coolers, I’m pleased they’re offering the organic line for purchase at the Croc Pot cafe.

You’ll find the Organic Selects in a separate cooler at the Croc Pot, so keep an eye out! There’s entrees like PB&J, Mac & Cheese, and Chicken Tenders; snacks like yogurts, granola bars, and fresh fruit. If you don’t see items you are looking for in the cooler, you may have to ask for them from the staff, as they often make them by request to ensure freshness.
The afternoon was spent in the water park, Crocodile Cove, where we could barely peel the boys off the water slides to attend the opening of Bear Creek Campground – a new offering from Lake Compounce.

The All-New Bear Creek Campground at Lake Compounce!

Something else new from Lake Compounce: Bear Creek Campground, a new camping spot in central Connecticut. Located just outside the amusement park (to the left of the parking lot). We attended a media event to get a sneak peek, and although they weren’t quite finished setting up when we visited, I can tell you a bit about what you’ll find. You can rent one of the twenty fully furnished cabins, fifty-six RV spots, thirty tent sites, or Tipis at Bear Creek Campground. The cabins are delightful and sleep up to ten. Take a tour with me:

The tipis and RV sites aren’t quite ready yet, but there are a few dozen tent sites open. Each tent site includes a fire ring and a picnic table. Tents are available for rental as well, or you can bring your own. The tent sites are a bit rustic – you won’t find running water on-site, although restrooms and showers are up in the camp store (a bit of a hike if you have to “go” in the middle of the night!). I’m hoping they’ll eventually run a water line out to the tent sites and have a communal spigot, common to many tenting site campgrounds.

Also be aware as this is a brand new campsite, the ground is a bit rough. Bring a rake and small handheld shears to help smooth over your site (if you’re a seasoned camper, you know to bring these things as a general rule, but new campers take note!). Also, firewood must be purchased on-site.

The log-cabin style main lodge houses check-in, restrooms and showers, and the camp store where you can stock up on camp necessities, snacks, and firewood! Don’t forget to say hi to Kyle the Crocodile if he’s wandering around, and pick up a cute Bear Creek Campground t-shirt!

With the amusement park just a trolley ride away, and activities for the kiddos hosted by the camp staff, there’ll be something going on every day. Campers also get a discount on Lake Compounce park tickets!

I’ll be interested to follow Bear Creek Campground in its first season, and hope we’ll get a chance to bring our happy little campers to stay the night!

We attended a media night and were provided complimentary passes to the park. All opinions are my own.