Why Brialee Family Campground Was Named the Most Unique in North America (And How to Pack for a Trip There)

For this Scout Sundays edition, we’re heading to Ashford, Connecticut—home of Brialee Family Campground, freshly crowned No. 1 on Campspot’s “Top Unique Campgrounds in 2026” list. This isn’t just another place to pitch a tent; it’s a full-on camping playground built for kids, parents, Scout troops, and first-timers alike.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a camping trip that feels a little more special than the usual state park weekend, Brialee is a standout choice. Let’s break down what makes it unique and how to pack smart so your crew can spend less time scrambling for gear and more time making campfire memories.

Campspot’s 2026 awards draw on more than 3 million data points—guest ratings, reservation patterns, and park features—to find the very best campgrounds across North America. Brialee Family Campground came out on top for “Top Unique Campground,” beating out parks in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and California.

So what puts Brialee in a different league? It’s the combination of a warm, welcoming atmosphere and an almost theme-park-level lineup of activities, all wrapped in a laid-back New England setting.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll find on-site:

Brialee is more than a list of amenities—it’s designed around a family-friendly, community-oriented vibe. Campspot highlights its “warm and welcoming camping atmosphere,” and that matters when you’re coordinating kids, parents, or a troop full of new campers who might be a little nervous about sleeping outside.

For Scout leaders, Brialee’s mix of structured and free-form fun is a big win. You can plan teachable moments—knot-tying, Leave No Trace, fire safety—during the day, then reward the troop with an evening movie night, live music, or mini-golf. For families, it means you don’t have to be the full-time entertainment director; the campground helps carry that load.

Because Brialee offers cabins, RV sites, and traditional tent camping, it’s also a great choice for multi-generation trips where grandparents might prefer more comfort while kids still get the “real camping” feel.

A campground like Brialee rewards campers who pack with intention. Yes, you’ll need the basics—shelter, sleep, and safety—but this is also a place where having the *right* extras can turn a good weekend into a legendary one.

Here’s how to build a smart packing plan using CampMate for different types of Brialee trips:

Brialee’s rising profile—Campspot has also recognized it in past years for being one of the top campgrounds in the U.S. and a top pick for families—means interest is only going up. If you want weekend dates in peak season, you’ll need a game plan.

Here are a few planning moves to make your Brialee trip smoother from the start:

Brialee Family Campground didn’t land the No. 1 spot on Campspot’s “Top Unique Campgrounds in 2026” by accident. Its mix of amenities, warm atmosphere, and family-friendly design makes it an ideal destination for Scout trips, first-time campers, and seasoned outdoor families alike.

With a little planning—and a shared packing list to keep everyone organized—you can turn a Brialee weekend into the kind of trip people ask to repeat every year. Whether you’re there to fish, paddle, catch a movie under the stars, or just breathe a little easier by the lake, it’s the kind of place that reminds you why camping is worth the effort.