Campgrounds near Amston, Connecticut provide a mix of family-oriented facilities and natural settings within easy reach of Long Island Sound. Waters Edge Family Campground in Lebanon and Odetah Camping Resort in Bozrah offer tent, RV, and cabin accommodations within 10 miles of Amston. Several state parks including Devil's Hopyard State Park and Rocky Neck State Park Campground expand the options with more rustic settings. The region includes both privately operated resorts with full amenities and state-managed campgrounds with more basic facilities, many situated near water features or forested areas.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April or May through October, with limited winter availability. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. A visitor commented, "Connecticut is LACKING when it comes to outdoor activities when compared to some of the places around the country. That being said, it's more rewarding when you find a little gem." Many campgrounds require advance booking through reservation systems, with state parks often booking months ahead for prime summer dates. Weather conditions remain mild through the camping season, though spring can bring significant rainfall and fall temperatures can drop quickly after sunset.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Rocky Neck State Park provides beach access via a tunnel under railroad tracks, while several private campgrounds feature lake or pond frontage. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need." Family-friendly amenities dominate the camping landscape, with swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities common at private campgrounds. State park campgrounds typically offer more natural settings with hiking trails and water access but fewer structured activities. Campers seeking privacy should look to state forest campgrounds or the more secluded sites at private facilities, as many reviewers note the close proximity of sites at popular destinations.
$45 - $100 / night
"We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."
"This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."
"Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."
"Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."
$14 / night
"There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly."
"The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites."
$68 - $72 / night
"We tent close to the restroom and the pool, which are very clean. We go mid week and the special is pay 2 nights, get third night free."
"It was too close to the road, and they wouldn't let him pull in so we were facing each other even though it would have easily worked out."
"This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."
"Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"
"The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."
"Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."
$33 - $100 / night
"We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here."
"we had a group from work head out here. we reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves, it was a bit of a walk to the shower from there, but we had our own outhouse, bring a light for night time"
"Swimming pool, facilities, small lake as well larger lakes in the surrounding area. Great location and campground. Love it."
$25 - $150 / night
"Swimming lake, canoeing lake, pool, playgrounds. Choice of shade in trees or open field. Nice sites. Decent laundry and showers. Great place with kids.....lots of seasonal, but plenty short term."
"Nice hiking around the area. Bathrooms are clean. Good for kids/families."
RangerWe love Austin Hawes (Also referred to as American Legion). We have been coming here for years, and it is a great spot. Not too far, not too busy, tent sites, trailer sites, and cabins too. It is in a great location with plenty of hiking trails nearby, and lots of options for swimming, fishing, boating, etc.
RangerWe did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.
RangerWe stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.
ScoutCamped early in the season mid week, and it was nice and quiet. The "new" park rangers are take their jobs delightfully serious.
Our site had plenty of sun for solar but in seagull loop there is loads of shade
ScoutCampground was great. Site was in great shape, everything in order. Portapotties were large. The road made the trip horrible for peace and quiet lovers. I knew it was close to the road, but right on top of it AND a heavily traveled route.
ScoutCute Rv park. Very family friendly, the women who at the office are also incredibly nice and helpful! Seems like a lot of people either live full time or come on weekends but we were able to book a spot for a week.
RangerWe love camping here. From the history of the area, to its proximity to the ocean, to the many places to explore, to the nice sites and clean bathrooms! We have been coming here for over a decade and enjoy every trip. We usually grab dinner at George's of Galilee, and have taken the ferry to Block Island as well. There are a bunch of old military defenses from WWII in Narragansett Bay, including one in the campground. We've tent and camper camped, and enjoyed both.
RangerOur first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.
GuideBeautiful large site. Can walk the trail down to the river. Beware of bears. Bathhouse was shut down for renovation but there was porta potties. Can hear road noise but wasn't bad. This and site 3 is one of the best sites.
Camping options near Amston, Connecticut span a 10-20 mile radius with most destinations situated along rivers, lakes, or wooded terrain. The area maintains average summer temperatures between 75-85°F during peak camping season from May through September. Fall camping extends into October at most campgrounds with overnight temperatures dropping to 40-50°F, requiring additional thermal preparation.
Kayaking at Salem Farms: Located 8 miles from Amston, Salem Farms Campground provides direct access to fishing ponds and nearby water recreation. A camper noted, "Great camping out the the woods of Salem ct," with many visitors appreciating the natural setting for water activities.
Mini-golf and recreation: Wolf's Den Family Campground offers mini-golf for $2 per person plus various sports facilities. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available," a reviewer mentioned, highlighting the diverse recreational options.
Fall camping and Halloween events: Odetah Camping Resort hosts special themed weekends in autumn. "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating. Very enjoyable time," shared one camper who visited during the fall season.
Waterfront access: Witch Meadow Lake Campground provides sites along their small lake. A camper explained, "The owner of the property takes pride in the campground and it shows. Swimming pool, facilities, small lake as well larger lakes in the surrounding area."
Wooded privacy: Waters Edge Family Campground offers secluded sites in forested areas. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us)... Every one of us had a great time with the perfect campsite deep in the woods (still able to park my 26' camper trailer)," reported a satisfied visitor.
Hiking trails and waterfalls: At Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, visitors can access natural features within minutes of their sites. "The waterfall was a quick walk away and you could hike down to the river for a quick dip. The river isn't deep enough for a full swim but still was good enough on a hot day," noted a camper describing the hiking options.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds open from May through mid-October, with limited facilities in shoulder seasons. Brialee Family Campground costs approximately "$452 for the week, plus $10 for the poop truck," according to one camper describing the typical price range for weekly stays.
Reservation requirements: Salt Rock Campground and other state parks book up quickly for summer weekends. A visitor explained, "Quiet on opening weekend. Sites are a mix of field, shaded, and partly shaded," noting that early season camping offers more availability than peak summer months.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: State park campgrounds typically offer basic facilities compared to private campgrounds. At Devil's Hopyard, a camper noted, "No amenities other than porta potty's," while Salt Rock received feedback that "Bathrooms are atrocious - stall doors have no locks, metal fittings are rusty, paint is peeling, showers are lukewarm and temp cannot be changed."
Look for supervised activities: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides structured programming for children. "The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails. A great family campsite with easy to get to activities," shared a regular visitor.
Consider off-peak timing: Campsites are less crowded and more affordable during weekdays and shoulder seasons. "We tent close to the restroom and the pool, which are very clean. We go mid week and the special is pay 2 nights, get third night free," noted a grandparent who regularly camps at Salem Farms with grandchildren.
Weather preparation: Late summer and early fall camping requires planning for temperature fluctuations. A camper at Brialee mentioned, "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy," making it easier to adapt to changing weather conditions with indoor and outdoor options.
Hookup availability: Wolf's Den Family Campground provides appropriate access for larger RVs with necessary utilities. "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp. Very peaceful. Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground," advised an experienced RVer.
Site selection for larger units: At Waters Edge, certain areas accommodate bigger rigs better than others. "Enormous and well maintained... Booked a site for October before we left," mentioned a camper who appreciated the spacious layout for their RV.
Seasonal rental considerations: Many campgrounds near Amston have high percentages of seasonal campers, which affects weekend atmosphere. At Odetah, a visitor observed, "We had two sites side by side for our group of 7 and two dogs. The staff will deliver wood right to your site. The only con is the sites are not very private...at all."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Amston, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Amston, CT offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Amston, CT and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Amston, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Amston, CT is Waters Edge Family Campground with a 3.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Amston, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Amston, CT.
What parks are near Amston, CT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Amston, CT that allow camping, notably Westville Lake and Hop Brook Lake.
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