Several RV campgrounds near Amston, Connecticut remain open during the winter months with limited capacity, while others close from October through April. The region features numerous lakes and rivers, with elevations ranging from 100 to 600 feet above sea level. Access roads to campgrounds frequently involve narrow passages requiring careful navigation, particularly for larger motorhomes.
What to do
River activities: 15-minute walk to water access. At Salt Rock Campground, visitors can enjoy kayaking and fishing along the river. "We took a short walk/hike and were able to make it to a river where we floated in tubes and relaxed for the day," notes one camper. The river is described as "shallow" and "absolutely beautiful" by others.
Mini golf: 5-minute drive from East Lyme. Near Aces High RV Park, families can find mini-golf attractions. One visitor mentions, "Nearby (5min drive) is also a fun looking place for mini golf." Several campgrounds maintain their own courses as well, offering on-site entertainment options.
Hiking trails: Access from multiple campgrounds. Salt Rock Campground provides "nice hiking trails along the river" according to visitors. Douglas State Forest offers immediate trail access for those staying at Douglas Forest RV Resort. "You're literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical," shares one camper.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatching opportunities. Aces High RV Park features a "beautiful pond and natural setting with lots of ducks, geese, chickens, and wild birds," creating excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The pond areas at several campgrounds serve as natural habitats for various species.
Swimming options: Multiple water features. Many campers appreciate the swimming options at regional campgrounds. "Clean, well-maintained, and level site with concrete pad and patio, beautiful view," notes a visitor about Aces High's waterfront sites. Salt Rock offers a pool facility, though one camper points out it was "still closed" during their early June visit.
Dog-friendly amenities: Designated swimming areas. Pet owners value the dog-friendly features at Aces High RV Park. "There is also a creek area for dog swimming. Our two labs loved it!" writes one reviewer. Most parks in the region welcome pets but have varying policies on designated areas and leash requirements.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Limited winter availability. Most RV parks near Amston close between October and mid-April. Sun Outdoors Mystic specifies its season runs "April 14 to October 15," while others like Aces High maintain year-round operations with reduced amenities during winter months.
Site spacing varies significantly. Some campgrounds feature spacious sites while others place units close together. "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors," notes a visitor about Aces High. Meanwhile, at Salt Rock Campground, one camper observed, "Campground is a bit crowded with sites close together."
Noise levels: Weekend activities impact quiet. Certain campgrounds struggle with noise management, particularly on weekends. At Salt Rock, one camper reported, "Quiet hours are merely a suggestion, and folks turn up until 4AM on Friday nights. Music blaring from disrespectful campers until 10PM." Weekend movie nights at some facilities can also create noise near certain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple age-appropriate options. Countryside RV Park and several other facilities maintain playgrounds, though one visitor notes this is "camping, if you're looking for entertainment bring your own!" Aces High RV Park receives positive reviews for its "clean playground and well maintained pool."
Open field activities: Great for group games. Salt Rock Campground features a large open field suitable for family activities. "We got the back circular field for all of us. Even though it rained, we had a blast," shares one reviewer who visited with a large group. These open areas provide space for children to play safely away from roads.
Bathroom facilities: Condition varies widely. Parents should note the condition of bathroom facilities varies significantly between campgrounds. While some maintain clean facilities, others receive criticism. At Salt Rock, reviewers note "bathrooms are atrocious - stall doors have no locks, metal fittings are rusty, paint is peeling, showers are lukewarm and temp cannot be changed."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Ask about concrete pads. Several RV parks near Amston offer concrete pads that simplify leveling. Douglas Forest RV Resort provides "spacious and easy to navigate" sites with full hookups according to visitors. However, electrical systems vary in quality, with some parks experiencing "power fluctuations during warm weather."
Wi-Fi availability: Connection strength varies. Internet connectivity differs between campgrounds, with some offering strong signal strength while others provide limited or no service. "Strong Wi-Fi" is highlighted by reviewers at Douglas Forest RV Resort, noting it's "a big plus for us since we work remotely on the road."
Road conditions: Exercise caution on approach. Several rv campgrounds around Amston, Connecticut feature narrow access roads with tight turns. One visitor to Douglas Forest noted "many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders." Calling ahead to confirm road conditions and navigation advice is recommended for larger units.
