RV parks near Andover, Connecticut offer year-round camping options with varying seasonal availability. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 400-650 feet, creating moderate temperature swings between day and night even in summer months. While many RV sites remain accessible during winter, services are often reduced from November through March with limited water hookups due to freezing conditions.
What to do
Lake activities: At Sun Outdoors Mystic, campers can enjoy water recreation just steps from their sites. "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions," notes Nancy W. The park's central location makes it convenient for water-based day trips.
Kayaking options: Paddle enthusiasts find multiple launch points within 15-20 minutes of Andover area campgrounds. "One day we launched our kayaks north of the drawbridge in town at the public launch and paddled down to Mystic Seaport which was fun to see the historic boats from the water," shares a visitor about water access near Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Mini golf outings: Several campgrounds feature on-site courses or are located near commercial facilities. The mini golf course at Sun Outdoors Mystic "was actually really nice and not the run-down homemade ones that you usually see at campgrounds," according to one reviewer.
Forest trails: Douglas Forest RV Resort offers immediate access to woodland hiking. "You're literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical," writes Tye G. The network of trails accommodates various difficulty levels from easy walks to longer hikes.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Aces High RV Park receives high marks for site dimensions. "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors. Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it," notes April L. This extra space allows for comfortable outdoor setup.
Pet-friendly areas: Many campgrounds accommodate four-legged travelers with designated exercise zones. "There is also a creek area for dog swimming. Our two labs loved it!" shares an Aces High visitor. Most parks require leashes in common areas but provide specific zones for off-leash activity.
Level concrete pads: Site construction quality varies significantly between parks. "Clean, well-maintained, and level site with concrete pad and patio (I love a clean, level concrete pad!)," reports Matt S. about his stay at Aces High RV Park. Level sites reduce setup time and eliminate the need for leveling blocks.
Well-maintained pools: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities that operate seasonally, typically from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Thousand Trails Sturbridge offers "an indoor pool with lifeguard" according to one visitor, providing swimming options regardless of weather conditions.
What you should know
Electrical considerations: Power reliability varies between parks, with some offering more robust systems than others. At Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts, one visitor warned "The electrical system has claimed countless RV components and 2 total losses. Instead of fixing it, they simply run generators for years." Always use surge protectors at unfamiliar campgrounds.
Management differences: Park operations and staff interactions significantly impact camping experiences. "Staff were friendly/helpful, campsite clean and campers nice," reports Ron B. about his stay at Aces High, while others note inconsistent management at other parks.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds, even within short distances. "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls," notes Mara S. about Thousand Trails Sturbridge. Remote workers should verify service before booking extended stays.
Site types: RV parks near Andover distinguish between various site configurations. "We camped here with friends and got one of the 'buddy sites' so our patios faced each other. I like this configuration when camping with friends but would not like this site if we did not know our neighbors," explains a camper at Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Tips for camping with families
Playground considerations: When choosing campgrounds with children, assess play equipment quality and location. Ashaway RV Resort offers recreation options including "tennis & swimming in the pool at the campground - there is also mini-golf, but we didn't get the chance to play," according to Happy Camper L.
Pool accessibility: Swimming facilities vary in size and seasonal availability. "The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable. However, other amenities need attention - the playground equipment shows its age," reports one visitor about Douglas Forest RV Resort, highlighting the importance of checking current amenity conditions.
Site selection for families: When traveling with children, location within the campground matters. "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!" shares alissa T. about her stay at Thousand Trails Sturbridge, noting the benefit of sites near recreation areas.
On-site entertainment: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities during shoulder seasons when weather may limit outdoor options. "They had an arcade, theater area," mentions a visitor about the indoor amenities at Sun Outdoors Mystic that provide alternatives during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: Experienced RVers prioritize hookup locations relative to their rigs. "Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right)," notes Matt S. about his experience at Aces High RV Park. Properly positioned connections reduce the need for extension hoses and cords.
Site materials: Different surface types affect setup and comfort, particularly in wet weather. "Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it," according to an Aces High visitor, describing the well-draining material that prevents muddy conditions.
Tree management: Well-maintained campgrounds actively manage overhead clearance. At Aces High, "the owner keeps them trimmed to not interfere when parking on your site," notes a reviewer about the thoughtful approach to tree maintenance that protects RV roofs and slide-outs.
Seasonal considerations: RV parks near Andover have different operating schedules. "Our stay was in the spring before their busy season started so some things like the pool and water features were closed," explains a visitor to Sun Outdoors Mystic, highlighting the importance of verifying which amenities are operational during your planned stay.
