Best Campgrounds near Clinton, CT
The coastal region surrounding Clinton, Connecticut features a mix of established campgrounds catering primarily to RV and tent campers seeking beach access. Riverdale Farm Campsites, located directly in Clinton, provides full hookups, a swimming pond, and river access for fishing, with a season running April through November. Just a short drive away, Hammonasset State Park Campground in Madison offers beachfront camping with well-maintained facilities, though most sites lack electricity and the campground prohibits pets. Rocky Neck State Park Campground, approximately 20 minutes east in Niantic, combines wooded sites with beach access via a mile-long trail where campers might spot wildlife including deer, turkeys, and osprey.
Reservations are essential during the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when most state park campgrounds operate. As one camper noted, "Hammonasset books up FAST, I usually book in the wintertime." Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via I-95 and local roads, though some private campgrounds like Riverdale Farm have narrow entrance roads that can challenge larger RVs. The Connecticut shoreline experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 80s, making waterfront sites particularly desirable. Ticks are prevalent throughout the region, especially at inland sites like Devil's Hopyard State Park, where one camper reported finding "over 25 ticks" during a two-night stay.
Family-friendly amenities distinguish many campgrounds in the area. Hammonasset State Park features a nature center, playground, and camp store, with one visitor noting, "You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, Meig's Point nature center." Site privacy varies considerably across campgrounds. While some state park sites offer minimal separation between neighbors, private campgrounds like Aces High RV Park provide more spacious accommodations, though at premium prices. The region serves as an excellent base for exploring coastal Connecticut attractions, including Mystic Seaport, Gillette Castle, and the Connecticut River, with most campgrounds situated within 30 minutes of these destinations.
