Best Tent Camping near Clinton, CT
Tent camping options near Clinton, Connecticut include several river-oriented sites along the Connecticut River. Selden Neck State Park Campground offers four boat-in tent campsites on an undeveloped island accessible only by kayak or boat with a 20-minute paddle from Deep River Landing. Gillette Castle State Park Campground provides riverside tent camping with both boat-in and hike-in access points, while Chapman Pond Preserve features backcountry tent sites in a more secluded natural setting.
Most riverside tent sites require paddling or hiking to reach, with no road access available to the campsites. Tent campers should prepare for primitive conditions as amenities are limited. Sites typically feature basic fire pits, but drinking water is generally unavailable, requiring visitors to pack in their own supplies. While some campgrounds have pit toilets or outhouses, others like Selden Neck offer private outhouses at each site. Reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, particularly during summer months when waterfront tent sites fill quickly. Seasonal mosquitoes can be problematic, especially in the river areas and marshland environments.
The riverside tent camping experience provides exceptional water views and nature immersion. Areas like Hurd State Park River Camping and River Highlands State Park offer tent campers direct river access for swimming and fishing. The natural beaches that emerge at low tide create additional recreational space for tent campers. Morning fog often blankets the river sites, creating peaceful, secluded camping conditions. A recent visitor to Selden Neck noted, "The sunset view was amazing. There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up." For those seeking even more seclusion, the tent sites at Chapman Pond Preserve provide a deeper wilderness experience with platform tent sites and nearby Connecticut River views.
