RV campgrounds near Franklin, Connecticut offer a variety of experiences for campers across eastern Connecticut and neighboring Rhode Island. Located in New London County with elevations ranging from 180 to 680 feet, the Franklin area serves as a central base for exploring both coastal attractions and inland forests. The camping season typically runs from April through mid-October, with summer high temperatures averaging in the mid-80s.
What to do
Hiking in Douglas State Forest: Located about 35 miles from Franklin, Douglas Forest RV Resort provides access to numerous wooded trails. "You're literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient forest access.
Water activities at local ponds: Ross Hill Park in Lisbon sits on the Quinebaug River, offering fishing and swimming options. A longtime visitor mentioned, "The campground is set on the Q River and if you're lucky enough to see it from your site it's beautiful." The park's natural water features provide cooling relief during hot summer months.
Explore Mystic's attractions: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for visiting Mystic's historic seaport and aquarium. "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions," shares a camper who used the location as a hub for regional sightseeing.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Aces High RV Park in East Lyme earns praise for its layout. One camper noted, "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."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. A visitor to Strawberry Park in Preston appreciated the consistency of maintenance: "Live band on Saturday night was nice. Site was wide and allowed me to easily back in. Near perfect level. New fence poles show renovations were consistently done."
Recreation options: Campgrounds offer varied activities beyond just camping. "Lots of things for kids to do. We watched a magician and played pickle ball on the courts. Kids had fun on the many play grounds," shared a Strawberry Park visitor, highlighting the range of organized entertainment available during summer weekends.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most RV campgrounds near Franklin require advance bookings, especially for premium sites. "Our site was a nice long, level pull-thru. Hook-ups were placed in ideal locations for the pad which was gravel," reported a camper at Sun Outdoors Mystic, noting that preferred sites fill quickly during peak season.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds near Franklin operate on limited schedules. "We stayed at Aces High RV Park for a long holiday weekend," shared one camper who paid "$150/night for a 'Premium Waterfront FHU Site' on the lake," indicating higher rates during holiday periods when demand increases.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge noted: "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls," suggesting travelers should prepare for limited connectivity at some locations.
