Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers beachfront camping just 12 miles from Gales Ferry, Connecticut. Sites are arranged in sections named after waterfowl such as Crane, Egret, and Osprey. Temperatures range from 40-80°F during the camping season, with higher humidity in July and August. Most campsites feature central bathhouses, fire pits with grill attachments, and picnic tables.
What to do
Beach access: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides direct beach access within walking distance of campsites. "Beach can be crowded. But it is worth it. Nice food shack. Great family place," notes Nichol P. The park balances natural beauty with convenient amenities.
River tubing: Hidden Acres Campground offers river tubing opportunities directly from their riverside sites. "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night," says Erik M. The campground maintains a small beach area and snack cabin with outdoor dining.
Fishing opportunities: Wolf's Den Family Campground features a fishing pond at the back of the property. "There's a nice pond which my husband loved," reports Laura L. Witch Meadow Lake Campground also provides pond fishing with "great sites on pond" according to Alexander H.
Kayaking: Rocky Neck has limited boat launch options, requiring some planning. "Anyone with kayaks can't easily get to boat launch. It's 4-5 miles by car at 4 mile river boat launch," advises Nita D. Campers should check access points before bringing watercraft.
What campers like
Evening entertainment: Hidden Acres Campground schedules evening activities throughout the summer. "We even attended the dance at night. Definitely be sure to grab a snack at the food hut they have. Very good food," mentions Erik M. Most glamping options close to Gales Ferry, Connecticut maintain regular weekend entertainment schedules.
Clean facilities: Sunfox Campground receives high marks for cleanliness and family-friendly features. "Super clean, friendly environment very nice playground and pool plus a nice lake to swim and fish in," says David P. The campground also offers a jumping pillow—a unique amenity for children.
Swimming options: Wolf's Den Family Campground provides a pool and various recreational facilities. "They've got a nice pool, a game room, and mini golf for $2/person," notes Laura L. Multiple campgrounds in the area feature swimming pools as alternatives to beach swimming.
Multiple camping styles: Niantic KOA accommodates various camping preferences within the same property. "Sites were spaced a decent amount apart (although there is little physical separation). This was helped by the fact that there was no one on either side of us during our stay," reports Lee D. Many campgrounds offer a mix of tent, RV, and luxury glamping accommodations.
What you should know
Site variability: Rocky Neck State Park Campground has different site types with varying levels of shade and access. "We camped at site #4 (sunny) then moved to #38 (shady). My site was tent only and you couldn't pull your car up to the site so unloading and loading was a hassle," explains Carli V. Research specific site details before booking.
Off-season limitations: Seasonal campgrounds near Gales Ferry typically operate from May through October. Amenities like swimming pools, activities, and camp stores may have restricted hours or be closed entirely during shoulder seasons.
Wildlife awareness: Skunks are common at several campgrounds in the area. "The skunks are friendly! Great for kids!" says Jean V. about Rocky Neck State Park Campground. Store food properly and maintain clean campsites to avoid unwanted wildlife encounters.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "Bathhouses and toilets were not as cleaned as I would have liked but passable," notes Nita D. about Rocky Neck. Some campgrounds charge for showers, with Witch Meadow requiring $0.50 for 5-minute showers.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Mystic KOA schedules regular activities for children. "This KOA provides a lot to do for kids and families. The pool is small and usually crowded, but still very well kept. And then there's mini golf, hay rides, and lots of fun planned activities," explains Cynthia K. Check activity schedules before arrival to plan your stay.
Campground size considerations: Burlingame State Park Campground spans hundreds of acres with over 700 sites. "This is a HUGE state park campground with over 700 sites. The location is fantastic, but with this many sites, there are bound to be pros and cons," says Jessica A. Larger campgrounds offer more amenities but may be louder and more crowded.
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Great site with lots of amenities for kids. The sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities. Oh and my young children LOVE the air pillow," shares a reviewer. Consider campgrounds with varied recreation options for different age groups.
Food options: Pack snacks or plan to visit camp stores regularly. "Also great general store," notes Erik M. about Hidden Acres. Most campgrounds operate snack bars or small stores with limited hours, and many require cash payments.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Burlingame State Park Campground offers varying site types across its large property. "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!" advises David M. Request specific site areas when booking or ask for recommendations at check-in.
Hookup limitations: Most state parks provide limited or no hookups. "No hook-ups. This is a con in the heat of the summer if you want/need AC," explains Jessica A. about Burlingame State Park. Private campgrounds typically offer water and electric connections, with select locations providing full hookups.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Unmaintained roadways. The main one was once paved but has not been maintained; others were dirt (and mud after a rain)," cautions Lee D. about Niantic KOA. Large RVs should verify accessibility before booking.
Seasonal pricing: Non-resident fees at state parks can be substantial. "Price - dirt cheap if you are a RI resident, but pricey if you aren't," notes Jessica A. Private campgrounds often charge premium rates during summer weekends and holidays, with discounts available for extended stays.
