Best Campgrounds near Groton, CT

Campgrounds near Groton, Connecticut range from state parks to marinas with RV spaces. The region includes Rocky Neck State Park Campground, located on Long Island Sound approximately 10 miles west of Groton, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations without hookups. Several private facilities like Crocker's Boatyard in New London provide unique marina-based camping for RVs, while established campgrounds such as Mystic KOA and Sun Outdoors Mystic accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin rentals within 15 miles of Groton.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with state parks typically open from late May through September, while private RV resorts may extend their seasons into October or November. Rocky Neck State Park requires advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when beach access is a popular draw. Campers report variable bathroom cleanliness at state facilities, though most are adequately maintained. Water and electric hookups are limited at state parks but standard at private campgrounds. The coastal location means moderate temperatures but potential for coastal storms. "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way," noted one Rocky Neck visitor.

Mixed-use campgrounds dominate the Groton area, with many facilities accommodating both tent and RV camping. Crocker's Boatyard stands out for its unique setting, with campers mentioning the interesting experience of watching marina operations. "We were here on an extremely hot and humid couple days. It was great to have electric and water hookups. Also being able to use their pool with our grandchildren was great," shared one reviewer. Rocky Neck State Park receives consistent praise for its beach access, though some mention crowding during peak summer weekends. The campgrounds near Mystic provide convenient access to local attractions, including the Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium, making them popular bases for exploring the region while maintaining camp amenities like showers, restrooms, and recreational facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Groton, Connecticut (117)

    1. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-1339

    "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."

    "Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."

    2. Crocker's Boatyard

    12 Reviews
    New London, CT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 443-6304

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Which was walking distance from the boat yard.

    Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."

    "Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good.

    Enjoyed the pool.

    Walked to Fort Trumbull.

    Recommend Crockers."

    3. Burlingame State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 / night

    "My parents stayed in a bunkhouse and my husband and I stayed on the adjacent site. Bunkhouse is very basic but clean. Sites are well spaced with lots of types to choose from."

    "There's a small beach at the pond, a boat ramp, and proximity to wildlife refuges and the ocean. It's a HUGE campground, with 700 sites and 20 cabins. Canoes are available to rent."

    4. Mystic KOA

    24 Reviews
    North Stonington, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 599-5101

    "We had a great time walking the dogs, and we used the dog run several times.

    The campground is close to Mystic Seaport, which was beautiful."

    "During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."

    5. Niantic KOA

    13 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-9308

    "His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area."

    "Close to level parking pad, with table and very nice brick firepit. Sites not too close together. I had woods behind me. I would definitely camp here again."

    6. Aces High RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Montville, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-8858

    $74 - $80 / night

    "We stayed at Aces High RV Park for a long holiday weekend to visit with our daughter in Connecticut. We paid$150/night for a‘Premium Waterfront FHU Site’ on the lake."

    "Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it. It was a quiet area with ponds and creeks and a generally relaxing setting."

    7. Sun Outdoors Mystic

    6 Reviews
    Mystic, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 817-5696

    "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions."

    "Seaport RV is a great, spacious campground with many amenities and a location close to Mystic."

    8. Strawberry Park

    13 Reviews
    Griswold, CT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 886-1944

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"

    "It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs. Live band on Saturday night was nice."

    9. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 889-4144

    "Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."

    "Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."

    10. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

    "   I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."

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Recent Reviews near Groton, CT

617 Reviews of 117 Groton Campgrounds


  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Fort Getty Campground

    Great Park Just Not for Camping

    Forty Getty Park RV Campground seems like a great location, with a good bit of history and a lot to offer to anyone visiting, which is why I was eager to visit it this past weekend while traveling through the Jamestown area of Rhode Island. I'd still call it a great place to visit, just not the best to attempt to stay at overnight or camp at. That is something else entirely in this case. 

    THE GOOD👍 Again, an absolutely gorgeous location on the shores of Jamestown😍 that being the park, NOT the campgrounds. The campground itself🏕 and particularly the⛺️ tenting section are pretty far removed from any of that and the water itself in reality. 

    THE Bad. In actuality, the campground looks to be a complete afterthought. More like, What should we do with this little grassy area next to the RV park?... oh maybe that can be for tents! Or,. Where the hell are we going to fit some tents⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️around here? Oh, I know, how about over on the hill by the bathrooms?🚻 next to the RV park fencing? Oh yeah, that sounds Perfect👍 

    The Ugly There's no Ugly. The people seem nice, the park is great,t and everyone working there was polite and courteous. It's just a shame they haven't given any real consideration to the camping section or provided a real space for campers to come enough the area. What you're left with is a grassy knoll with a bunch of tent sites tightly clustered together and right next to or on top of the RV park in a way that didn't seem necessary.

  • j
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great!

    Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    I mean wow!!

    So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.

    We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.

    And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!

  • J
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Wildwood State Park Campground

    Our go-to spot

    My wife and I love this campground. It is right at the entrance to wine country on Long Island and has a beach on the Long Island Sound. (A little rocky on the north shore)

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    Lots of Amenities

    The Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    Great amenities, staff and location

    Charming, full of wonderful amenities and nice extras. Nice staff, fun coin scavenger hunt, great pool, well stocked store, wide sites, lots of grass/trees and space to stretch out. Missing full hook ups but the staff and overall vibe more than make up for it. Community garden was something we hadn’t seen before - super fun.

  • John K.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Perfect place

    We stayed there with our RV for 2 nights.  We had a spot right next to the pool and the docks. Very convenient.  The staff does a great job.

  • Alicia B.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    River Highlands State Park River Campground

    Beautiful But Beware of Arachnids

    We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river. As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this). Otherwise, it’s a peaceful and scenic spot worth seeing!


Guide to Groton

Camping near Groton, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Hammonasset State Park Campground, are just a short walk from the beach. One camper mentioned, "The beach was popular," making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at George Washington State Campground. A reviewer noted, "There are some great things going for it, namely the hiking trails and views of the lake."
  • Fishing and Snorkeling: At Wells State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and snorkeling. One visitor shared, "We did some snorkeling & fishing!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground stated, "Bathrooms are very nice," which is a big plus for families.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Mystic KOA said, "The staff are amazing and the entire place is completely geared to families."
  • Activities for Kids: Campgrounds like Brialee Family Campground offer plenty of activities. One family mentioned, "The activities were great and kept my grandchildren busy."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "Overnight noise was an issue. Lots of cars coming and going."
  • Site Privacy: Privacy can vary by campground. A camper at Wilderness Lake Park mentioned, "Some sites are close together, but it doesn't feel packed."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A reviewer at Hammonasset State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Brialee Family Campground. One parent said, "The sand beach is great for the kids and there is always something going on."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the camp store. A camper at Mystic KOA mentioned, "The camp store has a small variety of camp supplies, drinks and food."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Make sure to schedule downtime. A family at Wells State Park Campground enjoyed a "relatively quiet" experience despite some noise from other campers.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be uneven. A reviewer at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground noted, "The site we chose is very uneven so leveling the RV wasn't real easy."
  • Book Full Hookup Sites: If you need full hookups, book early. A camper at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "The back half of the campground has 50@ full hookups with much longer and level sites."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some campgrounds have spotty service. A visitor at Wilderness Lake Park said, "There was minimal cell phone coverage with Verizon."

Camping near Groton, Connecticut, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beach day, hiking, or just a peaceful getaway, there's something for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Groton, CT?

The Groton area offers several excellent camping options. Mystic KOA in nearby North Stonington provides clean, spacious sites with helpful staff and is conveniently located for exploring Mystic's attractions. Just a short drive away, Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers sites near Long Island Sound with beach access. Other notable options include Hammonasset State Park Campground with beautiful beachfront sites, Hopeville Pond State Park where you can camp, swim, fish and hike, and Wilderness Lake Park featuring secluded tent sites. Most campgrounds in the area provide clean facilities and access to outdoor activities, making them ideal bases for exploring Connecticut's coastal region.

Are there RV campgrounds available near Groton?

Yes, several quality RV campgrounds are available near Groton. Wolf's Den Family Campground is located off Route 9 on the east side of the Connecticut River and offers convenient access to attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. Strawberry Park in Preston is another excellent option with full hookup sites. Additional RV-friendly options include Sun Outdoors Mystic with big-rig-friendly sites, and Odetah Camping Resort which offers boat-in and drive-in access with full amenities. Most RV parks in the area provide water hookups, dump stations, and 30/50-amp electrical service, making them suitable for various RV sizes.

Can I find affordable or cheap camping options in Groton?

Yes, affordable camping options exist near Groton, with state parks offering the best value. Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provides reasonably priced sites with swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Pachaug State Forest offers first-come, first-served camping at budget-friendly rates. State parks in Connecticut typically charge around $30-35 per night for basic sites with restroom access but limited hookups. For those willing to travel slightly further, George Washington State Campground near the Connecticut-Rhode Island border offers affordable rates. During off-season periods, even private campgrounds like Whispering Pines may offer reduced rates, though amenities might be limited outside peak season.