Rocky Neck State Park Campground features four distinct camping areas with Crane loop positioned as the quietest section for nervous dogs. The campground sits approximately one mile from the beach, making it convenient for campers to cycle between their site and the water. Located near East Lyme, Connecticut, this 160-acre state park offers a mix of terrain with rocky shorelines, salt marshes, and woodland areas where temperatures typically range from 36°F in winter to 82°F in summer.
What to do
Explore coastal waters: The Crocker's Boatyard marina setting provides a unique vantage point for observing maritime activities. "Loved watching the boats being moved into the water. Close to everything we wanted to see in New London," notes Jody R. The area connects to walking trails toward Fort Trumbull State Park.
Visit local attractions: When staying at Sun Outdoors Mystic, campers can easily access nearby points of interest. "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions," explains Nancy W. Many visitors enjoy launching kayaks north of the drawbridge in town for water-based exploration.
Enjoy beach activities: At Rocky Neck State Park, seasonal visitors mention the varying tide conditions as a highlight. "You'll enjoy the low tide," shares Todd J., while other campers note the walk to the beach provides exercise and scenic views through the wooded paths connecting the camping loops.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The Odetah Camping Resort receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Immaculate bathrooms... every night we went to bed tired and looking forward to doing it all again the next day," reports one camper. The resort offers comprehensive amenities including a lake, pool area, and splash pad.
Diverse site options: Hammonasset State Park Campground provides varied camping experiences across its grounds. "Large sights, mostly families, not loud, descent bathrooms, warm showers, nice beaches, great hiking and bird watching," notes Ossama B. The campground's proximity to multiple beaches gives visitors choices for shoreline activities.
Convenient amenities: At Niantic KOA, the shuttle service stands out as a particular benefit. "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT," shares one visitor. The campground provides connectivity to local attractions without requiring personal transportation.
What you should know
Site conditions vary: At Burlingame State Park Campground, campers should understand the layout before booking. "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open," explains Andrew P. The campground size means significant variation in privacy and terrain.
Reservation timing: During peak seasons, particularly summer weekends, campgrounds fill quickly. Hammonasset Beach State Park becomes extremely crowded, with one visitor noting, "The camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!"
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds near major roadways experience sound interference. At Mystic KOA, a camper mentions, "The only drawback is the proximity to Interstate 95. You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Strawberry Park offers numerous activities for children of all ages. "Bingo every night, and more activities than you could possibly do! Kids are not bored here!" shares Ryan C. The campground includes sports fields and recreation centers to keep younger visitors engaged.
Beach access considerations: Families visiting Hammonasset should plan accordingly for the beach conditions. "The actual beach isn't too nice; not soft sand, broken shells, and cigarettes. However, the campgrounds have nice facilities like a shop, good showers, a playground, and volleyball courts," advises Laura L.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: When traveling with children, pet-friendly campgrounds often provide suitable environments for families. "Great for kids! The skunks are friendly," shares Jean V. about Rocky Neck State Park, indicating the wildlife viewing opportunities that interest young campers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Aces High RV Park, RV campers appreciate the thoughtfully designed spaces. "Well organized campground with both water front back in sites as well as large pull throughs. Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors," explains April L. The campground maintains grassy areas around each site.
Hookup considerations: Many campgrounds in the region offer various levels of hookups. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, "Hook-ups were placed in ideal locations for the pad which was gravel. The cable tv worked well and many sites would accommodate satellite users," reports one visitor. This attention to utility placement makes setup more efficient.
Leveling requirements: RV campers should be prepared for variable terrain. At Burlingame State Park, site conditions can present challenges as "some level some not" according to visitors, making leveling blocks an essential item to pack for camping trips in the area.
