RV camping near Groton, Connecticut provides access to the Thames River estuary and Long Island Sound coastline. The area features a humid continental climate with warm summers averaging 80°F and cool winters, making May through October the prime camping season. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with only select facilities offering year-round options for recreational vehicles.
What to do
Beach access: Located within 15 miles of Sun Outdoors Mystic, campers can visit Misquamicut Beach in Westerly. "We loved Westerly & Misquamicut Beaches. Lots to do in the area and stores if needed," notes one visitor who used their campground as a convenient home base.
Historic sites: Fort Trumbull State Park offers maritime history exhibits within walking distance of Crocker's Boatyard. According to a recent camper, "We went and visited Fort Trumbull which is also walking distance away. Very nice place to visit and learn. Also took a tour of the Coast Guard Ship at Fort Trumbull."
Water activities: Kayaking opportunities exist near many campgrounds, with one visitor to Aces High RV Park reporting, "There is also a creek area for dog swimming. Our two labs loved it! Local kayaking areas and about 30 min to Foxwoods Casino, even closer to Mohegan Sun."
What campers like
Pool facilities: Swimming pools rank high on camper satisfaction lists during summer months. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, a visitor noted, "Our stay was in the spring before their busy season started so some things like the pool and water features were closed but the appearance was that it was well cared for and was a very popular attraction for families."
Clean sites: Well-maintained grounds receive consistent praise, particularly at Strawberry Park, where a recent camper mentioned, "Easy check in right at front gate, didn't even have to get out of the truck. Site was wide and allowed me to easily back in. Near perfect level. New fence poles show renovations were consistently done."
Recreation options: Organized activities enhance camping experiences at larger facilities. A Strawberry Park visitor shared, "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. Live band on Saturday night was nice."
What you should know
Variable site sizes: Campground density varies significantly across the region. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, one camper observed, "Our site was a nice long, level pull-thru. Hook-ups were placed in ideal locations for the pad which was gravel. There is a nice tent section that has a number of nice sites but do not have hookups but are located near a bathhouse."
Staff interactions: Management quality impacts visitor experiences. At Meadowlark RV Park, "We were received very friendly by a nice lady who told us everything about the camp and its surroundings," while another campground received criticism for staff conduct.
Seasonal operations: Most facilities close during winter. While Sun Outdoors Mystic typically operates from April through mid-October, Aces High RV Park stays open year-round according to a visitor who noted, "Many pull-thru sites, maybe 20 back ins on a pond. Nice staff, nice pool & facilities. Also, this is open year round."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Organized recreation programs benefit families with children. A long-time Strawberry Park visitor shared, "Bingo every night, and more activities than you could possibly do! The kids ride their bikes to the sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities. Oh and my young children LOVE the air pillow, they have spent hours on there."
Age-appropriate amenities: Seek campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, "They had an arcade, theater area. The mini golf course was actually really nice and not the run-down homemade ones that you usually see at campgrounds."
Rainy day options: Weather contingencies matter for family trips. One Strawberry Park camper appreciated that "The rec staff always have a smile and they change the schedule when it rains to rainy day activities."
Tips from RVers
Site configuration: Consider how campsites are arranged for social situations. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, "We camped here with friends and got one of the 'buddy sites' so our patios faced each other. I like this configuration when camping with friends but would not like this site if we did not know our neighbors."
Hookup reliability: Utility quality varies between parks. At Countryside RV Park, a visitor confirmed, "Water, electric & sewer sites. Very quite, rules are in-forced. This is camping, if you're looking for entertainment bring your own!"
Off-season options: Winter camping requires advance planning. When visiting during colder months, check which amenities remain operational, as one camper at Sun Outdoors Mystic noted, "Our stay was in the spring before their busy season started so some things like the pool and water features were closed."
