Rocky Neck State Park Campground sits along the Connecticut shoreline east of Hadlyme, offering a mix of woodland and beachfront camping areas. The region features a combination of glacial till soils and coastal terrain, supporting oak and maple forests that provide natural shade at many campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity levels, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler nights that may require additional layers.
What to do
Beach access at Rocky Neck State Park: Rocky Neck combines camping with swimming beaches. According to camper Nita D., "Short walk to Rock Neck beach. Nature Center has movies on weekends for kids." The campground's beach area can get crowded during peak summer months.
Kayaking opportunities: Paddle enthusiasts can access waterways at several campgrounds, though planning may be required. As one Rocky Neck visitor notes, "Anyone with kayaks can't easily get to boat launch. It's 4-5 miles by car at 4 mile river boat launch."
Hiking trails: Niantic KOA connects to nearby trail systems leading to beaches and natural areas. A reviewer mentioned, "Really nice that you can walk to the trails/beach and Rocky Neck." Most trails are moderate difficulty with minimal elevation gain.
Riverside recreation: Hidden Acres Campground offers water-based activities on its property. One camper shared, "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary between campgrounds, with private resorts typically offering more amenities. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, a visitor observed, "Restrooms/showers are the cleanest I've seen anywhere."
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds provide generous site dimensions. According to a Wolf's Den camper, "50x30 sites common. I would recommend to stay here if in the area."
Shuttle services: Convenient transportation options enhance accessibility. At Niantic KOA, "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT."
Planned activities: Riverdale Farm Campsites schedules events for all ages. One visitor noted, "They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most glamping accommodations near Hadlyme require advance booking, particularly on summer weekends. Availability varies by season, with many sites closed during winter months.
Site conditions: Terrain can affect campsite quality across the region. At Burlingame State Park Campground, "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open."
Traffic noise: Highway proximity impacts some locations. A Mystic KOA guest mentioned, "You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field."
WiFi access: Internet connectivity varies significantly between properties. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, "The internet was horribly slow and kept dropping connections."
Weather preparedness: Coastal storms can affect camping experiences. One Rocky Neck camper advised, "Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain!"
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule entertainment options for children across different age groups. At Strawberry Park, a visitor reported, "The kids ride their bikes to the sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities."
Playground options: Multiple play areas help keep younger campers engaged. A Riverdale Farm guest noted, "Playground is nice. They did a show on the beach one night that was fun too."
Budget activities: Many campgrounds offer affordable entertainment. According to a Riverdale Farm visitor, "My son won a game prize worth 5 times that. I had to give the rest of the money I had as a tip because I was so happy with how everything worked out."
Rental flexibility: Some properties accommodate schedule changes when needed. One Riverdale Farm camper shared, "They have changed days for me many times when I had issues with the camper. Never once asked questions or even treated me differently. No extra cost."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Larger RVs require specific accommodations. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers."
Dump station access: Wastewater facilities vary between properties. Wolf's Den offers "only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp."
Hookup availability: Many parks have limited electrical capabilities. A Wolf's Den visitor noted, "Power and water at every site. Grey dump at site. Honey wagon available."
Campground navigation: Road conditions affect RV maneuverability. One camper at Riverdale Farm observed, "Most of the roads are paved, the sites are large and level, there are full hookups, and a dump station."
