Tent camping options near Hadlyme, Connecticut concentrate in the Lower Connecticut River Valley region. Most camping areas require advance planning for seasonal availability from late spring through early fall. Winter camping is generally unavailable due to facility closures and weather conditions. Water access is a distinguishing feature of several campgrounds, with river currents and tides affecting camping conditions.
What to do
Water exploration: Access the Connecticut River directly from Hurd State Park River Camping where paddlers can navigate the river system. According to campers at Gillette Castle State Park Campground, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
Hiking trails: Follow marked paths through woodland terrain at Onion Mountain Park. "We ended up finding a very primitive spot off the blue trail (on top of the mountain), where we settled down for the night," reports a camper, noting that "There are a lot of bugs so be prepared, and we did put a bear bag about 100 feet away."
Wildlife viewing: Observe local fauna at River Highlands State Park River Campground during early morning hours. A visitor notes, "The campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river," though they caution about natural inhabitants: "the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this)."
What campers like
Isolation: Selden Neck State Park Campground provides true separation from development. "You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car," explains one camper, adding that "It's about a 20 minute paddle across the river to the island."
Low-commitment camping: Onion Mountain Park serves as an accessible option for beginners. A visitor shares, "My BSA troop has been going here for years to help new scouts learn to camp. It is a very casual site and good for your first trip, you are close to your car and the road in case you need it so no need for a bear bag."
Quiet environment: White Memorial Campground offers a peaceful woodland setting with minimal noise. A camper who stayed for a week reports, "Great experience! Quiet woods atmosphere with trail's. Wonderful place to camp. Very clean."
What you should know
Access restrictions: Boat-in camping requires watercraft and paddling experience. At Selden Neck, "If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags. Once you get to the island, follow the bank north until you spot the sign for your campsite."
Facility limitations: Chapman Pond Preserve provides basic amenities but minimal comforts. A camper describes it as a "Middle of no where site" with "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view."
Reservation systems: Most sites require advance planning. At Onion Mountain Park, camping operates on a "first come first served basis" and contrary to some information, "you can not [park right at the site]. It's up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take. However, it's not a long walk to the parking area from the campsite."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly sites: Hidden Lake Farm provides more structured camping with amenities for children. A reviewer notes the property is "Quiet and Private" with "2 lodging options to choose from. Pets welcome!"
Teaching opportunities: Onion Mountain Park serves as an educational environment. One visitor explains, "It is a very casual site and good for your first trip" making it ideal for "new scouts learn to camp."
Weather considerations: River areas frequently experience morning fog. A Selden Neck camper reports, "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long and we headed back."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: While tent camping dominates the Hadlyme area, Sodom Mountain Campground offers more developed options within driving distance. A seasonal camper notes, "This campground has improved with the new owners as of 2021... All roads are dirt and all potholes have been repaired. The clubhouse is being renovated and activities are now back. Great Wi-Fi now, store has been redone and grands are much nicer."
Tent sites for RVers: Several campgrounds accommodate both tents and small RVs. At River Highlands, the sites are primarily designed for tent camping but offer "electric hookups" and "water hookups" according to their amenities list, making them suitable for minimal RV setups.
Accessibility issues: Most campgrounds near Hadlyme feature unpaved access roads with limited turnaround space. At Onion Mountain Park, a camper clarifies that despite some information suggesting drive-up access, "Other posts claim you can park right the site, but you can not. It's up the yellow or blue trail depending on which one you take."
