Camping opportunities within the eastern Connecticut woodlands near Hanover feature a range of terrain from riverside sites to woodland settings. The region sits at elevations between 200-400 feet above sea level, with the Pachaug and Shetucket river systems creating natural recreation corridors. Spring temperatures typically range from 45-70°F, while summer can bring extended periods of humidity with temperatures consistently above 80°F.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: At Waters Edge Family Campground, campers enjoy direct lake access for kayaking. One visitor shared, "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night."
Explore hiking trails: Multiple paths connect campgrounds to nearby forest systems. A camper at Hopeville Pond noted, "There are many trails for hiking and a beach for swimming. There is a boat launch too." Some trails lead to viewpoints of surrounding valleys and small waterfalls.
Visit local attractions: Many campsites serve as convenient bases for exploring coastal Connecticut. From Mystic KOA, travelers can easily access regional highlights. "We chose Mystic KOA and stayed in a full hook up-50amp pull through site. The campground is close to Mystic Seaport, which was beautiful. We ate Mystic Pizza II at our campsite (right down the road), and visited the adorable town of Groton to eat at Fred's Lobster."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. At Sunfox Campground, a visitor appreciated "Super clean, friendly environment very nice playground and pool plus a nice lake to swim and fish in."
Family-oriented activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout summer months. A visitor to Brialee Family Campground reported, "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs."
Water recreation: Swimming options vary from natural ponds to constructed pools. According to one visitor, "The lake is great!! The pool area is a little small, but the attraction is the lake. The splash area at the pool is great for little kids."
Seasonal programming: Halloween camping has become increasingly popular. A family who stayed at Odetah shared, "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating."
What you should know
Booking requirements: Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays. At Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, campers should book early for waterfront sites, particularly sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 which "have direct waterfront on the pond."
Quiet hours enforcement: Enforcement varies significantly between campgrounds. At Salt Rock Campground, one visitor noted "quiet hours are merely a suggestion, and folks turn up until 4AM on Friday nights."
Site privacy levels: Campsite layouts range from secluded to social. A camper mentioned, "The sites in this loop offer more privacy; there's also a cabin at the beginning of this loop."
Pet policies: Rules for dogs vary by location. While many private campgrounds welcome pets, a visitor pointed out, "Note: Pets are not allowed at this campground!" regarding Hopeville Pond State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: Choose campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas for different age groups. At Burlingame State Park Campground, "Lovely location - it's in the middle of the woods, has a pond, has pond swimming. It's just minutes to the ocean by car."
Planned activities: Many campgrounds offer structured events. A visitor to Strawberry Park 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."
Site location: For families seeking quieter experiences, select sites away from common areas. One camper advised, "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!"
Recreation options: Campgrounds offer varying amenities for children. A visitor mentioned, "My young children LOVE the air pillow, they have spent hours on there. My husband loves playing volleyball in the adult pool, and I love the aqua robins every day."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water services vary across the region. At Strawberry Park, "Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities."
Site levelness: RVers should prepare for varying terrain. A visitor to Hidden Acres noted, "Sites are nice and the restrooms/showers are the cleanest I've seen anywhere."
Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer on-site sanitation facilities. According to one review, "There are two dumping spots each with two dumps."
Site spacing: Privacy between RV sites varies significantly. As one visitor explained, "Sites are close together. The whole campground was dominated by seasonal campers. There was not full service sewer hook up, only gray water. There was a dump station."
