Camping opportunities near Salem, Connecticut include state parks, private RV resorts, and marina-based options within the coastal woodlands. The area has moderate humidity with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August. The terrain around Salem features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests and several small ponds and streams.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Visitors to Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground can access Chapman Falls within minutes of their campsite. "We hiked and went fishing nearby. There are few places to purchase goods on the way to the site so stock up before arriving," notes Christine K. The waterfall trail is accessible for most ability levels.
Boating access: Crocker's Boatyard provides unique camping with marina views and water access. "Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest," reports joe G. The location serves as an ideal base for exploring the Thames River and nearby coastal areas.
Mini-golf and games: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities on-site. At Odetah Camping Resort, "From a massage at the Spa to a fun band by the lake, to Bingo night, mini-golf and awesome ice cream Sundaes... tennis & basketball games... every night we went to bed tired and looking forward to doing it all again the next day," shares Happy Camper L.
Beach shuttle service: Transportation to coastal areas is available from some campgrounds. "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT," mentions Snooz H. about Niantic KOA, making beach access convenient even without a vehicle.
What campers like
Pond fishing: Many campsites offer fishing opportunities directly on property. At Wolf's Den Family Campground, "At the back of the property, there's also a fishing pond, which my husband loved," reports Laura L. The campground is located near the Connecticut River with additional fishing spots nearby.
Spacious fire rings: Campsites at Salem Farms Campground feature well-constructed fire pits. "Fire pits are nice and big made with large rocks," notes Tracy D. These larger fire rings accommodate multiple people comfortably for evening gatherings.
Pool facilities: Multiple swimming options exist throughout the area's campgrounds. "Clean, family friendly campground. Pet friendly with plenty of area to walk. Close to I-95 and 15 minutes from the beach. Fishing areas for the kids," says Tom S. about Aces High RV Park. Many campgrounds maintain both pool facilities and access to natural swimming areas.
Historical attractions: The area surrounding Salem provides access to significant historical sites. "Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera," shares Kevin J. These destinations offer educational opportunities within short driving distance from most campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Variable noise levels: Campground atmosphere can change dramatically between weekdays and weekends. "We stayed for 4 nights during the week, and it was the quietest campground we've ever stayed in. We were told by a seasonal that it's a whole different story on the weekend," advises Tracy D. about Salem Farms Campground.
Tick prevention: Multiple campgrounds report significant tick populations, particularly in wooded areas. "Be very careful with ticks, there were tons of them under our picnic table and by the campfire. Bring your own chairs to sit on and don't put too much down that they may be able to stick to. Our 2 nights we found over 25 ticks," warns Shannon B. about Devil's Hopyard.
Limited privacy: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. "Small campground and the sites are close together," reports Tim L. about Devil's Hopyard. For more seclusion, Water's Edge Family Campground offers "very friendly owners and staff, nice sites and you feel totally relaxed when you stay there," according to Mary S.
Supply availability: Some campgrounds have limited access to supplies. "There is a general store in Hadlyme about 4 miles away. Other than that there are not many options for food or supplies," notes Robert L. Many campers recommend stocking up on necessities before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Off-season activities: For families seeking fall camping experiences, Aces High RV Park offers extended season options. "Clean, family friendly campground. Pet friendly with plenty of area to walk. Close to I-95 and 15 minutes from the beach," shares Tom S. The campground remains operational later in the season than many state parks.
Seasonal considerations: Family-friendly events vary by season at many campgrounds. "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," notes Brian P. about Odetah Camping Resort. These scheduled activities provide entertainment without leaving the campground.
Safety protocols: Campground safety measures vary considerably. "No one enforces the parks rules so some groups tend to be rowdy later in the evening, children on bikes darting in front of moving cars," warns Jason B. about Hammonasset State Park. Parents should verify supervision levels and quiet hours enforcement when booking.
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer educational wildlife viewing opportunities. "The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly," describes Shannon B. about Devil's Hopyard, providing natural observation experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad availability: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers varied site surfaces. "Every campsite has its own fire pit with a grill attachment and a picnic table. My site was tent only and you couldn't pull your car up to the site so unloading and loading was a hassle," notes Carli V. RVers should verify site accessibility before booking.
Hookup limitations: Water and electric access varies between campgrounds. "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp," explains Kevin J. about Wolf's Den Family Campground. Some locations offer partial hookups with honey wagon service for longer stays.
Vehicle size restrictions: Older campgrounds may have limitations for larger RVs. "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," advises Kevin J. RVers with larger vehicles should call ahead to confirm site dimensions.
Weather preparation: The coastal location experiences frequent summer storms. "It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site," reports Lee D. about Niantic KOA. RVers should prepare for potentially muddy conditions after rainfall.
