Samuel T.
Scout
ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
It Was Nice
Brought our dog along and really appreciated having a trail we could walk together. It was nice being able to get out for a walk without even leaving the campground.
Camping near Higganum, CT
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
State parks and private campgrounds surround Higganum, Connecticut, providing varied camping experiences within the Connecticut River Valley. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground in nearby East Haddam offers basic tent and RV sites with electric hookups, though sites are notably close together with limited privacy. Just a short drive south, Hammonasset State Park Campground in Madison features beachfront camping with both primitive and full-hookup options. Family-oriented private facilities like Wolf's Den Family Campground and Riverdale Farm Campsites provide more amenities, including water and electric hookups, camp stores, and organized activities. Hidden Lake Farm offers a more intimate experience with only five tent sites, while Getaway Machimoodus provides cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April or May through September or October, with state parks generally closing earlier in the fall than private facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when beach campgrounds fill quickly. As one camper noted about Hammonasset, "I would recommend reserving early to get some of the more private campgrounds on the outskirts and near the woods or you may be in the field with everyone else." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though WiFi availability varies by campground. Ticks can be problematic, particularly at Devil's Hopyard where one camper reported finding "over 25 ticks" during a two-night stay. Weather conditions are typically pleasant from late spring through early fall, with summer temperatures occasionally reaching uncomfortable levels at sites without shade.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Rocky Neck State Park Campground, about 30 minutes southeast of Higganum, offers a mix of open field and shaded sites with beach access. According to one visitor, "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way." Many campgrounds provide boat access to the Connecticut River, with one camper noting, "I like coming here with boat and going in the Connecticut River." Family-friendly amenities are common, including playgrounds, nature centers, and hiking trails. Site privacy varies considerably, with state park campgrounds generally offering less separation between sites than some private facilities.
Best Campgrounds near Higganum (139)
1. Hammonasset State Park Campground
"Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."
"I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.
Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. Riverdale Farm Campsites
"The lake is perfect, the river needs work. But this an awesome small campground. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice."
"Sites are very close to one another. Level pull through site. Quit in the evening!"
3. Wolf's Den Family Campground
"This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."
"Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"
4. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
"There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly."
"The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites."
from $14 / night
Check Availability5. Rocky Neck State Park Campground
"The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground. The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."
"Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability6. GrandView CampResort & Cottages
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability7. Markham Meadows
8. Waters Edge Family Campground
"We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."
"This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."
from $45 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. Niantic KOA
"His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area."
"Close to level parking pad, with table and very nice brick firepit. Sites not too close together. I had woods behind me. I would definitely camp here again."
10. Getaway Machimoodus
"Machimoodus is one of the newest outposts just outside Boston and NYC. My bf and I went during one of the snowiest weekends all winter, but it was completely worth it!"
Drive Time
- 22 min from Hartford, CT
- 30 min from Waterbury, CT
- 34 min from New Haven, CT
- 35 min from Norwich, CT
Recent Camping Photos near Higganum, CT
195 Photos of 139 Higganum Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Wolf's Den Family CampgroundJ
Selden Neck State Park Campground
Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground
The Farm at Carter HillJ
Salem Farms Campground
Hammonasset State Park CampgroundO
Waters Edge Family CampgroundR
Aces High RV Park
Niantic KOA
Rocky Neck State Park Campground
Lake Compounce Campground
Odetah Camping ResortE
Recent Reviews near Higganum, CT
717 Reviews of 139 Higganum Campgrounds
- FFrank P.Scout
Nickerson Park Family Campground
Friendly staff, very clean and quiet campground
Stayed for a weekend. Staff was super friendly and the park was very clean. Enjoyed some fishing and caught some small trout with my kids. Very relaxing and enjoyed our stay.
SamScoutSelden Neck State Park Campground
Campsite
I do not recommend staying at this campsite. As you can't drive to the Campsite, as you have to come on a kayak or canoe.
- S
Sean D.
TravelerHammonasset State Park Campground
Outstanding campground, park and location
Overall a superb spot to either stay put and enjoy the camp, park and beach or to use as a base to explore the region. Huge campground, yet peaceful. Online map would make it seem spaces are tight but it is a very big area and so ample room to stretch out your space. Not a lot of privacy as most spaces are out in the open or light tree area but it is not an invasive feeling situation. Very popular for CT families with biking, walking and the beautiful beach right here. Lots of grass, level sites. A few sites have electric but not many and this seems to be the big rig area. Most people are tent or small camper setups. Bathrooms clean, hot water reasonable temp. Dish washing stations at each restroom. Movies at night (kids). The state park is really pretty and well maintained. The area towns are very pretty and remarkably quiet in general (not many tourist traps) and its easy to access various shoreline parks, drives, viewpoints. I'd avoid the spots very nearest the park road as it does get a lot of day visitors to the park/beach. I'm here late August and schools go back this week so midweek the campground is less than half full but I believe it will fill for the weekend.
Edward J.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Two-Night Getaway
We brought the camper for a quick two-night getaway and spent most of our time doing absolutely nothing. Cooked outside, read a little, and finally slowed down for a weekend.
Noah H.ScoutWhite Pines Campsites
We Had Booked Another
We came up for two nights with our tent and ended up wishing we had booked another. Nothing fancy about our weekend, just cooking outside, sleeping under the trees, and enjoying some time away.
- JJames M.Scout
Oak Haven Family Campground
Good basic campground for short days
We use Oakhaven as our first camping trip of the year typically it’s near a home less an hour away yet it feels like it’s much further. Well, located in a small community in southwestern Massachusetts. You can access a lot of tourist areas for day trips if you’re so inclined like Sturbridge mass or the Cobb and Reservoir area. This is a great campground for dogs nice areas to take a walk and also out into the main town area. Owners are pretty chill. There isn’t a ton of activities or special events. Just a few to keep things interesting. Camp store is well stocked.
Karen M.ScoutCrocker's Boatyard
Awesome! people and location
great location, with pool, electric and bathrooms/showers. close to ferry
Richard T.ScoutGibson Hill RV Park
Nice Campground
Nice campground for a quick stop. Our site was easy to get into, everything worked like it should, and we had a peaceful night before getting back on the road.
Guide to Higganum
Camping near Higganum, Connecticut offers access to the Connecticut River Valley's natural features at elevations averaging 400 feet above sea level. The region experiences seasonal temperature swings with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds with stronger signals near more developed areas and weaker coverage in more remote locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Eight Mile River at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground attracts anglers during trout season. "Small little campground located in an amazing and beautiful park. Go here every spring for opening day of fishing season and camp the entire weekend," notes camper Allan D. The park's Chapman Falls provides a scenic backdrop for fishing.
Beach activities: The shoreline at Hammonasset State Park Campground offers swimming and beachcombing just steps from campsites. According to Tiffany T., "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center." Beach access requires a short walk from most sites.
Wildlife viewing: Trails behind campsites at Devil's Hopyard State Park provide access to extensive marsh areas with active beaver colonies. One camper observed, "The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly." Bird watching opportunities exist throughout the park's wetland areas.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wolf's Den Family Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. A visitor mentioned, "Very very clean. 50x30 sites common. I would recommend to stay here if in the area." The campground provides power and water at every site with access to a honey wagon service for waste disposal.
Campsite privacy: While many state parks have limited site separation, Waters Edge Family Campground offers more secluded options. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park. Every one of us had a great time with the perfect campsite deep in the woods," reports camper Rob L.
Natural water features: Ponds and lakes complement river access at several campgrounds. Riverdale Farm Campsites includes a swimming pond that campers appreciate. "It was a beautiful day on the beach pond," notes one visitor. Waters Edge Family Campground also provides lake access for fishing, kayaking and swimming.
What you should know
Site spacing concerns: Many campgrounds have closely positioned sites. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, "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," explains Carli V.
Tick prevention: Devil's Hopyard requires particular caution regarding ticks. One camper reported finding "over 25 ticks, mostly from sitting at the table when we first arrived" during a two-night stay. Recommendations include bringing chairs rather than using picnic tables and checking clothing regularly.
Reservation timing: State parks fill quickly during peak season. As one Hammonasset visitor noted, "The camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!" Most campgrounds open reservations 6-11 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Salem Farms Campground provides numerous recreation opportunities. "We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing. Everything was clean and well kept," reports Tara K. The campground has two swimming pools and free equipment loans for various games.
Nature education: Hammonasset's nature center offers educational programming. "We make it a point to spend at least a week here every summer! Our family favorite is meig's point nature center," shares one regular visitor. Programs typically run daily during summer months with reduced schedules in spring and fall.
Weekend considerations: Salem Farms' atmosphere changes significantly between weekdays and weekends. One camper observed, "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 its a whole different story on the weekend." Families seeking quiet might prefer midweek stays.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Wolf's Den Family Campground provides electric and water connections at sites but limited sewer options. "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp," notes Kevin J. The campground accommodates most RV sizes though larger rigs face some limitations.
Access challenges: Larger RVs may struggle at some campgrounds. "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 an RV owner about Wolf's Den Family Campground. Calling ahead to confirm site dimensions is recommended.
Electrical considerations: At Hammonasset, many sites lack hookups. "We've been going to Hammonasset for years as a large family gathering. Most sites don't have hook ups so you have to run off battery and water storage tanks if you have a RV," explains Jason B. RVers should plan for limited power access at state parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities can I enjoy while camping in Higganum?
What outdoor activities can I enjoy while camping in Higganum?
Higganum and the surrounding Connecticut area offer diverse outdoor activities for campers. At Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking on scenic trails. The Connecticut River provides excellent boating opportunities, particularly near Wolf Den where campers frequently take boats out on the river. For equestrian enthusiasts, Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest offers horseback riding trails through beautiful woodland areas. Many campgrounds also feature recreational facilities like bocce ball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard when operational during peak season.
Where can I find camping in Higganum, Connecticut?
Where can I find camping in Higganum, Connecticut?
While Higganum itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive. Wolf's Den Family Campground is situated on the east side of the Connecticut River, accessible via the bridge near Goodspeed Opera House. For a more secluded experience, Wilderness Lake Park offers peaceful tent sites away from the busier RV areas. Other nearby options include Markham Meadows in East Hampton and GrandView CampResort & Cottages in Moodus, both providing convenient access to Higganum's attractions.
What amenities are available at Higganum camping areas?
What amenities are available at Higganum camping areas?
Camping areas near Higganum offer varying levels of amenities. Hammonasset State Park Campground provides well-maintained shower facilities, bathrooms, and a camp store with essential supplies. For those seeking more luxurious accommodations, Mystic KOA features a swimming pool, splash pad, recreational hall, and is conveniently located near popular attractions. Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities such as water access and toilet facilities. Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides bath houses and restrooms close to campsites but no hook-ups for $33 per night. Seasonal availability affects which amenities are operational, with pools and recreation facilities typically fully available during summer months.
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