Best Campgrounds near Ivoryton, CT

Campgrounds near Ivoryton, Connecticut primarily consist of developed facilities that accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin lodging. The Connecticut River Valley provides the backdrop for several state parks and private campgrounds, with notable options like Wolf's Den Family Campground in East Haddam and Hammonasset State Park Campground in Madison. Most facilities operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through September. Several sites offer water-based recreation opportunities, particularly along the Connecticut River where boat-in camping is available at places like Selden Neck State Park, which features primitive tent sites accessible only by kayak or boat.

Camping seasons vary significantly throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from late spring through early fall. Hammonasset State Park Campground typically opens from May 26 to September 4, while Rocky Neck State Park Campground extends slightly longer through September 29. Private facilities like Riverdale Farm Campsites in Clinton generally offer longer seasons, running from April 1 to November 1. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer mixed-use sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying hookup options. As one visitor noted, "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in."

The Connecticut coastline and river corridor create distinct camping environments with different amenity levels. Family-oriented facilities like Wolf's Den provide numerous recreational options including swimming pools, playgrounds and organized activities. Campers frequently mention the cleanliness and layout of the facilities as highlights. State park campgrounds offer more natural settings with varying degrees of infrastructure. Waterfront access represents a major draw for many visitors, particularly at river sites like Gillette Castle and Selden Neck. Several campers specifically mentioned enjoying watching sunrises and sunsets over the water. The region also includes more rustic options, such as boat-in sites that provide greater seclusion but require additional planning and equipment. Cell service can be spotty at more remote riverside locations, and some facilities enforce quiet hours to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Best Camping Sites Near Ivoryton, Connecticut (124)

    1. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "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."

    2. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-1339

    "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."

    3. Riverdale Farm Campsites

    11 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 669-5388

    "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!"

    4. Niantic KOA

    13 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-9308

    "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."

    5. Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hadlyme, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 873-9681

    "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"

    6. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 526-2336

    $14 / night

    "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."

    7. Crocker's Boatyard

    13 Reviews
    New London, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 443-6304

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Which was walking distance from the boat yard. Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."

    "Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good. Enjoyed the pool.

    Walked to Fort Trumbull.

    Recommend Crockers."

    8. Aces High RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Montville, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-8858

    $74 - $80 / night

    "We stayed at Aces High RV Park for a long holiday weekend to visit with our daughter in Connecticut. We paid$150/night for a‘Premium Waterfront FHU Site’ on the lake."

    "Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it. It was a quiet area with ponds and creeks and a generally relaxing setting."

    9. Gillette Castle State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hadlyme, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 526-2336

    $5 / night

    "There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal. You can swim and fish and relax all day!"

    10. Selden Neck State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Hadlyme, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 526-2336

    $5 / night

    "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in."

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Recent Reviews near Ivoryton, CT

630 Reviews of 124 Ivoryton Campgrounds


  • Sue B.
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Austin Hawes Memorial Campground — American Legion State Forest

    Great State Forest Campground

    Austin Hawes (also known as American Legion State Forest/Campground) is a great little place in a beautiful part of the State. They have cabins if you want some of the creature comforts, as well as sites suitable for tents or campers. Have camped here before in tents and a pop up, it's right on the Farmington River, so we have gone tubing down the river, swimming and fishing as well. The bathrooms have showers and flush toilets, there are hiking trails in and near the campground, and stores not too far. Sites vary in size and privacy.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Black Rock State Park Campground

    Nah

    If you want to feel like you are camping in the middle of a lawless low income housing project, this is the place for you. We camped next to a woman with 2 pit bulls, which was surprising, given the "no dogs allowed" rule, and were surrounded by people partying despite the "no alcohol" rule. Teens congregate in the bathroom so they could charge their devices but did not appreciate you being there to use the bathroom they clearly took over, and even though it's 2025, I still prefer no boyfriends hanging out in the women's bathroom. Call me whatever. Used to camp here years ago, clearly it has gone downhill. Park Ranger? What's that?

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Green Falls Campground

    Inexpensive and primitive

    We like Green Falls. Again, it is inexpensive and kinda primitive, but it sure also quiet and a real woods camping environment. Take a hike around the pond, fish and swim in season, and enjoy a laid back approach to your time here.

  • Sue B.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Mount Misery Campground

    Great spot for no frills camping

    We loved Mt. Misery. We spent $17/night, and we know what to expect at that price point. We stayed during fall foliage season and even though CT has had a drought this year, there were still pretty colors to see. We hiked to the overlook of Mt. Misery and had a great time geocaching and enjoying the trails. We found the campsites to be decent, and a number of them did afford privacy and space, we had 4 people and 3 dogs on our site, and had plenty of room for our travel trailer and 2 tents. We will be back here for sure.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great spot and good communication

    Was in town for the Elvis show. This was minutes from downtown definitely walkable. Will be back again!

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Point Folly Campground

    Great

    I’ve been coming here for decades. Little store has what you need if you can find the shop keeper. Great access to bantam lake. You can leave you canoes/kayaks tied up in the water. Great fishing. Love it overall. The only issue I have is the pit toilets are brutal. If you are tent camping, beware!

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Mystic KOA

    KOA Mystic

    From the first interaction you see this KOA is customer focused. The staff is friendly, professional and helpful. The grounds are well maintained as are the facilities.

  • Christine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Cozy Hills Campground

    Quiet and clean

    So far it's been pretty quiet but we are here at the beginning of October on a Monday. Nice area.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Giant area to pick a spot!

    So half the camp ground is closed for bathroom renovations but that still left the whole other half open and the whole campground by the water! The showers aren’t good, but that always comes with coin showers and not being able to choose the temperature. Site wise no one was around us so it was extra quiet and the park rangers are always around so always help if you need it. Walmart is less than ten minutes away too if you’re needing anything. Great location and best park in Rhode Island. Can’t wait to go back and have the bathroom renovations done!


Guide to Ivoryton

Camping near Ivoryton, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to the beach. For example, at Hammonasset State Park Campground, you can enjoy the beach without any extra entrance fees. One camper mentioned, "The beach was popular," making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Nature Trails: Explore the beautiful nature trails nearby. Campers at Rocky Neck State Park Campground enjoyed hiking, with one reviewer noting, "There are a couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. At Mystic KOA, families can enjoy daily activities, with one visitor saying, "There are lots of play areas and daily activities for little ones."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Bear Creek Campground said, "Friendly staff and really clean bathrooms and shower area."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Odetah Camping Resort mentioned, "Some of the non-seasonal sites are very tight, but overall good short stay, clean with plenty to do."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Niantic KOA, one visitor noted, "Very nice staff, campground is nice also."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Riverdale Farm Campsites mentioned, "Sites are very close to one another," which can lead to a lack of privacy.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. One family at Hammonasset State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Waters Edge Family Campground noted, "Management is VERY RUDE... Not too many activities for kids."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. At Mystic KOA, one parent said, "This is a great place to stay when visiting the coastal Connecticut/Rhode Island area."
  • Check for Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, make sure to check the campground's pet policy. For instance, Hammonasset State Park Campground has a strict no-pets rule.
  • Bring Entertainment: Some campgrounds may not have many activities. A visitor at Waters Edge Family Campground mentioned, "Bingo there is Friday nights; it's a JOKE," so having your own games can help keep kids entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Mystic KOA said, "Our site was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our 45’ motorhome."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. At Bear Creek Campground, one camper noted, "Has electric, water and cable TV connections."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have tight sites. A visitor at Odetah Camping Resort mentioned, "Some of the non-seasonal sites are very tight," so be ready to maneuver.

Camping near Ivoryton, Connecticut, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Ivoryton, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ivoryton, CT is Hammonasset State Park Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 39 reviews.

What parks are near Ivoryton, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Ivoryton, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Northfield Brook Lake.