Cabin camping near Jewett City, Connecticut offers diverse experiences across lakeside and wooded settings with varying degrees of privacy. Located in New London County at approximately 300 feet above sea level, the region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Average summer temperatures range from 75-85°F during June through August, while spring and fall camping seasons can experience temperature swings between 45-70°F.
What to do
Fishing at local ponds: Hopeville Pond State Park Campground features both fishing and boating opportunities with a dedicated boat launch. "There are many trails for hiking and a beach for swimming. There is a boat launch too," notes Kelly F., highlighting the variety of water activities available.
Kayaking adventures: At Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, paddlers can enjoy both pond and river exploration. "We launched our kayaks from the day use area because the campground boat launch was extremely crowded. From here, we paddled south to the end of the pond and up the Pachaug River, eventually reaching the dam at Pachaug Pond. It's an 8 mile paddle with some tricky spots to navigate, but very pretty!" explains Cynthia K.
Family activities: Strawberry Park offers extensive organized recreation options throughout the camping season. "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. Oh and my young children LOVE the air pillow, they have spent hours on there," shares Ryan C.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming facilities, with Burlingame State Park Campground offering both a dedicated swimming beach and pond access. "Swim in the pond. Fish in the pond (catch and release). Bike. Hike. Hammock," suggests Jessica A., highlighting the simple pleasures available.
What campers like
Multiple cabin options: Whispering Pines Campground offers cabin rentals with convenient access to recreational amenities. "The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!" reports Eddy B., noting the family-friendly atmosphere at this nearby Rhode Island option.
Secluded waterfront sites: Some campers prefer the more private options available at Hopeville Pond. "The gem is the canoe sites at the north of the campground. These are tent only. You park and walk about 100 yards to the site. There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site!" shares Jason S.
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at Hidden Acres Campground. "Hidden Acres is a great family campground. Family-owned and it's got a really friendly group of family and staff. Sites are nice and the restrooms/showers are the cleanest I've seen anywhere," reports Mary S.
Convenience to attractions: The location of campgrounds relative to regional points of interest matters to many visitors. "We go to Mystic Connecticut every year and always stay in a hotel. From here on out we will do our annual trip with our camper at Mystic KOA! It provided us the opportunity to have our own space all while still enjoying our favorite activities in the area," explains Jenn, highlighting the practicality of cabin camping near tourist destinations.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "We went in cooler September during Covid, so we couldn't take advantage of all the amenities, but we've already decided we need to book a trip for peak season next summer," shares Dana C. from Odetah Camping Resort, indicating the importance of timing your visit.
Varying bathroom conditions: Facilities differ dramatically between campgrounds and can change throughout the season. "Bath houses - are usually pretty filthy, and that's because there are too many people per bath house, and people are gross," warns Jessica A. about Burlingame State Park.
Noise levels: Campground atmosphere varies by location and timing. "On the weekends people can get out of hand with the partying and it's not uncommon to have to listen to noise late into the night. Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed," advises Jessica A.
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "The only drawback is the proximity to Interstate 95. You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field," notes Cynthia K. about Mystic KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Consider activity schedules: Timing your visit around organized events enhances the experience. "When my family went here it poured! And we were thankful that there were so many things to do, painting ceramics, karaoke, an arcade (at the time it had DDR which was all the rage). It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well," shares Michelle D. about Strawberry Park.
Choose sites strategically: Site selection affects the quality of your stay. "Loop F is not along the water, but there the large beach has a parking area, also used by day visitors. The sites in this loop offer more privacy; there's also a cabin at the beginning of this loop," advises Jean C. about Hopeville Pond State Park.
Pack for weather fluctuations: The region experiences variable conditions. "Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can. Be prepared for dirty restrooms and come armed with hand soap (they no longer provide any), paper towels, and Clorox wipes," suggests Jessica A.
Bring recreational equipment: Extra gear enhances water activities. "Lots of fun at the beach, kayaking on the lake or just hanging at your site," recommends Mary S. about Hidden Acres Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to the terrain when selecting sites. "All sites appeared level and even though they were supposed to have gravel pads, they were mostly a mix of dirt (or mud) and grass with a little gravel," reports Lee D. about Hopeville Pond State Park.
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities for RVs. "Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities," notes Lee D.
Dump station access: Factor this into your planning. "There are two dumping spots each with two dumps," shares Andrew P. about Burlingame State Park Campground, providing practical information for RV campers.
Site privacy variations: RV sites often have different spacing than tent areas. "The sites are surprisingly close to each other offering little privacy. I'd say they're 10'-15' apart at most," observes Miccal M. about Nature's Campsites.
