Tent camping opportunities around Jewett City, Connecticut extend into neighboring Rhode Island, offering rustic woodland camping within a 30-mile radius. The region features several state parks and management areas where campers can access both waterfront and forested sites. Seasonal considerations include Rhode Island's camping season typically running May through September, while Connecticut state parks often maintain longer availability depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Paddle to island campsites: Chapman Pond Preserve provides secluded tent platforms with Connecticut River views. A recent camper reported, "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view. Good site."
Fishing at multiple locations: Buck Hill Campground offers access to Wakefield Pond where anglers can catch various freshwater species. According to a visitor, "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities... This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc don't expect much else."
Hiking on interconnected trails: The Arcadia Management Area in Rhode Island contains numerous camping sites connected by trail systems. The LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area serves as a base for exploring these paths, with three separate camping areas spread throughout the 14,000-acre management area.
Castle exploration: Gillette Castle State Park Campground combines camping with historical sightseeing. "Great place for a hike or a picnic. Castle has tours at certain times," notes one visitor who enjoyed the unique combination of outdoor recreation and historical exploration.
What campers like
Morning river views: Early risers appreciate the Connecticut River vistas, especially from water-access sites. As one Gillette Castle camper described, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset."
Beach access at low tide: Selden Neck State Park Campground reveals small beaches during low tide periods, creating temporary play areas and swimming spots. A camper noted the natural rhythm: "At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on."
Cluster camping for groups: Buck Hill Campground features large group sites that accommodate multiple tents. "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). Many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond," according to a review, making it ideal for family reunions or scout troops.
Primitive settings with basic comforts: Most sites maintain a balance between rustic conditions and necessary amenities. The tent platforms at Chapman Pond Preserve provide flat, stable foundations while maintaining a wilderness feel.
What you should know
Access limitations: Many prime camping locations require boat transportation. The 20-minute paddle to Selden Neck State Park demands preparation: "You have to kayak or boat in. There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car."
Seasonal permits required: From Memorial Day through Labor Day, permits are needed for parking at certain boat launches. The Deep River Landing access point for Selden Neck requires permits during peak season.
Variable amenities: Arcadia Backpack Camping Area and other sites in the region offer inconsistent facilities, with some providing outhouses and picnic tables while others have no infrastructure beyond fire rings. Research each location's specific amenities before departing.
Weather considerations: Morning fog can delay departure from river islands. A Selden Neck camper cautioned, "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long and we headed back."
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly campgrounds: Frosty Hollow Camping Area in Rhode Island provides established tent sites suitable for youth groups with larger capacity areas. Nearby Buck Hill Campground has a similar layout: "I'm pretty sure this is a scouting campground. All the sites are in large clusters."
Swimming spots for children: Several campgrounds offer natural swimming areas without lifeguards. Buck Hill features "a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything. The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water."
Bring waterproof gear: When paddling to island campsites with children, protect belongings from splashing. One parent advised from experience at Selden Neck: "If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags."
Age-appropriate camping spots: Consider children's paddling abilities when selecting water-access sites. A parent who camped with their 5-year-old at Selden Neck found site 2 (Hogback) particularly suitable: "Plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit. There's a private outhouse."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping sites near Jewett City restrict vehicle size and access. While Water's Edge Campground accommodates RVs with hookups, the majority of natural camping areas in the region are accessible only by foot, boat, or small vehicles.
Hookup availability: Water's Edge Campground provides tent campers with RV amenities including 30-amp electrical hookups, water connections, showers, and trash service. This makes it a suitable compromise for groups with both tent campers and RVers.
Dump station planning: While traveling with RVs near tent sites, plan for sanitary dumps. Water's Edge Campground maintains a sanitary dump station, but most tent-focused areas lack this facility, requiring advance planning for longer stays.
