RV campgrounds near Lebanon, Connecticut provide access to both natural attractions and city amenities. Located in New London County with elevations ranging from 300 to 600 feet, this area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 80°F and cold winters averaging 20°F. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited year-round options available in the region.
What to do
Kayaking on local waters: Several campgrounds offer water access for paddling. At Ross Hill RV Park, "we took our kayaks up to the dam and fished our way back," according to one visitor who enjoyed the Quinebaug River access. Multiple fishing spots are available within walking distance of most sites.
Hiking nearby trails: Explore wooded paths at Salt Rock Campground where "there are some nice hiking trails along the river." The trails range from easy walks to more moderate terrain, suitable for various skill levels and ages.
Explore Mystic attractions: Within 30 minutes of most Lebanon area campgrounds, Mystic offers multiple day-trip options. A camper at Seaport RV Resort notes, "One day we launched our kayaks north of the drawbridge in town at the public launch and paddled down to Mystic Seaport which was fun to see the historic boats from the water."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained bathrooms: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority. At Aces High RV Park, visitors appreciate that "Spots are well organized and no issues with hookups. Propane is available at the store." The park maintains clean facilities throughout the camping season.
Spacious sites with privacy: Site layout and size matter to campers in this region. "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors. Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it," writes one Aces High RV Park visitor.
Water features and recreation: Ponds and pools rank high on camper priority lists. Sturbridge RV Resort offers "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly" activities throughout the summer months, with lifeguarded swimming areas available during peak season.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-October), advance booking is essential. Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially for holiday weekends and fall foliage season. Sites at Countryside RV Park are described as "Beautiful, family owned & run, quiet, large sites. Close to I-395," making them popular choices that book quickly.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. At Sturbridge RV Resort, campers report "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls." Consider your connectivity needs when choosing a location.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited year-round options. Salt Rock Campground operates "May 20 to September 29," while others like Countryside RV Park run "May 1 to Oct 15," affecting late season camping plans.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For those traveling with children, recreation areas make a difference. At Douglas Forest RV Resort, "The playground equipment shows its age," so families with younger children may want to bring additional activities.
Movie nights: Some campgrounds offer evening entertainment. Salt Rock Campground features "movie night on the field, and it's right off sites 1-7 and is horribly loud. I understand what they are trying to do with this, and don't hate the idea of it." Check the activity schedule when booking if noise is a concern.
Swimming options: Water activities provide entertainment for children. Sturbridge RV Resort offers "indoor pool with lifeguard," which extends swimming season beyond summer months when weather permits. Natural swimming areas are also available at several parks, though supervision varies.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers recommend researching site configurations. At Seaport RV Resort, "we camped here with friends and got one of the 'buddy sites' so our patios faced each other. I like this configuration when camping with friends but would not like this site if we did not know our neighbors."
Electrical capacity issues: Power limitations affect some locations during peak season. At Salt Rock Campground, some sites offer "electric, water, and sewer hookups with some sites suitable for larger motorhomes," but capacity varies significantly between campgrounds.
Access road challenges: Many RV parks have difficult approach roads. Ross Hill RV Park accommodates big rigs with pull-through sites, but local roads can present challenges. Campers note that approaching from certain directions minimizes difficult turns and low-hanging branches that might damage taller vehicles.