The camping sites near Ledyard Center, Connecticut feature varied terrain from wooded settings to waterfront locations within the Pachaug State Forest region. Most campgrounds operate primarily between April and November, with many local sites closing earlier in October than the Mystic-area facilities. The region sees average summer temperatures between 75-85°F with humidity levels typically reaching 65-75% during peak camping months.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: At Hopeville Pond State Park Campground, kayakers can access extensive waterways beyond just the pond. "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!" notes one camper.
Ferry excursions: When staying at Crocker's Boatyard, take advantage of the proximity to transportation options. A visitor shared, "The next day we took the ferry to Block Island which was also walking distance from the boat yard. Block Island a must see. Took the 5 pm ferry back."
Hiking trails: Campgrounds connect to several trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "There are also some trails for walking/hiking, a basketball hoop, a dump station, and recycling," mentions a Hopeville Pond visitor. Most trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging 4-5 mile connecting paths.
Historical exploration: Several campsites provide access to historical attractions. "We went and visited Fort Trumbull which is also walking distance away. Very nice place to visit and learn. Also took a tour of the Coast Guard Ship at Fort Trumbull," reports a Crocker's Boatyard camper.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Burlingame State Park Campground offers extensive water activities beyond swimming. "Lovely location - it's in the middle of the woods, has a pond, has pond swimming. It's just minutes to the ocean by car. Hiking and biking for miles," explains one reviewer.
Multiple pool options: Odetah Camping Resort exceeds standard swimming amenities. "The lake is great!! The pool area is a little small, but the attraction is the lake. The splash area at the pool is great for little kids," shares a happy camper.
Well-maintained bathroom facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor. At Hidden Acres Campground, a visitor noted, "Sites are nice and the restrooms/showers are the cleanest I've seen anywhere."
Tubing opportunities: The flowing water near Preston provides recreation beyond just swimming. "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night," mentions a Hidden Acres camper, highlighting the variety of water-based activities.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in this region have limited operating seasons. According to Hopeville Pond State Park information, they operate from "May 26 to September 4," while Strawberry Park has a slightly longer season running "May 1 - Oct 23."
Site privacy variations: Sun Outdoors Mystic highlights the importance of choosing the right site configuration. "I like this configuration when camping with friends but would not like this site if we did not know our neighbors," explains one reviewer about their buddy site experience.
Capacity limitations: Many campgrounds reach full capacity during summer weekends. Burlingame State Park Campground is particularly large with "over 700 sites" according to a reviewer who warns, "Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed."
Beach access timing: Rocky Neck State Park Campground's beach areas can get extremely busy. A visitor shared, "Beach can be crowded. But it is worth it. Nice food shack. Great family place." Arriving before 10am on weekends is recommended for optimal parking and space.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Strawberry Park offers extensive family programming. A repeat visitor shared, "There are seasonal and weekenders alike. 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."
Consider specialized sites: Some campgrounds offer unique arrangements for family comfort. "We were able to bike for ever and go to the lake! Camp store literally has anything you would need," notes a Burlingame State Park visitor about the extensive biking opportunities.
Budget for extras: Many campgrounds charge additional fees for activities beyond camping. "Very affordable (around $14 per night). We stayed near the camp store and playground. Lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking," a Burlingame camper reports.
Weather preparedness: Connecticut's summer humidity requires specific preparation. "When my family went here it poured! And we were thankful that there were so many things to do, painting ceramics, karaoke, an arcade," explains a visitor to Strawberry Park, highlighting the importance of rainy day options.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Niantic KOA, choosing the right location matters. One RVer advised, "Sites are very large and spaced out for privacy," while noting their experience was positive because, "Check in was a breeze."
Hookup limitations: Several campgrounds have partial hookups only. A Niantic KOA camper explained, "No sewer hook up, but they do provide a honey wagon pump service, once, free of charge. They say you can request additional pumps for a fee, if necessary."
Surface conditions: Weather impacts site quality significantly in this region. "It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site," reported a Niantic KOA visitor.
Local transportation: Some campgrounds offer transportation services to nearby attractions. "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT," mentions a KOA visitor, which can be particularly valuable for larger RVs that are difficult to move once set up.
