Camping sites near Middle Haddam, Connecticut are situated in the central Connecticut River Valley region where elevations average 300-500 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping months. State parks and private campgrounds in the region operate primarily from April through October with many facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Hammonasset State Park Campground: Located about 25 miles south of Middle Haddam, this campground offers beach access within walking distance of campsites. "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. You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center," notes a camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground.
Trout fishing near Devil's Hopyard: The streams and rivers around East Haddam provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly in spring. "Small campground located in an amazing a beautiful park. Go here every spring for opening day of fishing season and camp the entire weekend," shares a visitor to Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground.
Mini golf and recreation: Many campgrounds in the area offer on-site recreational facilities for days when you don't want to venture far. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available," explains a camper at Salem Farms Campground.
What campers like
Quiet wooded sites: The campgrounds near Middle Haddam often feature wooded areas providing natural settings. "The sites aren't cramped and there is plenty of tall trees providing shade throughout most sites. One visitor to Waters Edge Family Campground said, "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs!"
Pond and lake access: Several campgrounds offer water features beyond the Connecticut River. "You can fish, kayak or swim if you like. The camp store is adequately supplied and they had just enough activities for the kids to be engaged," mentions a camper at Waters Edge Family Campground.
Proximity to attractions: The central location makes day trips convenient. A camper at Wolf's Den Family Campground shared, "This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River. Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. The campground itself is really nice."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most camping facilities close during winter months. At Markham Meadows near Middle Haddam, the season runs "from mid-April to mid-October" according to their official schedule.
Bathroom and shower availability varies: Facilities differ significantly between state parks and private campgrounds. "Bathhouses and toilets were not as cleaned as I would have liked but passable. Coronavirus social distancing required," noted a visitor to Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
Limited privacy at some sites: Particularly in state parks, sites can be close together. A camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground observed, "Small campground and the sites are close together. No amenities other than porta potty's. The state park is nice but the campground isn't the best."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: For families wanting water activities, some parks offer better facilities than others. "The beach is a short walk away from the camping site, but the camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!" advises a visitor to Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
Planned activities for children: Check campground schedules for organized events. "Great place to hang with friends and family, lots of activities, clean bathrooms," mentions a camper at Riverdale Farm Campsites.
Playground availability: For families with young children, on-site playgrounds provide convenient entertainment. At Waters Edge Family Campground, a visitor noted the "great safe place for kids to play" and that they have an "amazing dog park" that's better than some town playgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many state parks offer limited or no hookups. An RVer at Rocky Neck State Park Campground pointed out that "sites include one paved parking spot, a fire pit and a picnic table. No water or electric hookup."
Length restrictions on older campgrounds: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. A visitor to Wolf's Den Family Campground advised, "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers."
Full-service options: For those wanting complete hookups, select private campgrounds offer more amenities. At Lake Compounce Campground, about 30 miles west of Middle Haddam, an RVer noted, "Very nice campground. Has electric, water and cable TV connections. Clean bathrooms and nice store."
