Glamping options near Middle Haddam, Connecticut provide luxury outdoor accommodations within heavily wooded terrain at elevations around 300-500 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters, making most glamping facilities seasonal operations. Water access is common with several campgrounds situated near rivers, ponds, or lakes for recreation.
What to do
Beach access and trails: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers both forest camping and beach proximity. "The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc...We stayed in Egret," notes one visitor, who adds that "anyone with kayaks can't easily get to boat launch. It's 4-5 miles by car at 4 mile river boat launch."
Disc golf and water sports: Wilderness Lake Park provides free kayaks and canoes for lake use. A reviewer mentioned, "The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring," and added that "the host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property."
Amusement park access: Lake Compounce Campground offers direct access to the adjacent amusement park. As one camper noted, "This is adjacent to an amusement park so there were lots of families here." The campground also hosts activities like "bingo and corn hole the weekend we were there."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Riverdale Farm Campsites offers full-hookup sites with room to spread out. A reviewer praised the practical layout: "It is about 20 miles from Mystic and the historic seaport center. Most of the roads are paved, the sites are large and level, there are full hookups, and a dump station."
Privacy options: Wilderness Lake Park provides secluded tent sites separate from RV areas. "Tent sites are nice and isolated, but not scary far apart," one reviewer explained, recommending "site 1, it's in its own area with pretty flat terrain."
Clean facilities: Rocky Neck State Park Campground maintains well-kept sites despite high usage. "I love this campsite, I have been going with my friends and family for as long as I can remember. It's right near the beach, and the campsites and bathrooms are always clean," reported a regular visitor.
What you should know
Limited hookups: Some glamping sites near Middle Haddam have partial hookups only. At Lake Compounce Campground, a camper observed, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
Weather considerations: Many locations close during winter months. Most operate seasonally from May through October, with Rocky Neck State Park Campground operating "May 26 to September 29."
Reservation policies: Niantic KOA requires planning ahead but offers many amenities. "The checkin was quick and organized, the rules were clear the hosts were very organized and the staff were attentive. They give every family a free newspaper every day," noted one first-time RV camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Brialee Family Campground schedules regular family programming. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs," shared one visitor, who appreciated that "they do trash pickup on the weekends so you can just leave your bags at the end of your site."
Beach day preparations: Burlingame State Park Campground offers pond swimming but gets crowded. "This is a great family campground. Lots to do and it is massive! You can bike for ever and go to the lake! Camp store literally has anything you would need," advised one camper, who warned about bathroom cleanliness: "Bathrooms are usually always busy, and are pretty dirty from people coming back from the beach. SAND EVERYWHERE!"
Equipment needs: Pack appropriate supplies for varying facilities. One Niantic KOA visitor recommended, "Be prepared for dirty restrooms and come armed with hand soap (they no longer provide any), paper towels, and Clorox wipes."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Odetah Camping Resort provides resort-style amenities but limited privacy. A reviewer observed, "Resort is the right word! 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... The only con is the sites are not very private...at all."
Access planning: Wolf's Den Family Campground accommodates large RVs but with limitations. "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," advised one experienced RVer.
Seasonal considerations: Off-peak visits offer quieter experiences. At Burlingame, "We were there the weekend after Labor Day weekend in 2014, and it was pretty quiet. Nice for biking, cute little beach, dog friendly."
