Best Tent Camping near Middle Haddam, CT
The Connecticut River valley near Middle Haddam offers several tent camping options within a short drive, including established campgrounds and more primitive sites. Selden Neck State Park Campground provides boat-in tent camping on an undeveloped island in the Connecticut River, with four designated campsites accessible only by kayak or boat from Deep River Landing. Chapman Pond Preserve offers walk-in tent sites with platforms overlooking the Connecticut River, while Gillette Castle State Park Campground provides tent camping with multiple access options including hike-in and boat-in sites.
Most tent campsites in the Middle Haddam area require some preparation regarding access and amenities. Selden Neck's sites include fire pits and picnic tables, but campers must pack in all supplies and water. According to reviews, waterproof bags are essential when paddling to the island due to boat wake. Chapman Pond Preserve features tent platforms and outhouses but no drinking water. Sites at Onion Mountain Park, though farther from Middle Haddam, offer primitive tent camping with existing fire rings but require hikers to bring all supplies. Most campgrounds permit fires when conditions allow, though seasonal restrictions may apply during dry periods.
Tent-only sites in this region provide unique experiences not available to RV campers. At Selden Neck State Park, campers report excellent sunset views over the Connecticut River and small beaches that emerge at low tide. One visitor noted, "The Hogback site offers plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, a picnic table, fire pit, and private outhouse." Onion Mountain Park campers describe finding "very primitive spots off the blue trail" that accommodate smaller tents with pre-established fire rings. The walk-in nature of these sites ensures greater seclusion and quiet compared to developed campgrounds. Windmill Hill at White Memorial Campground offers a more established tent camping experience with toilets and trash service while maintaining a "quiet woods atmosphere with trails," as noted by recent visitors.