Glamping near Montville, Connecticut includes multiple state parks and family resorts within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at elevations between 50-500 feet above sea level with forests dominated by oak, maple and pine trees. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, making May through October the prime camping season, with some locations extending their season for Halloween-themed events.
What to do
Lake activities: swimming and fishing: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers a beach experience with convenient facilities. "Beautiful campground right near the beach. Hiking trails along the coast line," notes Timothy R. about the park's coastal setting. Another camper adds, "We stayed in Egret. We camped at site #4 (sunny) then moved to #38 (shady)."
Tubing opportunities: river adventures: Hidden Acres Campground provides river tubing for summer recreation. "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night," reports Erik M. The campground combines water activities with evening entertainment options.
Hiking trails: woodland explorations: Burlingame State Park Campground features extensive trail networks for nature walks. "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," notes Jessica A. about the 700-site park that spans woodland and waterfront areas.
Mini-golf and recreation: Sunfox Campground offers family-friendly recreation beyond water activities. "This place is a dream. Stayed here for a month in the fall. Campground is situated in a beautiful valley with a little pond, hiking trails, playground, jumping pillow, swimming pool and hot tub," shares Claire M. about the diverse recreational options.
What campers like
Clean facilities: updated bathrooms: Wolf's Den Family Campground maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "Very very clean. 50x30 sites common. I would recommend to stay here if in the area," reports Jeremy G. The campground provides full facilities including "mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids."
Beach proximity: quick access: Niantic KOA offers transportation to beaches and town. "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT," mentions Snooz H. The shuttle service makes beach trips convenient without needing to move vehicles once campers are set up.
Privacy levels: site spacing: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. "Sites were spaced a decent amount of space apart (although there is little physical separation). This was helped by the fact that there was no one on either side of us during our stay," notes Dana C. about her experience at Odetah Camping Resort, where site privacy can vary seasonally.
Halloween events: seasonal fun: Multiple campgrounds offer fall-themed activities. "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating," Brian P. shares about his experience at Strawberry Park during their seasonal celebration.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: The 700+ sites at Burlingame State Park vary significantly in quality. "If you want a good visit do not stay down by the lake!!!" advises David M., suggesting that interior sites might offer better camping conditions despite being farther from water access.
Bathhouse conditions: Facilities can vary based on usage and time of season. "Bathhouses and toilets were not as cleaned as I would have liked but passable. Coronavirus social distancing required," reports Nita D. about Rocky Neck State Park's sanitation protocols during her stay.
Off-season limitations: Mystic KOA offers year-round camping but with seasonal amenities. "We were able to use the pool, facilities and the store and never felt that we were compromised," notes Jenn about COVID-era camping, demonstrating how some amenities remain available even during restricted periods.
Weather preparedness: The Connecticut coast can experience significant weather changes. "Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain!" advises Madeline H. based on her experience camping in the region, where summer thunderstorms can develop quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: daily entertainment: Family-focused campgrounds offer structured recreation. "Owner is very involved, energetic, and friendly. There are events for the kids every weekend and it's such a fun environment!" reports Claire M. about Sunfox Campground's organized programming.
Beach preparation: crowd management: Popular state parks require planning. "Great Beach, but beware, it can be crowded!!!! So get their early if you do go to the beach," advises Michelle D. about Rocky Neck State Park, suggesting early morning arrival for beach access.
Pool alternatives: splash areas: Many families appreciate water play options beyond traditional pools. "This place has a quant campground geared towards families being out together. They have a beautiful pool, playground and a large jumping pillow like a huge trampoline you can't fall off of," explains Tara N. about Sunfox's family features.
Noise expectations: weekend patterns: "On the weekends people can get out of hand with the partying and it's not uncommon to have to listen to noise late into the night. Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed," advises Jessica A. about Burlingame State Park, suggesting midweek stays for quieter camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: size matters: Wolf's Den Family Campground accommodates various RV sizes but with some 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," notes Kevin J., providing practical advice for larger rigs.
Road conditions: access challenges: Some campgrounds have unpaved access roads. "Unmaintained roadways. The main one was once paved but has not been maintained; others were dirt (and mud after a rain)," reports Lee D. about Niantic KOA, advising campers to consider recent weather when planning arrival.
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full connections. "You just can't go wrong with a KOA campground. His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for," notes Jason A., emphasizing the benefits despite limited hookup options at some sites.
Dump station availability: Many campgrounds offer scheduled pumping services. "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," explains Bernie C. about services at Niantic KOA for extended stays.
