Mystic, Connecticut offers diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius, from state parks to private resorts. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations under 300 feet, creating relatively flat terrain for easy campsite setup. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping season, with higher humidity levels near the coast making evenings comfortable without excessive overnight cooling.
What to do
Beach access from campgrounds: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers a unique camping experience with beach access. One camper noted, "The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc...We stayed in Egret." The park features both a separate day-use swimming area and a camper-specific beach section.
Kayaking and paddling: Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provides excellent water access. "We launched our kayaks from the day use area because the campground boat launch was extremely crowded. 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!" according to one visitor.
Local exploration: The Niantic KOA offers unique transportation amenities for exploring the area without driving. A camper shared, "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT." This service runs regularly during summer months, making local exploration convenient for campers without vehicles.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer direct water access sites. At Hopeville Pond, "The gem is the canoe sites at the north of the campground. These are tent only. You park and walk about 100 yards to the site. There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond."
Clean facilities: Fishermens Memorial State Park Campground maintains high cleanliness standards. Visitors appreciate that "Bathrooms were spotless" and that the park is "Very professionally managed." The campground offers full-hookup sites with paved pads in some areas, and separate tent-only sections.
Organized activities: Strawberry Park provides extensive scheduled programming. A camper mentioned, "We love camping at Odetah. Clean facilities. Great staff. New pool and hot tub." Another noted it has "everything from a pool, splash pad, boats, food, ice cream, lots of activities, friendly helpful staff, delivery to your site from the camp store and nice shaded spacious sites."
What you should know
Price variations: Cost differences between in-state and out-of-state campers can be substantial. At Fishermens Memorial, "The rates for out of state campers are significantly more than for residents. I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more for out-of-state campers."
Environmental factors: Campgrounds near highways experience traffic noise. Sun Outdoors Mystic (formerly Seaport RV Resort) has great facilities but some sites have noise exposure. The location provides excellent access to local attractions, with one visitor noting it's "in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions."
Site selection: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At Rocky Neck, "Sites in loops A-E tend to back up to one another and are wooded, but not a lot of low brush providing privacy. A few of the E loop sites are right on the water; some of the C loop sites are across from a grassy beachy area." Researching specific loops and site numbers before booking improves your experience.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused resorts: Odetah Camping Resort provides extensive family programming. As one camper described, "There is lots to do at the campground especially for kids. Each weekend has a big schedule of events- farmers' market, themed activities and a band. In addition there is good fishing on the pond, mini-golf, pool and splash pad, etc. Kids are not bored here!"
Seasonal considerations: Some family activities are only available during peak season. At Rocky Neck, "Nature Center has movies on weekends for kids" during summer months. The swimming areas at many campgrounds are only staffed with lifeguards from late June through August.
Pet restrictions: Family camping with dogs requires careful planning. At Hopeville Pond, "Pets are not allowed at this campground!" This restriction applies to all visitors and is strictly enforced, so families camping with dogs should select alternative options like Strawberry Park or Niantic KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the Mystic area have uneven terrain. At Fishermens Memorial, a visitor cautioned, "Unfortunately, our site was very sloped and had a huge tree trunk in the middle. We asked to change but they were booked." Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended.
Marina RV options: For RVers seeking unique water views, Crocker's Boatyard offers marina camping. "We had a spot right next to the pool and the docks. Very convenient. The staff does a great job," reported one camper. These sites provide electric and water hookups plus access to marina amenities.
Hookup limitations: RVers should verify hookup availability before booking. At Niantic KOA, "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." Extended stays may require planning for dump station visits or arranging additional pump services.
