RV camping near Mystic, Connecticut offers sites within 30 minutes of coastal attractions and historic sites. The area experiences typical New England weather patterns with summer highs in the 80s and winter lows in the 20s. Campgrounds in the region typically operate from April through October, with a few locations offering limited year-round RV accommodations for travelers needing winter options.
What to do
Kayaking on local waters: Launch from public areas near Timber Creek RV Campground and paddle to historic sites. One visitor to the Mystic area noted, "One day we launched our kayaks north of the drawbridge in town at the public launch and paddled down to Mystic Seaport which was fun to see the historic boats from the water."
Hiking forest trails: Access woodland paths directly from Newport RV Park, where trails start at the edge of the campground. "There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," reports one camper, while another adds, "Plenty of hiking within walking distance and a short drive to all local attractions."
Beach exploration: Drive 15-20 minutes from Mystic area campgrounds to coastal beaches. A visitor stated, "We were there for the beaches and mansions. Will stay again," noting the convenient access to shorelines from camping locations.
What campers like
Dog-friendly facilities: Many RV parks near Mystic welcome pets with designated areas. At Aces High RV Park, "There is a creek area for dog swimming. Our two labs loved it!" Another reviewer appreciated the "huge dog park" at Newport RV Park, noting it was "a 5 minute walk" from their site.
Well-maintained hookups: Visitors appreciate properly designed utility connections. One camper at Aces High RV Park noted, "Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right)."
Spacious, level sites: Several campgrounds offer concrete pads with good spacing. "Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors. Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it," reported a visitor about Aces High RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Countryside RV Park operates "May 1 to Oct 15," limiting availability for late fall or early spring travelers.
Noise policies: Campgrounds enforce quiet hours and behavioral rules. As one Countryside RV Park visitor noted, "Very quite, rules are in-forced. This is camping, if you're looking for entertainment bring your own!"
Site spacing variations: Some RV parks offer more room than others. A camper at Ashaway RV Resort observed, "The sites are VERY close, but the people are nice and we had a great stay."
Cell reception concerns: Signal strength varies significantly. Some locations offer poor connectivity, as one reviewer mentioned about a Massachusetts campground: "Next, the place is massive and they are more about make money than making people comfortable... the cell reception is bad."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds with child-specific amenities. One visitor to Thousand Trails Sturbridge stated, "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"
Water activities: Some parks offer swimming and boating options. "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly," noted a Thousand Trails Sturbridge visitor, providing alternative entertainment for children.
Proximity to attractions: Base your stay near family-friendly destinations. One camper reported, "This is the perfect place to stay if your visiting Newport, RI. We had a great time at this small campground, very clean and nice staff."
Bathroom facilities: Check the location and cleanliness of facilities if traveling with children. One reviewer cautioned about Newport RV Park: "Also if you're tent camping, the bathrooms are very inconvenient."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Bring adequate leveling blocks for sloped sites. One RVer at Newport RV Park noted, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Premium site options: Consider waterfront locations for better views. "We paid $150/night for a 'Premium Waterfront FHU Site' on the lake. A bit pricey, but really nice site including level concrete pad and patio," reported one Aces High RV Park visitor.
RV size accommodation: Check specific site dimensions before booking. "Many pull-thru sites, maybe 20 back ins on a pond," noted one camper at Aces High RV Park, indicating options for various RV sizes.
Laundry limitations: Be prepared for potential equipment issues. One RVer complained about Newport RV Park: "My biggest complaint is the dryers are terrible. I had to dry my clothes 3 times (that's 3 hours). Nobody has time for that."
