Rocky Neck State Park Campground accepts pets in its camping areas from May through September with nearby wildlife viewing opportunities. The park's 160-acre grounds include a mix of shaded and open field sites each with individual fire pits. In addition to the state park, several private campgrounds throughout the New London County area accommodate pets with varying amenities and restrictions. Campers traveling with dogs will find multiple options within a 30-minute drive of New London, Connecticut, ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV resorts and rental cabins.
What to do
Beach activities at Hammonasset State Park Campground: Located approximately 35 minutes from New London, this shoreline campground provides direct beach access for swimming and sunbathing. "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need," notes reviewer Tiffany T., who recommends biking around the property. The nature center at Meig's Point offers educational programs about local coastal ecosystems.
Kayaking opportunities: Launch your own kayaks to explore local waterways near Burlingame State Park Campground just across the Rhode Island border. "Very affordable (around $14 per night). We stayed near the camp store and playground. Lots to do with kids including fishing, game room, and hiking," reports Cendy G. The campground includes a pond for fishing and kayaking, with additional water access points nearby.
Casino visits: Several campgrounds in the region provide convenient access to both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos. Aces High RV Park puts you "about 30 min to Foxwoods Casino, even closer to Mohegan Sun," according to April L. Many campers appreciate the ability to spend a day at the casinos then return to a peaceful camping environment with "ponds and creeks and a generally relaxing setting."
Historic seaport exploration: Visit Mystic Seaport Museum from Mystic KOA, which places you near multiple attractions. "We love the town of Mystic and all there is to do and see. The KOA is in a good location to visit downtown and nearby attractions," explains reviewer Nancy W. The campground's location allows convenient access to both the historic seaport district and the aquarium without long drives.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the New London area generally maintain their bathroom and shower facilities well. At Strawberry Park, campers appreciate the multiple amenities and cleanliness. "Great sites and faculty members that run non stop group activities... 6 pools with adult only pool and splash pad for the kiddos," notes Erick B. The resort-style campground offers basketball courts, pickle ball courts, and softball fields.
Water features: Many local campgrounds feature swimming pools, lakes, or ocean access. At Odetah Camping Resort, "The lake is great!! The pool area is a little small, but the attraction is the lake. The splash area at the pool is great for little kids," according to Happy Camper L. The campground also offers tennis and basketball facilities plus organized activities like bingo nights.
Proximity to local attractions: Several campgrounds position campers within easy reach of popular destinations. At Crocker's Boatyard, James G. reports, "We took the ferry to Block Island which was also walking distance from the boat yard. Block Island a must see. Took the 5 pm ferry back." This unique marina-based camping location provides water views and easy access to downtown New London attractions.
Level, well-maintained sites: Campers consistently mention the quality of camping sites at Aces High RV Park. "Well organized campground with both water front back in sites as well as large pull throughs. Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors," writes April L. Many campgrounds in the region have invested in site improvements with concrete pads and level surfaces.
What you should know
Seasonal differences: Most campgrounds in the New London area operate from May through September or October with limited off-season availability. Hammonasset State Park Campground typically opens "May 26 to September 4," according to the listing information. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, with August typically bringing higher humidity and insect activity.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends and holidays. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, Lisa D. advises planning ahead: "While the buddy site was an okay size it is still a buddy site and best when traveling with another party." Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, with some booking up months ahead for prime summer weekends.
Pet restrictions vary: While many campgrounds welcome pets, specific rules differ significantly. Some limit the number of pets, require vaccination records, or restrict certain breeds. Hammonasset State Park Campground has seasonal restrictions, as Laura L. discovered: "Be noted PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED in the summer. We were not aware of this."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds near highways or popular destinations may experience traffic noise. At Mystic KOA, Cynthia K. notes, "The only drawback is the proximity to Interstate 95. You can hear the highway very well at night, particularly in the safari field." Sites farther from major roads typically offer a quieter experience.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule family-friendly events throughout the summer. "The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc... Nature Center has movies on weekends for kids," explains Nita D. at Rocky Neck State Park Campground. These activities provide entertainment options during rainy days or downtime.
Choose shaded sites during summer: The sun intensity can make open field camping uncomfortable in July and August. At Niantic KOA, Matt R. recommends selecting carefully: "Nice campground, friendly people and staff. Really nice that you can walk to the trails/beach and Rocky Neck. Bathrooms could be nicer, but not bad." Camping loops with mature trees provide valuable shade during hot summer days.
Consider amenities for different ages: Campgrounds often feature distinct attractions for different age groups. At Burlingame State Park, "Hiking and biking for miles" provides options for active families according to Jessica A., who adds that the park offers "plenty of room between sites and tons of open space for kids to run around, fly a kite, play tag, hide and seek."
Plan for beach transportation: At larger campgrounds, the distance between campsites and beaches can be significant. Bring bikes or prepare for walking. "Many families bring bikes to navigate between camping loops and the beach," notes one review. Some campgrounds like Niantic KOA even offer shuttle services: "They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT," according to Snooz H.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups, so plan accordingly. "No hook-ups, lol. This is a con in the heat of the summer if you want/need AC," warns Jessica A. about Burlingame State Park Campground. Many state parks offer electric and water but no sewer connections, requiring strategic tank management.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads or tight turns. At Rocky Neck, most sites accommodate average-sized RVs with convenient pull-through options. However, at older campgrounds, maneuvering can be trickier. "Some sites towards the front of the park are very close together and unlevel," Nancy W. observes about Mystic KOA.
Premium waterfront options: Several RV parks offer premium waterfront sites for enhanced views. At Crocker's Boatyard, Frank I. reports, "We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Crockers Boatyard. Very friendly and helpful staff, great location, security gated after hours. Had water and 50 amp hookup." These premium sites typically cost more but provide direct water views.
Consider seasonal rentals: For frequent visitors, seasonal options exist at several campgrounds. "Some seasonal sites but all were tasteful and not trashy looking," notes April L. about Aces High RV Park. These longer-term arrangements can provide cost savings for regular visitors while maintaining the camping atmosphere.
