3 MONTHS FREEPlan your Connecticut trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months

Tent Camping near New London, CT

1 campground with availability this weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    The Connecticut River corridor provides the majority of tent camping opportunities near New London, Connecticut. Selden Neck State Park Campground stands out with four boat-in campsites on an undeveloped island, accessible only by kayak or small boat from Deep River Landing. Other options include Gillette Castle State Park Campground and Chapman Pond Preserve, both offering more primitive tent sites within 30 miles of New London.

    Water access shapes the tent camping experience in this region. Many sites require boat transportation, with paddling times averaging 20 minutes to reach island campsites. Basic amenities vary significantly between locations. Selden Neck offers fire pits, picnic tables and private outhouses at each site, while most river campsites maintain minimal facilities. During summer months, permits are required for boat launches at access points. Campers should secure all gear in waterproof containers as boat wake can create choppy conditions during river crossings.

    Riverside tent camping provides distinctive advantages over other camping styles. The isolation of island and shoreline sites creates natural boundaries and enhanced privacy not found at standard campgrounds. Low tide reveals small beaches at several locations, offering swimming and exploration opportunities. Wildlife observation possibilities include river birds, deer, and occasional river otters. Areas along the Connecticut River provide unobstructed sunset and sunrise views across the water. According to one visitor at Selden Neck State Park, "The sunset view was amazing. There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up."

    Best Tent Campgrounds near New London (12)

      1. Selden Neck State Park Campground

      3.0(2)17mi from New London4 sitesTents

      "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in."

      from $5 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Gillette Castle State Park Campground

      4.0(2)19mi from New London1 siteTents

      "There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal. You can swim and fish and relax all day!"

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $5 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Frontier Family Camper Park

      5.0(1)18mi from New LondonRVs, Tents

      "Spots are hard to find.dorothy gave us a great spot near rest rooms and showers for the kids. Every single person we met was a delight and overly generous to us and our kids."

      4. Chapman Pond Preserve

      5.0(1)20mi from New LondonTents

      "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view. Good site"

      5. LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area — Arcadia Management Area

      Be the first to review25mi from New London44 sitesTents

      6. River Highlands State Park River Campground

      3.0(2)35mi from New London2 sitesTents

      "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."

      from $5 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Arcadia Backpack Camping Area

      Be the first to review26mi from New London1 siteTents

      8. Frosty Hollow Camping Area

      Be the first to review27mi from New London1 siteTents

      9. Hurd State Park River Camping

      Be the first to review27mi from New London1 siteTents

      from $5 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Buck Hill Campground

      4.0(1)47mi from New LondonTents

      "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc."

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Recent Tent Camping Photos near New London, CT

    5 Photos of 12 New London Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers


    Tent Camping Reviews near New London, CT

    630 Reviews of 12 New London Campgrounds

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 28, 2026

      Lake Compounce Campground

      Amusement Park Camping

      This campground is associated with a large amusement park. We were there in the fall when the amusement park was closed so the campground was not very busy but image it would have a very crowded feel if you were there during the summer. The RV sites are buddy sites which is never our favorite set-up (unless we are traveling with friends). Luckily, there was no one in the site next to us during our stay. The campground is big rig-friendly with roads and sites wide and long enough to accommodate any size RV; however, the road and roundabout you encounter when entering the campground is tight. There was very little traffic when we entered so navigating the entrance booth and roundabout was doable. The RV slots you pull into to check in at registration are far too short to accommodate large RVs with their tow vehicles and we ended up taking up four spaces. The tent sites are set away from the cabins and RV sites. Some are nicely tucked up against the tree line while others are in a grassy area and others are sandy nestled under some scrubby pine trees. One of the problems with the location of the tent sites is that they are far away from the bathrooms. Garbage cans are scattered throughout the campground so you don’t have to walk very far to dump your trash. There is no sewer but the electric (50-amp) worked well. There is cable but the channels were not HD so we switched to our over-the-air antenna and got great HD reception with about 60 channels. There is wifi but we could not get it at our site so we just used our Verizon hotspot (which had great reception). The water pressure is very high so we dialed our regulator back to around 45.  Roads and sites are gravel. All the sites are level and have a picnic table and fire pit.  We noticed that some of the fire pits needed to be cleaned out because rude campers littered them with water bottles, cans, and other garbage in the fire pits. One of the downsides is the noise from local recycling/transfer station. There is a dump station set to the side as you enter/exit. It was a little tight for us getting our 45’ RV in there but it was doable. There is only one sewer dump so we can image that it can be pretty backed up on Sundays when everybody checks out.

    • Joseph R.
      Oct. 27, 2026

      Gibson Hill RV Park

      A Really Enjoyable Camping

      After a busy summer, we wanted somewhere we could just park the camper and slow down for a few days. Sterling Park worked out great for that. We spent one morning fishing, walked the trails later in the day and finished the evening around the fire. Nothing complicated, just a really enjoyable camping weekend.

    • Evan W.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Gibson Hill RV Park

      Around The Sites

      We came with another family and had a blast. The kids disappeared together for half the day while the adults hung around the sites. Between fishing, the pool and the other activities, everyone found something they liked. Would definatly come back.

    • Zachary P.
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Gibson Hill RV Park

      Just Sat Back

      Our kids are already asking when we can go back. They loved the pool, playground and all the space to run around. We mostly just sat back and enjoyed having a few days off.

    • J
      Oct. 20, 2026

      GrandView CampResort & Cottages

      Friendly staff and very clean facilities. They have sites with sewage hookups along with water and electric. Sites are small and very close together. I liked how many dog waste receptacles were available all over the property.

    • S
      Oct. 17, 2026

      Gibson Hill RV Park

      Room To Relax

      Brought our camper up for a long weekend and had plenty of room to relax. The campground store was also super handy when we realized we forgot a few things.

    • H
      Oct. 15, 2026

      Gibson Hill RV Park

      Little Weekend Escape

      We have been coming here seasonally and its become our little weekend escape. There is always something going on and the kids have made so many friends. Makes it easy to just pack a few things and head out.

    • L
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Gibson Hill RV Park

      Just Walking Around

      Nothing beats a slow morning at the campsite with a cup of coffee. We really enjoyed the trails and just walking around before everyone else was up.

    • Ada R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2026

      Sun Outdoors Mystic

      Less than stellar

      When I arrived, I discovered this site they reserve for me was not level, and the picnic table was blocking access to the electric. When I asked the office for help, I was told maintenance had already left around 4 o’clock, and nobody could help me. I was offered a different side if I wanted to pay the extra price. I managed to wrestle the table out of the way and made it work. But the Wi-Fi was worthless.

    Guide to New London

    Primitive tent camping opportunities near New London, Connecticut extend beyond the Connecticut River corridor, with additional options in nearby Rhode Island. Tent sites in this region range from island locations to forest clearings, with several offering limited amenities suited for campers seeking a more rustic experience. Most campsites in the area operate seasonally from May through September due to New England's climate patterns.

    What to do

    Hiking trails access: At Chapman Pond Preserve, several established trails connect the campsite to riverside viewing areas. "Good tent platforms, picnic tables and outhouse. CT river within view. Good site," notes Ben L.

    River swimming opportunities: Many Connecticut River campsites offer swimming access during summer months when water temperatures reach 70°F. At Gillette Castle State Park Campground, Jackie G. shares, "We have camped on the south end of Hurd Park several times via boat access. It is amazing with the views of the CT River and being able to watch the sunrise and sunset... You can swim and fish and relax all day!"

    Historical exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to regional historical attractions. Todd J. mentions that Gillette Castle "has tours at certain times," making it convenient for campers to visit this 1919 stone mansion while staying at the adjacent campground.

    What campers like

    Natural boundaries: Island campsites create defined camping areas without the need for designated site markers. At Selden Neck State Park Campground, Jason S. describes, "Selden Neck State Park is an island in the Connecticut River with no roads or development other than 4 campsites. You have to kayak or boat in."

    Waterfront amenities: Riverside campsites often include basic facilities positioned to maximize water views. "Plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit. There's a private outhouse. At low tide, a couple of beaches emerge to play on," notes Jason S. about the Hogback site at Selden Neck.

    Morning atmosphere: River fog creates distinctive morning conditions at waterfront campsites. One camper at Selden Neck noted, "In the morning, we were completely socked in with fog which would have been an issue if we had to get back early. But it burned off before long and we headed back."

    What you should know

    Boating requirements: Several campsites require water transportation with specific launch point regulations. For Selden Neck, "There's a boat launch across from the island on the west side of the river at Deep River Landing where you can leave your car. Entering and parking at the boat launch requires a permit Memorial Day to Labor Day," advises Jason S.

    Wildlife encounters: Expect various wildlife interactions at riverside campsites. At River Highlands State Park River Campground, Alicia B. warns, "As a heads-up, the outhouse did have quite a few wolf spiders (which might be expected in a natural setting like this)."

    Boat traffic noise: River campsites experience variable noise levels from watercraft. One camper mentioned, "There was a little noise at night from boat traffic but it didn't keep us up," regarding their Selden Neck experience.

    Tips for camping with families

    Child-friendly sites: Some riverside locations offer particular advantages for families with young children. Jason S. reports, "My 5-year-old and I camped at site 2, Hogback... Plenty of flat area to pitch a tent, nice picnic table and fire pit."

    Waterproof gear requirements: River crossings demand proper equipment protection. "If it's a nice day, you're going to encounter some wake from passing boats so make sure your gear is in waterproof bags," advises one Selden Neck camper.

    Group site selection: For larger family gatherings, certain campgrounds offer adjacent sites. Jackie G. notes about Hurd Park, "There's a few sites close to each other, so it is nice to go with enough people to occupy them all at once to keep it personal."

    Tips from RVers

    Farm stay alternatives: For RVers seeking tent camping with more amenities, several farms near New London offer hybrid options. At Hidden Lake Farm, "There are 2 lodging options to choose from. Pets welcome!" notes Ashley F.

    Day-use consideration: Some RVers prefer using tent camping locations as day-use destinations. Alicia B. reports about River Highlands, "We only visited for the day and left around dawn, but the campsite was absolutely beautiful—especially with its location right by the river."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near New London, CT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New London, CT is Selden Neck State Park Campground with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near New London, CT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near New London, CT, with real photos and reviews from campers.