Best Tent Camping near North Stonington, CT
State parks and public lands surrounding North Stonington, Connecticut provide several tent camping options within a short drive. Tent campers can access sites at Arcadia Backpack Camping Area in nearby Exeter, Rhode Island, approximately 15 miles northwest of North Stonington. For water-oriented tent camping, Selden Neck State Park Campground offers a unique island experience on the Connecticut River, accessible only by boat. Chapman Pond Preserve provides walk-in tent sites with minimal development for those seeking a more primitive experience.
Most tent-only sites in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Tent platforms are available at Chapman Pond Preserve along with picnic tables and outhouses, while Selden Neck offers flat tent pads, fire pits, and private outhouses at each of its four campsites. Access to many sites requires planning, particularly for boat-in locations like Selden Neck, where campers must launch from Deep River Landing and paddle approximately 20 minutes to reach the island. Permits are required for parking at the boat launch during peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Fire regulations vary by location, with most established sites permitting fires in designated rings or pits.
Tent campers frequently note the peaceful settings and natural surroundings as highlights of the region's camping experience. According to reviews, Selden Neck State Park provides "plenty of flat area to pitch a tent" with "amazing sunset views" over the Connecticut River. Minor boat traffic noise may occur but generally doesn't disrupt the camping experience. Morning fog sometimes blankets the river, potentially delaying departures. At Chapman Pond Preserve, visitors appreciate the good tent platforms and Connecticut River views from what one camper described as a "middle of nowhere site." Gillette Castle State Park Campground offers water access for swimming and fishing, with campers reporting excellent sunrise and sunset views from riverside tent sites.