Best Campgrounds near Norwich, CT

Norwich, Connecticut and surrounding towns offer multiple mixed-use campgrounds with options for tents, RVs, and cabin rentals. Mystic KOA in North Stonington, located about 15 miles south of Norwich, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins and glamping accommodations with pool access and outdoor activities. Nearby Hopeville Pond State Park Campground in Griswold features waterfront sites with electric hookups and cabin options. The region includes several family-oriented campgrounds like Strawberry Park in Preston and Odetah Camping Resort in Bozrah, both offering full-service amenities including water and electric hookups, swimming areas, and seasonal activities from spring through fall.

Access to campgrounds varies significantly between privately-operated facilities and state park campgrounds. Most privately-owned campgrounds like Mystic KOA and Strawberry Park operate year-round or from April through October, while state parks such as Hopeville Pond and Rocky Neck typically have shorter seasons from late May to early September. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities often reach capacity. Water and electric hookups are standard at most private campgrounds, though state parks may offer more limited services. Cell coverage is generally good throughout the region, especially at campgrounds near Interstate 95 and larger towns. "Mystic KOA is just 15-minutes from Mystic and about an hour's drive to Newport, Rhode Island. It's just a few minutes from I-95 and so close to Mystic Aquarium, downtown Mystic, Mystic Seaport, and all the local spots," noted one camper.

Waterfront camping represents a distinctive feature of the Norwich area, with several campgrounds offering pond or river access. Salt Rock Campground in Baltic provides sites along the Shetucket River, while Waters Edge Family Campground in Lebanon features pond access for swimming and fishing. Campers consistently mention water activities as highlights of their stays. State park campgrounds tend to offer more natural settings with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, though they typically have fewer amenities than private facilities. Several visitors note the region's convenient location for exploring coastal Connecticut and Rhode Island attractions. The proximity to historic sites, beaches, and tourist destinations like Mystic makes these campgrounds popular bases for travelers exploring New England. Campers should expect more crowded conditions during summer weekends, particularly at waterfront sites which typically book months in advance.

Best Camping Sites Near Norwich, Connecticut (135)

    1. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 889-4144

    "Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."

    "Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."

    2. Strawberry Park

    13 Reviews
    Griswold, CT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 886-1944

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It was a bit too cold outside but the pools and hot tubs looked nice. Splash pad was clean and used by kids. Lots of roads to bike on and walk dogs. Live band on Saturday night was nice."

    "It is close by to some nice shopping areas as well. Bingo is always a family favorite and they even had that as well!"

    3. Mystic KOA

    24 Reviews
    North Stonington, CT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 599-5101

    "During our stay we enjoyed our campsite as it was close to the pool. The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore."

    "We stayed at Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, to be tourists in Mystic. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! "

    4. Hopeville Pond State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Griswold, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 376-2920

    $17 - $50 / night

    "Well this is one of Connecticut's State Parks that offers camping, so we took advantage and made several new friends. We camped, swam, fished, hiked and picnic."

    "General: There are three sections to this campground: five canoe sites; 16 sites including one cabin behind the ranger station and what I would assume is the main section with 61 sites."

    5. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-1339

    "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."

    "Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."

    6. Burlingame State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Charlestown, RI
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 322-8910

    $18 / night

    "My parents stayed in a bunkhouse and my husband and I stayed on the adjacent site. Bunkhouse is very basic but clean. Sites are well spaced with lots of types to choose from."

    "There's a small beach at the pond, a boat ramp, and proximity to wildlife refuges and the ocean. It's a HUGE campground, with 700 sites and 20 cabins. Canoes are available to rent."

    7. Crocker's Boatyard

    12 Reviews
    New London, CT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 443-6304

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Which was walking distance from the boat yard.

    Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."

    "Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good.

    Enjoyed the pool.

    Walked to Fort Trumbull.

    Recommend Crockers."

    8. Salt Rock Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hanover, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 822-0884

    $33 - $100 / night

    "we had a group from work head out here. we reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves, it was a bit of a walk to the shower from there, but we had our own outhouse, bring a light for night time"

    "We took a short walk/hike and were able to make it to a river where we floated in tubes and relaxed for the day. It was a blast and we had a great time."

    9. Hidden Acres Campground

    4 Reviews
    Versailles, CT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 887-9633

    "Lots of fun at the beach, kayaking on the lake or just hanging at your site. Petting zoo, craft cabin, arcade, bingo and lots more!"

    10. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."

    "This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."

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Recent Reviews near Norwich, CT

652 Reviews of 135 Norwich Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Gentiles Campground

    Nice place to stay

    Quiet CG near Waterbury CT. Close to major stores for resupply. CG has lots of friendly seasonal campers and lots of other sites. Most sites seem pretty level, but there are some steep roads in the CG. There is an airport next to CG, but it is for single engine private planes only so not a problem. Not by a major road so little traffic noise. I would stay here again.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Fort Getty Campground

    Great Park Just Not for Camping

    Forty Getty Park RV Campground seems like a great location, with a good bit of history and a lot to offer to anyone visiting, which is why I was eager to visit it this past weekend while traveling through the Jamestown area of Rhode Island. I'd still call it a great place to visit, just not the best to attempt to stay at overnight or camp at. That is something else entirely in this case. 

    THE GOOD👍 Again, an absolutely gorgeous location on the shores of Jamestown😍 that being the park, NOT the campgrounds. The campground itself🏕 and particularly the⛺️ tenting section are pretty far removed from any of that and the water itself in reality. 

    THE Bad. In actuality, the campground looks to be a complete afterthought. More like, What should we do with this little grassy area next to the RV park?... oh maybe that can be for tents! Or,. Where the hell are we going to fit some tents⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️around here? Oh, I know, how about over on the hill by the bathrooms?🚻 next to the RV park fencing? Oh yeah, that sounds Perfect👍 

    The Ugly There's no Ugly. The people seem nice, the park is great,t and everyone working there was polite and courteous. It's just a shame they haven't given any real consideration to the camping section or provided a real space for campers to come enough the area. What you're left with is a grassy knoll with a bunch of tent sites tightly clustered together and right next to or on top of the RV park in a way that didn't seem necessary.

  • j
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great!

    Great spot with view of harbor, a pool, bathroom and power if needed. Easy to book, good location- near many places of interest.

  • Snooz H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Niantic KOA

    I mean wow!!

    So much going on! They will give free shuttle rides to 3 beaches & downtown Niantic, CT.

    We had tried to get a deluxe location and not completely booked. This is the weekend before Labor Day and they were vanishing point the owner / shuttle driver, John, asked us if we would want to move on Sunday after a bunch of people moved out. And we said absolutely because we're going to be here for 3 more nights.

    And it is huge and amazing! If you want to pay a little extra for the deluxe request slot 92!

  • Jim R.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Indian Ranch Campground

    Live Music, Lake Views, and Laid-Back Vibes—One of Our Favorite Campgrounds

    We ended up at Indian Ranch Campground after leaving another local campground under less-than-ideal circumstances… and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best accidental discoveries we’ve ever made.

    From the moment we arrived, the energy here was completely different—welcoming, relaxed, and full of life. The campground is beautifully laid out with well-kept sites, plenty of trees, and easy access to Webster Lake(aka Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg—yes, really).

    🎶 The concerts? Incredible. Being able to walk from our campsite to watch national music acts perform live at the Indian Ranch Amphitheater is a game-changer. It’s like a music festival that doesn’t require you to sleep in a muddy field. Huge bonus for music lovers!

    🛺 Golf cart rentals make exploring the campground easy and fun, especially if you're hauling chairs, coolers, or just want to cruise around and enjoy the views.

    🏊‍♂️ The pool is clean and inviting—perfect for relaxing after a show or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.

    🌅 The lake itself is stunning, with spots to sit and watch the boats, fish, or just take in the view. The vibe is very“lake life meets concert culture,” and it works perfectly.

    🍔 There’s also an on-site restaurant inside the gates with great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back patio atmosphere that completes the experience.

    🤝 The people here? Fantastic. Campers were friendly, staff was helpful, and there was an overall sense of community that you just don’t get at every park. In Summary: Awesome mix of camping+ concerts Clean facilities, full hookups, and spacious sites Golf cart rentals= a must! Pool, lake, and great food on-site Walkable access to live shows= chef’s kiss🎶 We stumbled in… and didn’t want to leave If you're looking for more than just a campsite—if you want an experience—this is it. We'll be back. Probably more than once.

  • Jim R.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Douglas Forest RV Resort

    Please—Do Your Homework Before You Stay Here

    I wish I wasn’t writing this.

    Truly. But if sharing our experience helps even one person avoid the same mistake, then it’s worth it.

    We booked two full weeks at Douglas Forest RV Resort, drawn in by its wooded setting and supposed family-friendly charm. The photos looked peaceful. The location sounded perfect. But within hours of arrival, we realized we had walked into something completely different.

    Almost immediately, we witnessed aggressive, disturbing behavior—adults yelling and chasing children through the park. At one point, a child was literally being pursued by a vehicle. In a campground. On the roads where people walk, dogs are walked, and kids ride bikes. We were shocked. We kept expecting someone from staff to step in—but no one did. When we brought it up to another guest, they just nodded and said,“Yeah… it’s always like this.” Turns out, management is known to overlook certain behavior from“regulars.”

    As we walked the grounds, we also noticed**several people clearly living out of tents—**not camping, not weekend warriors, but living there long-term. It gave the entire campground an uneasy, off-kilter feel. The line between traveler and transient is not well-maintained here, and it adds to the overall lack of safety and structure.

    We were ready to leave that night, but with tight, poorly lit roads, towing out after dark just wasn’t safe. So we locked up, barely slept, and pulled out at first light. We had paid for 14 nights. We stayed one. And we didn’t ask for a refund—because honestly, we just wanted out.

    And yes, we later discovered that many of the glowing reviews online were written by someone who works at the campground. That’s not just misleading—it’s reckless. Campers rely on those reviews to make informed choices.

    Douglas Forest RV Resort could be something special, but it’s not. Not right now. Not while safety is ignored, accountability is non-existent, and some guests are clearly treated as untouchable. Please, do your homework before booking here.

    We wish we had—just one day earlier.

  • Glenn M.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Douglas Forest RV Resort

    Reviews seem to be disappearing for this property.

    Mixed Experience- Potential Hindered by Operational Issues

    The new ownership appears committed to improvements, though the focus seems more on revenue generation than guest experience at this time. 

    Infrastructure Concerns: The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips. The road system requires maintenance- while some fresh gravel has been applied, many intersections remain challenging for larger trailers due to poor grading and poorly placed boulders. 

    Accommodations& Atmosphere: This is primarily a seasonal/long-term resident park rather than a traditional camping resort. The site composition includes many permanent residents, which creates more of a residential community feel. For those seeking a transient camping experience, this may not align with expectations.

    Facilities: The pool is well-maintained and enjoyable. However, other amenities need attention- the playground equipment shows its age, and laundry facilities, while clean, have mechanical reliability issues. Currently, only one restroom facility is fully operational, with others being gradually brought online.

    Accessibility: Most sites feature loose gravel surfaces that may present challenges for guests with mobility equipment. The playground uses mulch surfacing, which may also limit accessibility.

    Management: Communication with management regarding concerns can be challenging, and families should be prepared for a more relaxed supervision environment.

    Bottom Line: While the location has natural beauty and potential, current operational challenges and pricing don't align well with the amenity level provided. Those seeking a quiet, well-maintained camping experience might find better value elsewhere until improvements are completed. Positive reviews seem to be coming from investors of the campground or people with personal interest.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    The Quarry Campground

    Lots of Amenities

    The Quarry has something for everyone. Swimming, fishing, hiking, seasonal, daily, full hookups or tenting. Lots of pull throughs!


Guide to Norwich

Camping near Norwich, Connecticut offers a mix of coastal and woodland experiences with seasonal variations that affect site availability. During summer weekends, temperatures average 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping brings cooler 45-65°F conditions. Water-based activities dominate the camping scene with several campgrounds providing pond or river access for boating and fishing.

What to do

Tubing on rivers: Hidden Acres Campground sits along a river where visitors can enjoy tubing. "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night. Definitely be sure to grab a snack at the food hit they have," notes Erik M.

Paddling opportunities: Waters Edge Family Campground features a small lake perfect for kayaking. "There's a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend. I camp here seasonally and love it," says Laura M., highlighting the multiple water recreation options.

Fort exploring: Crocker's Boatyard in New London offers unique urban camping with nearby historical sites. "Walked to Fort Trumbull. Recommend Crockers," writes Steve Z. Another visitor adds, "Sunday we went and visited Fort Trumbull which is also walking distance away. Very nice place to visit and learn. Also took a tour of the Coast Guard Ship at Fort Trumbull."

Hiking trails: Hopeville Pond State Park Campground provides woodland hiking experiences. "This park also has plenty of trails for hiking and geocaching. The pond has some really big fish, but it's heavily covered with lily pads and there are a lot of submerged trees," according to Cynthia K.

What campers like

Multiple swimming options: Odetah Camping Resort provides diverse water experiences. "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," reports Happy Camper L., who adds, "From a massage at the Spa to a fun band by the lake, to Bingo night, mini-golf and awesome ice cream Sundaes."

Clean, modern facilities: Strawberry Park in Preston offers well-maintained amenities. "Clean, comfortable campground aimed more towards glamping. Lots of rv sites and very nice cabins. Cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground," shares Kay B.

Waterfront tent sites: Hopeville Pond State Park Campground features secluded tent-only sites. "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," explains Jason S.

Pool access: Waters Edge Family Campground combines woodland privacy with pool amenities. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Swimming pool, great playground, among lots of trails and wooded area surrounding almost every site," shares Rob L.

What you should know

Site privacy varies significantly: Privacy levels differ dramatically between campgrounds near Norwich. "We weren't sure what to expect- we picked this campsite last minute because of the location. It's was really nice: our water and electric site was surrounded by super tall trees and although the sites were close, it didn't seem crowded," writes Erin M. about Waters Edge Family Campground.

Late-night noise: Salt Rock Campground has reported noise issues. "If you DON'T enjoy privacy, or peace and quiet, or rules being enforced, such as quiet hours...then you will maybe like it here. My family and I happened to be here on a full vacancy weekend, and it was so loud, we might as well of been at a festival," warns Lilia W.

Reservation timing: Rocky Neck State Park Campground requires advance planning. "This is a great family campground. Lots to do and it is massive! You can bike for ever and go to the lake! Camp store literally has anything you would need. Usually pretty busy, you will have neighbors," advises Madeline H.

Off-season limitations: Campground facilities may be restricted outside summer. "On this stay, we snagged a late reservation over a busy summer weekend so the place was packed. We had a great time," writes Nancy W. about her experience at Mystic KOA, noting the trade-off between availability and crowds.

Tips for camping with families

Look for organized activities: Odetah Camping Resort schedules family events. "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating. Very enjoyable time," shares Brian P.

Check for dedicated kids' areas: Mystic KOA offers multiple child-friendly features. "This KOA provides a lot to do for kids and families. The pool is small and usually crowded, but still very well kept. And then there's mini golf, hay rides, and lots of fun planned activities," recommends Cynthia K.

Consider beach access: Several campgrounds near Norwich feature swimming areas. "Beautiful campground right near the beach. Hiking trails along the coast line," writes Timothy R. about Rocky Neck State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "Beach can be crowded. But it is worth it. Nice food shack. Great family place."

Seek out biking opportunities: Strawberry Park provides safe biking areas. "The kids ride their bikes to the sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities. Oh and my young children LOVE the air pillow, they have spent hours on there," shares Ryan C.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Crocker's Boatyard offers basic RV services in an urban setting. "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," reports Frank I.

Leveling requirements: Salt Rock Campground has site condition issues. "The site was level, it's septic post on the site plugged with cement, its electric box a bit rusty, it's fire ring filled with leaves from last fall," notes Val H., highlighting the maintenance concerns.

Off-hour arrival procedures: Some campgrounds have specific check-in systems. "Very concise directions on how to get into the property after the office is closed. We backed right up to the waters edge practically," shares Peggy L. about Crocker's Boatyard.

Site selection strategy: Mystic KOA requires careful site selection. "If you want to be up near the action—pool, bar car, and other activities—get a site in the front section. We wanted to be as far away from that as possible," advises Nancy W., offering important site selection guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any campgrounds with pools near Norwich, CT?

Mystic KOA offers a well-maintained pool just 15 minutes from Mystic and a short drive from Norwich. The campground has consistently maintained their pool facilities even during pandemic restrictions, with campsites conveniently located near the swimming area. Whispering Pines Campground also features a pool and splash pad, though these amenities may be seasonal, typically opening later in the camping season. For families seeking water recreation beyond pools, Strawberry Park offers extensive aquatic facilities not far from Norwich.

What are the best campgrounds in Norwich, CT for tent camping?

Within a short drive from Norwich, Hopeville Pond State Park Campground offers excellent tent camping with access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails. The campground is known for its family-friendly atmosphere with chipmunks often visiting sites. For a more secluded tent camping experience, Wilderness Lake Park provides peaceful sites away from the RV areas. Their tent sites are known for being particularly private and well-maintained, making it a hidden gem for tent campers looking to enjoy Connecticut's natural beauty.

Where can I find RV parking in Norwich, CT?

For RV camping near Norwich, Wolf's Den Family Campground is an excellent option located just off Route 9 on the east side of the Connecticut River. This RV-friendly site provides convenient access to attractions like Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera House. Another solid choice is Salt Rock Campground in Baltic, which accommodates RVs and is known for being big-rig friendly with appropriate hookups. Both locations offer reservable sites, though booking ahead is recommended during peak camping season.