Glamping options close to Norwich, Connecticut allow visitors to enjoy upscale outdoor accommodations within a 20-mile radius of the city. The region features rolling woodland terrain with elevations ranging from 50 to 400 feet above sea level and a moderate climate with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F. Most glamping sites in the area remain open from May through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Lakeside activities: At Odetah Camping Resort, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the on-site pond. "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," notes one camper who visited in August.
Beach exploration: The beach at Rocky Neck State Park Campground is approximately one mile from the camping area. According to a visitor, "You can bike for miles and go to the lake! Camp store literally has anything you would need." The park maintains hiking trails that provide opportunities for wildlife viewing with campers reporting sightings of deer, turkeys, and various bird species.
Organized activities: Campgrounds near Norwich schedule regular entertainment throughout the summer season. At Strawberry Park, "Bingo every night, and more activities than you could possibly do!!! The kids ride their bikes to the sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities," says a long-time visitor who has returned for three consecutive years.
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Many campsites feature both pool and natural water swimming opportunities. A visitor to Mystic KOA commented, "The grounds were beautiful to walk on with water nearby and little places to explore. The beverage truck was also one of our favorite things!!" The mix of pool facilities and natural water features allows for varied swimming experiences.
Varied accommodation levels: Glamping close to Norwich, Connecticut includes options from basic safari tents to fully-furnished yurts. A reviewer at Niantic KOA noted, "The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area. Plenty activities for adults and kids and they are putting in a new swimming pool." Sites vary from basic to deluxe with different levels of amenities.
Evening entertainment: Campgrounds often feature nighttime activities during peak season. "Live band on Saturday night was nice. Site was wide and allowed me to easily back in. Near perfect level," reported a guest at Strawberry Park, where regular entertainment is scheduled throughout the summer months.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most glamping sites require bookings 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. Limited last-minute availability exists Sunday through Thursday.
Weather considerations: The Connecticut coast experiences occasional summer thunderstorms and moderate humidity. Pack accordingly with waterproof storage for electronics and bedding.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness of bathhouses varies significantly between locations. At Hidden Acres Campground, "restrooms/showers are the cleanest I've seen anywhere," according to a reviewer. However, at other locations, campers note that facilities can become overwhelmed during peak times.
Site privacy: Many glamping locations feature relatively close spacing between accommodations. One reviewer at Odetah noted, "The only con is the sites are not very private...at all."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around peak swimming times to avoid crowds. "From a massage at the Spa to a fun band by the lake, to Bingo night, mini-golf and awesome ice cream Sundaes... tennis & basketball games... every night we went to bed tired and looking forward to doing it all again the next day!!" shares a family that visited Odetah.
Special events: Several campgrounds host themed weekends throughout the season. "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and trick-or-treating," reports a family that visited Odetah Camping Resort during their special event weekend.
Food options: Many glamping sites offer on-site food service during peak season. "Definitely be sure to grab a snack at the food hut they have. Very good food. Also great general store," recommends a visitor to Hidden Acres Campground. This eliminates the need to prepare all meals at your accommodation.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request sites away from main roadways for reduced noise. "Sites are a little close, but with so much to do you don't spend that much time at your site," notes a camper from Odetah Camping Resort, highlighting the trade-off between space and amenities.
Off-season advantages: Consider visiting in September when rates are lower and facilities remain open. "We went in cooler September during Covid, so we couldn't take advantage of all the amenities, but we've already decided we need to book a trip for peak season next summer," shares a visitor to Odetah.
Utility availability: Full hookup sites with 50-amp service are limited at some locations. A Rocky Neck State Park visitor advised, "Anyone with kayaks can't easily get to boat launch. It's 4-5 miles by car at 4 mile river boat launch." Know transportation requirements for recreational equipment before booking.
