Camping spots near Oakdale, Connecticut include both waterfront and wooded options within a 20-mile radius. Eastern Connecticut's elevation averages 400 feet above sea level with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F and high humidity. The region's glacial terrain creates numerous ponds and small lakes where many campgrounds offer direct water access, with most sites nestled among oak and maple forests.
What to do
Hiking near campgrounds: At Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the camping areas. "A lot of you children. Short walk to Rock Neck beach. Nature Center has movies on weekends for kids," notes camper Nita D. The park features trails that follow the stream to the waterfall.
Water activities: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides swimming and fishing opportunities. "My family has camped at Rocky Neck every year since i was a child. Every site had a central bathhouse and they have a variety of tree covering options for each campers preferences. The campsite is only a short walk from the beach and available mountain bike and hiking trails," shares Mauricio R.
Entertainment excursions: Campgrounds serve as convenient bases for visiting regional attractions. "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," reports Brian P. about Odetah Camping Resort. Many campgrounds are within 30 minutes of casinos and the Mystic area.
What campers like
Pool amenities: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools that receive positive reviews. At Strawberry Park, "My husband loves playing volleyball in the adult pool, and I love the aqua robins every day," states a camper. The resort features multiple pools with different activities.
Camping store access: On-site stores provide convenience for forgotten items. "Camp store sells beer," notes Brian P. about Strawberry Park. Most campground stores stock essentials like firewood, ice, and basic groceries, with hours typically 8am-8pm during peak season.
Wooded privacy: Waters Edge Family Campground offers secluded sites. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! Amazing weekend with lots of fun for the kids and even the dogs!" reports Rob L. The campground features sites tucked away from main activity areas.
Clean facilities: "The salt water pool was clean. Booked a site for October before we left," mentions Rebecca S. about Waters Edge Family Campground. Several campgrounds in the region maintain their bathroom facilities with regular cleaning schedules throughout the day.
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: At Burlingame State Park Campground, "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open, excellent for bikes, there are in-camp roads, so big you can get lost(sorta)," explains Andrew P. Research site maps before booking.
Weekend noise levels: Many campgrounds become busier Friday through Sunday. "On the weekends people can get out of hand with the partying and it's not uncommon to have to listen to noise late into the night. Do not come on a holiday weekend, it's packed," advises a Burlingame camper.
Limited non-electric sites: Traditional tent campers face fewer options. "They think they are kind to still allow tents-a handful of sites on a rocky hill that don't have electricity or water. So those with medical needs cannot use those sites," reports one camper about policy changes at some campgrounds.
Variable cell reception: Cell service is spotty in eastern Connecticut's wooded areas. "Cell phone coverage poor," notes a Devil's Hopyard visitor. Bring printed directions as GPS may be unreliable in certain areas.
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: "This place has everything from a pool, splash pad, boats, food, ice cream, lots of activities, friendly helpful staff, delivery to your site from the camp store and nice shaded spacious sites," says Erich P. about Odetah Camping Resort. Weekend programming often includes movie nights, crafts and games.
Beach access considerations: "Great Beach, but beware, it can be crowded!!!! So get their early if you do go to the beach," advises Michelle D. about Rocky Neck State Park. Beach parking lots typically fill by 10am on summer weekends.
Playground options: "Swimming pool, great playground, among lots of trails and wooded area surrounding almost every site," notes Rob L. about Waters Edge. Most family-oriented campgrounds feature playgrounds located centrally near bathhouses.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife encounters. "The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly," shares Shannon B. about camping at Devil's Hopyard. Proper food storage is essential, as skunks, raccoons and other wildlife are common visitors.
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: "There are two dumping spots each with two dumps," notes Andrew P. about Burlingame State Park. Plan for potential wait times during peak checkout hours (9am-11am) on Sundays.
Site selection for large rigs: "We stayed in site #4 (sunny) then moved to #38 (shady). Sites include one paved parking spot (ours was very muddy) a fire pit and a picnic table," explains Nita D. about Rocky Neck. Request information about site dimensions and leveling requirements when booking.
Utility connections: "The utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right)," shares Matt S. about Aces High RV Park. Most campgrounds offer 30/50 amp electric service, but amperage availability varies by site.
Weather preparedness: "It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site," notes one RVer about road conditions. Gravel interior roads may become difficult after heavy rain at some campgrounds.
