Cabin camping near Pawcatuck, Connecticut offers access to both inland forest settings and coastal environments within a 30-minute drive. The area sits at the Connecticut-Rhode Island border, allowing campers to enjoy natural areas in both states. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity near the coast.
What to do
Swimming at state parks: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers both pond and ocean swimming options within a short drive. "This is a great family campground. Lots to do and it is massive! You can bike for ever and go to the lake," reports one visitor at Burlingame State Park Campground.
Water activities: Kayaking and canoeing opportunities exist at several locations, including specialty sites at Hopeville Pond. "The canoe sites at the north of the campground are tent only. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site," notes a visitor to Hopeville Pond State Park Campground.
Family recreation: Beyond water activities, many campgrounds provide scheduled events. "Each weekend has a big schedule of events- farmers' market, themed activities and a band. In addition there is good fishing on the pond, mini-golf, pool and splash pad, etc. Kids are not bored here," reports a camper at Odetah Camping Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept common areas and cabins. "The campground staff did a great job managing the Covid regulations… We were able to use the pool, facilities and the store and never felt that we were compromised," shares a visitor to Mystic KOA.
Seasonal themes: Special weekend activities add variety to the camping experience. "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," notes a family who stayed at Odetah Camping Resort.
Direct water access: Sites with immediate pond or river frontage are highly valued. "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night," explains a camper at Hidden Acres Campground.
What you should know
Size variations: Campgrounds range from large resort-style properties to smaller, quieter state parks. "Burlingame is a HUGE state park campground with over 700 sites. The location is fantastic, but with this many sites, so, with this many people, there are bound to be pros and cons," explains a reviewer at Burlingame State Park Campground.
Site privacy: Many campgrounds feature sites with limited separation. "The only con is the sites are not very private...at all," notes a visitor to Odetah Camping Resort. Sites in wooded areas typically offer more seclusion than open fields.
Reservation timing: Booking well in advance is essential, especially for cabins during summer months. "We kind of did a last min trip between 3 family's we all got separate sites scattered along the river it was beautiful," reports a guest at Hidden Acres Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Some campgrounds feature small, less crowded beaches. "Nice for biking, cute little beach, dog friendly. Bring quarters for the showers," advises a visitor to Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds provide organized activities. "The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!" shares a camper at Whispering Pines Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Small animals may visit campsites. "Be careful of the chipmunks, that are great sneaks that will sneak a chip or some small morsel if avail," warns a camper at Hopeville Pond State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer a mix of seasonal and short-term sites with varying levels of privacy. "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open," explains a visitor to Burlingame State Park.
Utilities: Water and electric hookups vary by location. "Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities," notes a reviewer at Hopeville Pond State Park Campground.
Convenience factors: Local amenities can enhance cabin camping experiences. "The location of the campground was great as it was easy to find, close to a grocery store, and more importantly close enough to our favorite town in Connecticut allowing us the opportunity to visit the ocean, go out to dinner and enjoy the local stores," shares a visitor at Rocky Neck State Park Campground.
