Camping options around Pawcatuck, Connecticut range from full-service RV parks to more natural settings with limited hookups. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 50-150 feet above sea level, with mild coastal influences creating moderate humidity during summer camping seasons. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, with fewer than five facilities offering year-round accommodations.
What to do
Beach access from camp: Newport RV Park provides convenient access to local beaches with a 20-minute drive to Newport's shoreline attractions. "This is the perfect place to stay if your visiting Newport,RI. We had a great time at this small campground, very clean and nice staff. Not many amenities but we where there for the beaches and mansions," shares one camper at Newport RV Park.
Kayaking opportunities: From several campgrounds, paddlers can access calm water bodies for exploration. "One day we launched our kayaks north of the drawbridge in town at the public launch and paddled down to Mystic Seaport which was fun to see the historic boats from the water," reports a visitor.
Fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities without leaving the property. At Aces High RV Park, campers enjoy "fishing areas for the kids" according to one reviewer who appreciates the "clean, family friendly campground" that's "pet friendly with plenty of area to walk."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities. At Sun Outdoors Mystic, one reviewer notes, "I see there were problems before, but this campground is pretty nice now. The location is great to visit the Mystic Seaport museum site. The grounds are clean and well maintained, the bathrooms and showers are spotless and newly painted."
Concrete pads: Level, solid camping surfaces draw positive reviews, particularly from RV owners. "Clean, well-maintained, and level site with concrete pad and patio (I love a clean, level concrete pad!). Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should," notes a camper at Aces High RV Park.
Dog-friendly areas: Dedicated pet spaces enhance stays for travelers with animals. At Newport RV Park, one visitor highlights, "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park."
What you should know
Limited amenities at some parks: Newport RV Park offers location advantages but fewer on-site activities. "It's well shaded, has a nice playground, bathhouse, and a laundry room. My biggest complaint is the dryers are terrible. I had to dry my clothes 3 times (that's 3 hours). Nobody has time for that," explains a reviewer.
Staff attitudes vary: Management interactions can significantly impact stays. At Ashaway RV Resort near Pawcatuck, a visitor reports, "The woman who runs the office is a very angry person and it made the entire visit unpleasant, which is no surprise as she has been hostile and unwelcoming the several times I've visited."
Seasonal operations: Most RV parks near Pawcatuck operate seasonally. Thousand Trails Sturbridge runs "April 10 to October 25," while Timber Creek RV Campground operates "May 1 to Oct 14," limiting late fall and winter camping options.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Some campgrounds offer better play facilities than others. At Countryside RV Park, one camper notes it has "limited child activity's" though it offers an "easy drive to lake/fishing. Close to museums, shopping."
Swimming access: Multiple parks provide swimming opportunities during warmer months. "My kids enjoyed playing tennis & swimming in the pool at the campground - there is also mini-golf, but we didn't get the chance to play," shares a family who stayed at Ashaway RV Resort.
Entertainment proximity: Location relative to attractions matters for keeping children engaged. One Thousand Trails Sturbridge visitor mentions, "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly," while another notes they "had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!"
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV campers frequently comment on site proximity. One camper at Ashaway RV Resort describes it as "Standard crabgrass parking lot with drunks driving around on golf carts and RV's stacked on top of each other," noting "A great place for people who enjoy eating dinner next to your neighbor's septic pipe."
Big rig accessibility: Larger RVs require careful planning for campground selection. "Many pull-thru sites, maybe 20 back ins on a pond," notes a visitor to Aces High RV Park, adding it has "Nice staff, nice pool & facilities. Also, this is open year round."
Connectivity challenges: Working remote campers should research internet availability. At Meadowlark RV Park, campers find "No amenities such as shower or toilets" but appreciate that it's "Convenient to Cliff Walk, Historic Newport, US Navy Base."
