Cabin camping options near Portland, Connecticut include several campgrounds within a 20-mile radius. The area sits along the Connecticut River with elevations ranging from 15 to 400 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures average 25-40°F, while summer months typically reach 70-85°F with moderate humidity levels.
What to do
Beach access: Hammonasset State Park Campground offers direct beach access just 25 miles from Portland. "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. You can ride your bike from your site to the playground, store, beach, local ice cream shop, coffee shop, or our family favorite, meig's point nature center," notes a visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground provides stream fishing for brook trout approximately 15 miles from Portland. "Small little campground located in an amazing a beautiful park. Go here every spring for opening day of fishing season and camp the entire weekend," reports one regular visitor.
Hiking trails: Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground offers multiple trail networks with waterfall views. "The waterfall was a quick walk away and you could hike down to the river for a quick dip. The river isn't deep enough for a full swim but still was good enough on a hot day," explains a camper who visited during summer.
Amusement park combination: Lake Compounce Campground connects directly to Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, 20 miles from Portland. "This is attached to an amusement park but far enough away not to be a bother. If ever in the area again we will definitely stay again," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities at Waters Edge Family Campground, located 17 miles northeast of Portland. "It was quiet. The salt water pool was clean. Booked a site for October before we left," notes one satisfied visitor.
Pond activities: Waters Edge Family Campground offers pond-based recreation that appeals to many guests. "There's a nice lake to float on, a clean pool to swim in, activities every weekend. I camp here seasonally and love it," shares a regular camper.
Privacy options: Some sites at Waters Edge provide more seclusion than others. "Most amazing weekend with tons of woods (privacy is huge for us). Very friendly guests and staff! We've been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park," reports an enthusiastic visitor.
Spacious sites: Wolf's Den Family Campground offers generously sized campsites about 15 miles from Portland. "Long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," notes an experienced RVer.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin campgrounds near Portland require advance bookings, especially during peak summer months and weekends. Hammonasset fills quickly, with one camper advising, "The camp sites do fill up FAST over the summer up until school starts back up so if you plan to camp, BOOK AHEAD!"
Winter limitations: Though most campgrounds operate seasonally (May-October), Getaway Machimoodus offers year-round cabin accommodations with cold-weather considerations. "My bf and I went during one of the snowiest weekends all winter, but it was completely worth it! The cabin was beautiful and rustic, and outfitted with cookware, dishes, a Bluetooth capable radio, essentials like coffee for purchase, books and a shovel for the snow."
Insects and wildlife: Devil's Hopyard State Park has significant tick populations. "Be very careful with ticks, there were tons of them under our picnic table and by the campfire. Bring your own chairs to sit on and don't put to much down that they may be able to stick to. Our 2 nights we found over 25 ticks," warns a recent visitor.
Site selection considerations: Hammonasset campground layouts vary significantly. "I would recommend reserving early to get some of the more private campgrounds on the outskirts and near the woods or you may be in the field with everyone else," suggests an experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hammonasset State Park Campground offers family-focused amenities. "The campgrounds have nice facilities like a shop, good showers, a playground, and volleyball courts," notes a visitor, though they caution "pets are not allowed in the summer."
Weekend activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular weekend events. At Riverdale Farm Campsites, one visitor reports, "We did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards."
Multi-generational appeal: Wolf's Den Family Campground accommodates various age groups. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available," shares a satisfied visitor.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience varied noise levels. At Hammonasset, a camper notes, "Being a beach there are a few campers who enjoy staying up quite late and listening to music. I don't mind the noise but the nats (little black flies) make it nearly impossible to enjoy an evening."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Riverdale Farm Campsites offers full hookup options approximately 20 miles from Portland. "This is a really nice family campground just a mile or so off I-95 in Clinton, CT. Most of the roads are paved, the sites are large and level, there are full hookups, and a dump station."
Internet access: Connectivity varies across campgrounds. At Riverdale Farm, "Wi-Fi was not so great unless we paid $6 a day for premium access," according to one RVer.
Site layout: Lake Compounce Campground features pull-through sites with a specific arrangement. "The sites were long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," explains a visitor, adding, "None of the sites have sewer, but there is a dump station on the way out."
