RV camping near Portland, Connecticut offers access to numerous campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the Connecticut River Valley at approximately 300 feet above sea level, with mild summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through September. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically closing after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Amusement park access: Lake Compounce Campground is adjacent to New England's oldest continuously operating amusement park. "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," notes one camper who appreciated the convenience without the noise.
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature ponds for recreation. At Aces High RV Park, visitors enjoy "ponds and creeks and a generally relaxing setting" with "a creek area for dog swimming. Our two labs loved it!" according to one reviewer who stayed at the park.
Hiking options: The region offers woodland trails accessible from several campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Sturbridge, campers report "a huge area of woods with a walking trail starting at the edge of the campground. I enjoyed stretching my legs," making it suitable for day hikes without leaving the property.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of bathrooms and shower facilities. One reviewer at Lake Compounce Campground stated, "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper."
Recreational amenities: On-site recreation features heavily in positive reviews. Salem Farms Campground offers "2 pools and lots of games that they provide the equipment for for free," according to a camper who noted it was "the quietest campground we've ever stayed in" during weekday visits.
Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate the central location for regional exploration. One visitor at Sun Outdoors Mystic shared, "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions."
What you should know
Site configuration: Be aware of how sites are arranged at each campground. At Totoket Valley RV Park, "Each site has grass and a picnic table," while campers should note this park does not permit campfires, unlike most other area campgrounds.
Seasonal schedules: Most campgrounds operate only part of the year. Thousand Trails Sturbridge operates from "April 10 to October 25," while Salem Farms runs "May 1 to Columbus Day," affecting late-season availability.
WiFi and connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between locations. One camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge noted, "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls," which could impact remote workers or those needing reliable internet.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly facilities. At Salem Farms Campground, families report, "Loved the tent area and how close it was for the kids to use the pool and facilities. Everything was clean and well kept. We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer organized events. One visitor at Countryside RV Park noted it's a "Beautiful, family owned & run, quiet, large sites" park, though another camper mentioned it has "limited child activities" so bring your own entertainment.
Swimming options: Pools are available at several campgrounds but not all. "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park," reports a Lake Compounce camper, though they noted "it would have been nice if they had a place to swim (in the camping area) besides for at the main park."
Tips from RVers
Site layouts: RV campers should research site configurations before booking. Some campgrounds like Lake Compounce feature "long pull thrus. You will face your neighbor door to door but enough room between you don't feel invaded," according to a recent visitor.
Hookup variations: Not all parks offer full hookups. While Aces High RV Park provides complete services, Lake Compounce "does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station" as noted by an RV camper.
Maneuverability: Consider access roads when bringing larger rigs. At Salem Farms Campground, one visitor noted potential challenges: "Our only complaint would be the spot they put the 5th wheel our cousin brought. It was too close to the road, and they wouldn't let him pull in so we were facing each other even though it would have easily worked out."
