Best Campgrounds near Salem, CT

Salem, Connecticut and the surrounding region feature a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and RV resorts within a 30-minute drive. Salem Farms Campground, located directly in Salem, offers 189 sites primarily for RVs with electric hookups, water access, and seasonal operation from May through Columbus Day. Within short driving distance, campers can access Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam and Rocky Neck State Park near Niantic, both offering more rustic camping experiences with varying levels of amenities. The area's camping options typically balance woodland settings with proximity to coastal attractions along Long Island Sound.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from late April through early October. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when coastal sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "Rocky Neck State Park books up FAST, I usually book in the wintertime." Facilities vary significantly between state parks and private campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more basic amenities while private resorts like Odetah Camping Resort in Bozrah provide full hookups, camp stores, and recreational facilities. Tick prevention is important throughout the area, particularly at Devil's Hopyard where campers report finding numerous ticks during summer stays.

Family-friendly amenities are common at campgrounds throughout the region. Many visitors use these campgrounds as convenient bases for exploring coastal Connecticut attractions. According to one reviewer at Mystic KOA, "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." Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several locations, with campers at Rocky Neck reporting sightings of "deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife." Site privacy varies considerably, with state park campgrounds often featuring closer spacing between sites compared to some of the premium private options that offer more separation and amenities.

Best Camping Sites Near Salem, Connecticut (138)

    1. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-1339

    "The beach is about a 1 mile walk or drive from the campground.  The walk is lovely and I have seen deer, turkeys, many birds, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife along the way."

    "Located right off I95 ( which you can hear at times), the park is convenient to all the major interstates and state roads."

    2. Odetah Camping Resort

    13 Reviews
    Bozrah, CT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 889-4144

    "Tucked away in the woods I never knew this was there! Beautiful pond and a good mix of seasonal and overnight sites as well as cabins. Plenty of areas to walk our dogs and have them swim."

    "Has a nice beach on a pond, a very cool splash pad next to the pool which all looked very clean. There is a snack shack next to the pond with a play scape and horseshoes."

    3. Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 526-2336

    $14 / night

    "There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly."

    "The sites are very open, not wooded so you have little privacy from adjacent sites."

    4. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clinton, CT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (203) 245-1817

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Beautiful Connecticut beach sits just steps away from your campsite. Well kept showers and bathrooms are abundant and the camp store has the majority of what you need."

    "   I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground."

    5. Waters Edge Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Amston, CT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 642-7470

    $45 - $100 / night

    "We’ve been to campgrounds with playgrounds worse than the waters edge dog park."

    "This is our families favorite camping location. On the pond at Waters Edge. When asked where they want to camp my 5 and 7 year old will always respond with Waters Edge."

    6. Niantic KOA

    12 Reviews
    South Lyme, CT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-9308

    "His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for. The staff is very friendly, courteous and knowledgeable of the area."

    "Close to level parking pad, with table and very nice brick firepit. Sites not too close together. I had woods behind me. I would definitely camp here again."

    7. Aces High RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Montville, CT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 739-8858

    $74 - $80 / night

    "We stayed at Aces High RV Park for a long holiday weekend to visit with our daughter in Connecticut. We paid$150/night for a‘Premium Waterfront FHU Site’ on the lake."

    "Sites and roads are a pea gravel material and each site has large grassy areas around it. It was a quiet area with ponds and creeks and a generally relaxing setting."

    8. Crocker's Boatyard

    11 Reviews
    New London, CT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 443-6304

    $50 - $75 / night

    "Which was walking distance from the boat yard.

    Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard."

    "Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good.

    Enjoyed the pool.

    Walked to Fort Trumbull.

    Recommend Crockers."

    9. Wolf's Den Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hadlyme, CT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 873-9681

    "This place is off Route 9 in Connecticut on the east side of the Connecticut River (major RT 9 highway is on west side)."

    "Nice camp ground in the woods near hadlyme"

    10. Salem Farms Campground

    4 Reviews
    Salem, CT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (860) 859-2320

    $68 - $72 / night

    "Great camping out the the woods of Salem ct"

    "We tent close to the restroom and the pool, which are very clean. We go mid week and the special is pay 2 nights, get third night free."

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Showing results 1-10 of 138 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Salem, CT

694 Reviews of 138 Salem Campgrounds



Guide to Salem

Camping near Salem, Connecticut, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to the beach. For example, at Hammonasset State Park Campground, you can enjoy a short walk to the beach without any extra fees. One camper mentioned, "The beach was popular," making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing.
  • Nature Trails: Explore the beautiful trails nearby. Campers at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground enjoyed the lush greenery, with one reviewer saying, "Very lush and green, and the showers are close to the sites."
  • Family Activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. At Brialee Family Campground, families can enjoy a sand beach and various activities, with one visitor noting, "The sand beach is great for the kids."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at George Washington State Campground remarked, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A camper at Newport RV Park shared, "The park was recently updated and was beautiful," highlighting the positive experiences with the staff.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space for their tents or RVs. At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, one camper noted, "The site itself is not very private but very spacious."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during weekends. A visitor at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, "There was karaoke at a neighboring site," which might not be ideal for those seeking peace.
  • Booking in Advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Mystic KOA advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have on-site stores. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "There is no on-site camp store for last-minute necessities."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. At Brialee Family Campground, families can enjoy a variety of activities that keep kids entertained.
  • Choose the Right Site: Some sites are better for families than others. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground mentioned, "There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny," which can be important for keeping kids comfortable.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground appreciated the nearby food options, saying, "Right down the street from great RI food."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose a level site for your RV. A camper at George Washington State Campground noted, "The driveway to site 38 was a mess," which can be a hassle for RVers.
  • Book Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, book early. A visitor at Mystic KOA mentioned, "The hookups worked fine with 50-amp electric."
  • Be Prepared for Traffic: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A camper at Newport RV Park advised, "Newport drivers are not walker/biker friendly," so plan your travels accordingly.

Camping around Salem, CT, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there’s a campground that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Salem, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salem, CT is Rocky Neck State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

What parks are near Salem, CT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Salem, CT that allow camping, notably Hop Brook Lake and Westville Lake.