Glamping near Shelton, Connecticut offers an alternative to traditional tent camping with premium accommodations. The region sits at about 220 feet above sea level in the southwestern part of Connecticut, with humid summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during peak camping season. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, limiting most glamping options to seasonal operation between April and October.
What to do
Waterfront recreation: At Indian Island County Park, visitors can enjoy beach access within walking distance of campsites. "There are hiking trails and you can walk to the beach. Note - it is a downhill walk to the beach. The beach is fairly clean and has a small boardwalk," reports one camper who appreciates the coastal setting.
Nature trails: Mountain Lakes Park provides multiple hiking opportunities directly from the camping area. "There are also many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind," notes one visitor. The park features several lakes and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple camping areas provide fishing access, with Riverdale Farm Campsites offering both pond and river fishing options. "It was a beautiful day on the beach pond," mentions a camper who enjoyed the water access. The site includes both still water and moving water options for different fishing preferences.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Compounce Campground receives positive feedback for its well-maintained amenities. "Restrooms are clean and spacious. Showers are great. Whoever planned this campground is/was a camper," notes one visitor, highlighting the thoughtful design of the facilities.
Space between sites: Several glamping locations offer varying degrees of privacy. "Sites were large enough for RV... bit tent sites were ok," reports a camper at Lake Compounce. This contrasts with more densely packed arrangements at some other area campgrounds.
Beach proximity: Rocky Neck State Park Campground provides convenient beach access. "My family has camped at Rocky Neck every year since i was a child. Every site had a central bathhouse and they have a variety of tree covering options for each campers preferences. The campsite is only a short walk from the beach," explains a long-time visitor.
What you should know
Site differences: Campgrounds often segregate different camping styles. "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig," reports a visitor to Wildwood State Park Campground, which has separate areas for RVs versus tents.
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping sites operate only during warmer months. "Open 4/24/2020 - 11/8/2020" notes the Niantic KOA listing, with similar seasonal restrictions at other locations. Winter glamping options are extremely limited in the region.
Booking competition: Securing reservations can be challenging, especially for prime locations. "Sites are long so even though you face your neighbor, the sites were long enough that our door wasn't directly across from our neighbor," notes a camper who managed to find space at Lake Compounce during a busy period.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-oriented campgrounds provide organized recreation. "Great time with the family... The playground was awesome for our two year old. The tent sites had some shade," reports a visitor to Lake Compounce, highlighting amenities for younger campers.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife encounters. "The skunks are friendly! Great for kids!" notes one camper at Rocky Neck State Park, though this requires appropriate food storage and wildlife precautions.
Recreation variety: Wolf's Den Family Campground offers multiple family activities. "Mini golf, pool, tennis, basketball, volleyball, lots of playgrounds for the kids. Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available," describes a visitor highlighting the range of options.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Be aware of hookup limitations. "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp," notes an RVer at Wolf's Den Family Campground, indicating the need to plan for waste management.
Site configurations: Many glamping sites feature specific arrangements. "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 to Lake Compounce, describing how the layout affects privacy.
Access considerations: Check road conditions, particularly for larger vehicles. "Really long or tall RV will need to stay close to the front of the campground, as typical older campground is not designed for 40 foot long or 10 foot high campers," advises an experienced RVer about navigating certain campground roads and spaces.
