Glamping opportunities near Stratford, Connecticut span across both coastal and inland areas, with options within a 25-45 mile radius. Long Island Sound forms the primary water feature, with elevations ranging from sea level to around 300 feet inland. Most upscale outdoor accommodations remain open May through October, with some sites closing after Labor Day due to cooler coastal temperatures that average 45-55°F in fall.
What to do
Beach access at campsites: Wildwood State Park Campground offers direct beach access to Long Island Sound. One camper noted, "A great family campsite right on the Long Island Sound. A little bit of a bummer on the rental for a firepit but the bathrooms are big and spacious."
Hiking nearby: Mountain Lakes Park features multiple trail options with varied difficulty levels. A visitor shared, "There are many hikes which can be trekked straight from the campgrounds which is always a huge plus in my mind."
Water recreation options: Riverdale Farm Campsites offers both pond and river access for paddling. A camper mentioned, "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."
Amusement park combination: Lake Compounce Campground provides direct access to the adjacent theme park. A visitor commented, "You just can't go wrong with a KOA campground. His place in Niantic Connecticut very close to downtown and the beach which they have a shuttle for."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Niantic KOA maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. One reviewer said, "Warm showers (but it did take a while for the water to get warm)."
Spacious sites: Smith Point County Park offers larger-than-average sites. A camper reported, "Amazing sites with plenty of room, though they are close together. But was worth it for the amenities and fantastic views."
Wildlife viewing: Indian Island County Park provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. A visitor noted, "And sweet deer. I watched a momma deer nursing two of her babies. This is paradise."
Lakefront views: Lake Waramaug sites offer water views from most camping areas. A guest shared, "What it does have are clean, large sites that are partially wooded and not out in the open. You will almost always have a view of the water."
What you should know
Advance bookings required: For luxury glamping close to Stratford, Connecticut, reservations are essential, particularly for premium sites. At Bear Creek Campground, a visitor advised, "The yurts were amazing but all booked up, you gotta book a year in advance."
Off-season considerations: Rocky Neck State Park facilities adjust seasonally. One camper noted, "The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc. Bathhouses and toilets were not as cleaned as I would have liked but passable."
Site privacy varies: Proximity to neighbors differs significantly between parks. A Wildwood State Park visitor mentioned, "It doesn't have that much of the camping feel, though, as there's not many trees in the campsite area and the sites are so close together. You will get very intimate with your neighbors."
Limited cell service: Lake Waramaug has minimal connectivity. A visitor pointed out, "Yes, cell service is basically non-existent. Our trip this weekend was the first time we received more than 1 bar in 20 years."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers structured programs for children. A visitor mentioned, "A great family campsite. The kids who work here are so friendly and the playground is nice. They did a show on the beach one night that was fun too."
Beach safety: Smith Point County Park requires supervision at ocean areas. A camper observed, "A short walk from the ocean to the bay, both accessible by walking from your campsite. No shade so be prepared to wake early if you're in a sweltering tent."
Playground access: Multiple locations feature dedicated play areas. One Lake Compounce visitor reported, "They have a small playground, activities, tennis court, basketball. Not to mention its next to the amusement park."
Site selection for families: Choose locations away from party areas. A reviewer at Indian Island noted, "Staff has been great, no complaints. Also note this is not a quiet campground, campers stay up late drinking by the fire. Kids of all ages are generally running and playing day and night."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Lake Waramaug State Park Campground has minimal RV services. A visitor noted, "If you have a pop-up or anything above the ground on wheels they make your life miserable and prevent you from camping in the front row where the sites are larger, level, and have a lake view."
Pull-through sites: Wildwood State Park offers easy-access RV spots. One RVer shared, "RV pull through sites were fantastic. It was a great campground for maiden voyage in new rig. Plenty of amenities."
Electrical hookups: Most luxury glamping sites offer power options. An RVer at Bear Creek noted, "Very well maintained and friendly staff. Does not have sewer hookups, but does have a dump station."
Seasonal considerations: Off-peak camping offers more space. A Niantic KOA visitor reported, "This was helped by the fact that there was no one on either side of us during our stay."
