Located 5 miles south of the Thames River in eastern Connecticut, Uncasville offers convenient access to several camping options within a 20-mile radius. The area features moderate summer temperatures averaging 80°F during peak camping season from May through October. Most glamping accommodations in this region maintain separate booking systems from standard campsites, with many properties requiring reservations 3-6 months in advance.
What to do
**Beach activities at Rocky Neck: 15-minute drive from Uncasville to this state park with swimming areas and hiking trails. According to a visitor, "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 and available mountain bike and hiking trails."
**Tubing and fishing: Hidden Acres Campground offers river access with on-site equipment. "We tubed down river, fished the pond, swam in the pool, did the hay ride, even attended the dance at night. Definitely be sure to grab a snack at the food hit they have," reports one camper.
**Nature exploration: Wolf's Den Family Campground provides access to the Connecticut River and nearby attractions. A visitor notes, "Nearby attractions are Gillette Castle and Goodspeed Opera. The campground itself is really nice. Cable TV at most sites."
What campers like
**Clean facilities: Sunfox Campground maintains well-kept amenities including bathrooms and recreational areas. "Super clean, friendly environment very nice playground and pool plus a nice lake to swim and fish in," writes one camper.
**Activities for children: Strawberry Park offers extensive programming for families. "I love that I see the same staff there every year. There are seasonal and weekenders alike. Bingo every night, and more activities than you could possibly do!!! The kids ride their bikes to the sports fields, the rec center for the pool and activities," shares a return visitor.
**Water recreation: Multiple properties feature lake or river access. At Witch Meadow Lake Campground, a visitor reports, "Swimming pool, facilities, small lake as well larger lakes in the surrounding area. Great location and campground."
What you should know
**Reservation timing: Most glamping sites near Uncasville book up 3-6 months in advance, with premium locations requiring even earlier commitments.
**Weekday discounts: Several properties offer 15-30% lower rates Sunday through Thursday compared to weekend rates.
**Site variations: Rocky Neck State Park Campground has notable differences between sites. One camper explains, "We camped at site #4 (sunny) then moved to #38 (shady). Both spots were quiet, music low and people minded their business. Equal mix of RVs big and small as well as many tents."
**Limited tent sites: Some locations restrict tent camping. A reviewer notes about Odetah, "They called us today 24 hours prior to our arrival- after 4 years of camping there- to cancel our site unless we rented an RV and didn't use tents."
Tips for camping with families
**Plan for weather changes: Bring both swimming gear and rain contingency plans. At Mystic KOA, "This KOA provides a lot to do for kids and families. The pool is small and usually crowded, but still very well kept. And then there's mini golf, hay rides, and lots of planned activities."
**Pack mosquito protection: Summer months require insect repellent as most camping areas have standing water nearby.
**Check programming schedules: Many campgrounds offer different activities on weekends versus weekdays. A camper at Odetah mentions, "Each weekend has a big schedule of events- farmers' market, themed activities and a band."
Tips from RVers
**Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. A visitor to Burlingame State Park Campground advises, "Hundreds of sites, some level some not, some dirt sites, some grassy, some with a ton of shade, some out in the open."
**Hookup limitations: Not all properties offer full services. A Wolf's Den camper reports, "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp."
**Size restrictions: Large RVs may have limited options. "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."
