Camping options near Uncasville, Connecticut offer diverse outdoor experiences in Connecticut's eastern woodlands and neighboring Rhode Island forests. Several equestrian camping facilities in the region provide trail access across state-managed lands. The area's camping season typically runs May through October, with fall bringing cooler temperatures ideal for trail riding and hiking.
What to do
Trail riding access: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park connects to intermediate hiking trails suitable for day excursions. "Son and I stayed from Friday to Sunday. Easy to find the camp and the plot, well marked. Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail," notes camper 175 P.
Fishing opportunities: Sears Bellows County Park in New York offers freshwater fishing at Bellows Pond with productive catches. "The next morning we got up and did some hiking. We also saw some people fishing in the pond- and it seemed like most people were catching. The people who stayed in the campsite next to us were cooking up some type of fish for their dinner that they caught that day," reports Nadia V.
Water activities: Rowboat rentals at Sears Bellows provide affordable access to Bellows Pond. "The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water. It was a lot of fun, and the price of the rowboat was pretty cheap," shares Nadia V.
What campers like
Off-grid experience: Sears Bellows County Park provides a technology break with no electrical hookups. "This hidden gem is located right in Hampton Bays and is the perfect campground for anyone looking to camp off the grid. Tucked away in the woods is a beatiful well kept & maintained campground with spacious sites," writes Lexis N.
Beach proximity: Shinnecock East County Park offers oceanfront camping with fishing opportunities. "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing," explains Anthony M.
Natural surroundings: Wolf Den Campground features open areas for recreation and stargazing. "Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night," says 175 P.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Some beach campgrounds require four-wheel drive vehicles. At Shinnecock East County Park, "4x4 a must, air down a must. Beautiful on the bay or ocean side. They also have a hill top section. Beautiful views. Dry camping in an Rv no tents," advises Lisa M.
Limited services: Frog Hollow Horse Camp provides basic amenities focused on equestrian needs. "Campsites are located around a loop with a couple of composting toilets near the entrance. Water is available. There's space your your camping gear as well as a trailer and horseline," reports Jean C.
Reservation systems: Many horse campgrounds near Uncasville operate on first-come, first-served basis. At Frog Hollow, "About half the sites were occupied in late October," indicating availability during peak fall foliage season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Parks with dedicated children's facilities enhance family camping experiences. At Sears Bellows, "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides. The bathrooms are in one area and the showers are in another area. Is good for dogs to the trails are nice and big," notes Gino D.
Site selection: At Wolf Den Campground, choose sites based on privacy and shade needs. "The parking pads are paved and a few have overhanging branches, but the trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites that tend to open up toward the back with open areas for pitching tents," suggests Jean C.
Weather preparation: Northeastern Connecticut experiences significant temperature drops in fall. After Hurricane Henri, Gary G. found "The park was completely cleaned up from any damage or debris, all in great shape. No other campers here when we arrived, so totally silent. No road noise."
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: The Preserve Club and Residences provides full-service sites with electricity, water and sewer connections. "The Preserve Club and Residences is a members/owners only community which is New England's most amenity rich properties," explains Chris M.
Generator regulations: Check campground policies regarding generator use. While Sears Bellows "does not have an electric hook up but generators are allowed," according to Lexis N.
Site length considerations: Wolf Den Campground offers various site configurations. "Most sites are relatively short level pads, with little or no shade, but very pleasant. We picked site 33 for the best shade and longer pad," recommends Gary G.
