Eastern Connecticut's camping areas near South Windham feature diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 200 to 700 feet above sea level. The region experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers averaging 80°F and cool spring/fall temperatures around 60°F. Most campgrounds in the area sit within the Thames River watershed, providing ample water recreation opportunities within 15 miles of South Windham.
What to do
River fishing access: At Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, visitors can fish for brook trout in streams. "Small campground and the sites are close together... The state park is nice... There are trails behind the sites along a large marsh. The wildlife was incredible, a beaver family lives in the marsh so every night around 10 they would be up splashing around loudly," notes a recent camper.
Kayaking on local waterways: The Natchaug River at Nickerson Park Family Campground offers water recreation. "The river that flows the length of the campground seemed clean and awesome. Staffers and other campers said kids tube down it when it's warmer, then just hop out and walk through the camp to start over again," according to one visitor.
Disc golf: Wilderness Lake Park is developing a disc golf course on their property. "The host mentioned they were building a Disc Golf course on the property. Whether you have an RV, want to Car Glamp or looking to feel deep in the woods, this place checks all the boxes. It's also conveniently located off I-84(exit 70)," shares a reviewer.
Halloween camping events: Special seasonal events offer unique camping experiences. "We went two years in a row each on Halloween! They had great amenities and activities for the kids. Plus a costume contest and tricker treating. Very enjoyable time," reports a camper who visited Odetah Camping Resort.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Wilderness Lake Park offers tent sites away from RV areas. "The host gave us a secluded spot in the back to the point I didn't feel like I was at a campground other than the fire ring. We didn't need bathrooms, water or electricity, but there was a bathroom within walking distance," mentions one tent camper.
Free water equipment rentals: Some campgrounds provide complimentary watercraft. "They even had free kayaks/canoes for the lake," notes a visitor to Wilderness Lake Park. Another camper adds, "Beautiful views, spacious site and lots to do."
Canoe-specific campsites: Hopeville Pond State Park Campground features specialized waterfront sites. "The gem is the canoe sites at the north of the campground. These are tent only. You park and walk about 100 yards to the site. There are only four sites in this secluded section of the campground. Sites CN02, CN03 and CN04 have direct waterfront on the pond. You can launch kayaks, paddle boards, etc right from the site!"
Dog-friendly beaches: Some locations have designated pet swimming areas. "Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs," mentions a visitor to Brialee Family Campground.
What you should know
Early reservations required: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for holiday weekends. "Booked a site for October before we left," notes a camper at Waters Edge Family Campground about securing future stays during their visit.
Cash-only policies: Some privately-owned campgrounds have specific payment requirements. "Heads up, they are cash or Venmo only so be prepared," warns a visitor to Wilderness Lake Park.
Varying enforcement of quiet hours: Noise levels differ significantly between locations. At Salt Rock Campground, one camper reported, "This place doesn't enforce rules. Quiet hours are merely a suggestion, and folks turn up until 4AM on Friday nights. Music blaring from disrespectful campers until 10PM."
Facility conditions at state parks: Connecticut state park campgrounds often have older infrastructure. "Bathrooms are atrocious - stall doors have no locks, metal fittings are rusty, paint is peeling, showers are lukewarm and temp cannot be changed. They aren't really dirty, just poorly maintained," notes a Salt Rock Campground visitor.
Limited water access: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. "Water is not provided due to contamination, you'll need to bring your own," cautions a camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for jumping pillows: Brialee Family Campground features this popular attraction. "MASSIVE campground with plenty of activities. Along with a pool, they also have a beach and a separate beach for dogs. They provide a store with all the essentials, a game room, laundry room, Rec hall, and multiple bathhouses throughout the Campground."
Check activity schedules: Many campgrounds organize regular entertainment. "The campground offers activities pretty much hourly for kids and adults to enjoy," notes a Brialee visitor. Another adds, "Great family campground with many activities for the entire family."
Reserve group camping areas: Salt Rock Campground offers designated spaces for multiple families. "We had a group from work head out here. We reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves, it was a bit of a walk to the shower from there, but we had our own outhouse."
Prepare for site proximity: Many campgrounds feature close quarters between sites. "Sites are close together and it is generally quite loud during the day. Quiet hours at night are not strictly enforced so you may hear people up and around until midnight or later," warns a Hopeville Pond camper.
Tips from RVers
Gray water disposal options: Not all sites offer full hookups. "There was not sewer drains, but it's ok, they have a nice dump station on your way out," notes a camper at Nickerson Park Family Campground.
Firewood delivery services: Several campgrounds offer on-site delivery. "The staff will deliver wood right to your site," mentions a camper at Odetah Camping Resort. Similarly, at Wilderness Lake Park, "They deliver wood to your site."
Site leveling challenges: Odetah Camping Resort has varied site conditions. "Most sites are even and good sized," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "Near perfect level. New fence poles show renovations were consistently done. Two easy dump stations with nice clean area."
Electrical hookup variations: Check amperage before booking. "Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities," explains a Hopeville Pond visitor.
