RV camping near South Windham, Connecticut offers access to both wooded forest settings and riverside locations within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at the junction of several watersheds including the Shetucket River basin, creating diverse camping environments from riverside to woodland settings. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October due to New England's winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing access points: Salt Rock Campground provides river access for fishing along the Quinebaug River. "We took our kayaks up to the dam and fished our way back," notes a visitor to Salt Rock Campground.
Water recreation options: Several campgrounds feature ponds or lakes for swimming and boating. "Cool pond for paddle boats and canoeing! Family friendly," writes a camper about Thousand Trails Sturbridge, which is within driving distance of South Windham.
Hiking trails: Douglas State Forest offers wooded trails adjacent to camping areas. "The RV sites are spacious and easy to navigate, with full hookups and strong Wi-Fi. You're literally steps away from Douglas State Forest, which made morning hikes and evening strolls absolutely magical," according to a review of Douglas Forest RV Resort.
Beach day trips: Beaches are accessible within short driving distances. "It is a quick drive to the beach, we loved Westerly & Misquamicut Beaches," mentions a visitor at Ashaway RV Resort, noting these ocean beaches make for good day trips.
What campers like
Large sites with privacy: Some parks offer spacious camping spots away from crowds. "The RV sites are spacious and easy to navigate," notes a visitor at Douglas Forest RV Resort, appreciating the room to spread out.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and amenities matter to campers. "Bathrooms were newer and immaculate," writes a reviewer about Sun Outdoors Mystic, highlighting the importance of clean facilities.
Access to local attractions: Proximity to tourist destinations is valued. "This park is in a great location for exploring Mystic. You are close to downtown, the aquarium, Mystic Seaport and other attractions," mentions a camper at Sun Outdoors Mystic.
Water features: Ponds, rivers, and water access points enhance the camping experience. "Beautiful pond and natural setting with lots of ducks, geese, chickens, and wild birds," notes a visitor about Aces High RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds in the region operate within specific seasons. Countryside RV Park runs "from May 1 to Oct 15," and similar schedules apply to other parks.
Limited off-season options: Finding open campgrounds during winter months can be challenging. Only select sites remain open year-round, with Aces High RV Park being one option for off-season camping.
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. "Cell reception is not great. Camp link Wifi for a fee is workable unless you need to do zoom calls," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
Campground personality differences: Each campground has a distinct atmosphere. "This is primarily a seasonal/long-term resident park rather than a traditional camping resort," notes a camper about Douglas Forest RV Resort, indicating it has more of a residential feel than a typical tourist campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Swimming facilities are important for families with children. "Our kids enjoyed playing tennis & swimming in the pool at the campground - there is also mini-golf, but we didn't get the chance to play," writes a visitor at Ashaway RV Resort.
Playground conditions: Check playground equipment quality before booking. "The playground was a hit for our kids!" notes a camper at Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
Movie nights: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "Saturday nights there is a 'movie night' on the field," explains a visitor at Salt Rock Campground about their outdoor cinema experience.
Group sites: For larger family gatherings, special areas may be available. "We had a group from work head out here. We reserved Coyote Run, and had the field to ourselves," shares a Salt Rock Campground visitor, describing their group camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: "Buddy sites" allow RVs to face each other, ideal for group camping. "We had site B1, which was water and electric. Close to the pond. Not directly at the pond, though," notes a Thousand Trails Sturbridge visitor, giving specific site details.
Level pads: Look for campgrounds with concrete or properly graded sites. "Clean, well-maintained, and level site with concrete pad and patio (I love a clean, level concrete pad!)," writes an enthusiastic camper about Ross Hill RV Park & Campground.
Utility placement: Consider hookup locations when booking. "Utility hookups were in great condition and everything worked as it should (other parks should come and take a look at how to do this right)," recommends an Aces High RV Park visitor.
Site size variations: Site dimensions vary significantly between parks. "Well organized campground with both water front back in sites as well as large pull throughs. Pull through sites also have lots of space between them so you don't feel like you are on top of the neighbors," explains an Aces High RV Park reviewer.
