Best Camping near Montauk, NY

Montauk is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Montauk is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Montauk, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Montauk, NY (84)

    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    1. Rocky Neck State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    62 Photos
    173 Saves
    South Lyme, Connecticut

    Situated along the scenic Connecticut coastline making great camping near New Haven, Rocky Neck State Park is a is a small recreation area that features white sand beaches, salt marshes, and the rocky remnants of Ice Age glaciers. The park is located about 1 hour southeast of Hartford, near the town of East Lyme, with a view across the sound of Fishers Island, Gardiners Island, and Long Island. The park showcases several examples of ancient glacial terrain, including rock scouring and polishing, potholes and erratic boulders. In some places, the overlying sediment has been completely eroded away to reveal interesting outcrops of banded granitic gneiss.

    The campground at Rocky Neck offers 160 drive-in campsites for tent and RV campers. Visitors can choose from open, grassy sites and wooded, shady sites. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, but RV hookups are not available. Sites can accommodate vehicles/trailers up to 35 feet; some sites are tent-only. Water faucets, restrooms, and trash/recycling receptacles are located throughout the campground; a dump station is located near the campground entrance. Dogs are not permitted in this park. Camping is available from May through September; sites are $20–$30/night; reservations accepted.

    The main attraction at Rocky Neck is its wide, sandy beach, where visitors can lounge in the sun, or go for a dip in Long Island Sound. The park has several picnic areas for family and group gatherings, several miles of hiking trails for exploring the park’s salt marshes, waterways and natural features, and anglers can fish for saltwater bass, blackfish and flounder. Along the park’s western shore, the historic Ellie Mitchell Pavilion has concessions, and dining and lounging areas. The park also offers a variety of seasonal interpretive programs, guided hikes, wildlife viewing, and evening entertainment.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground

    2. Hammonasset State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    71 Photos
    288 Saves
    Clinton, Connecticut

    Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest of Connecticut’s shoreline parks. Two-mile beach, facilities for swimming, camping (third weekend in May to Columbus Day), picnicking, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking and boating; concessions. Nature center and interpretive programs. Bicycle rentals available through Labor Day, rates begin at $10 per hour and range up to $75 per week, with discounts for children. Helmets provided free to use and are mandatory for riders 15 and younger. Note: Lifeguards on duty on Wednesday through Sunday. Pricing: Weekdays: free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm. Weekends and holidays: free for CT vehicles; $22/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm William F. Miller Campground. 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Saltwater swimming and fishing. Individual fireplaces not provided. No pets.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $20 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA

    3. Mystic KOA

    24 Reviews
    90 Photos
    71 Saves
    North Stonington, Connecticut

    Set amidst century-old maples, quaint stone walls, and reproduction colonial architecture, this family resort provides the best Connecticut camping has to offer. Here the prevailing breeze is fresh, and the westerly views are of rolling wooded hills and magnificent sunsets. With modern facilities, the campground is beautifully situated on a hill among maple and apple trees. Most sites are pull-through, allowing for easy parking with additional areas offering everything from secluded tent sites to a three-acre field for groups. No RV? No problem! With our speciality accommodations, including Camping Cabins and Deluxe Cabins, you may not even feel like you're roughing it at all. Enjoy all the attractions in the greater Mystic Connecticut area, including Rhode Island beaches, Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mohegan Sun Resort Casino. Mystic KOA is also near to some of Connecticut's finest tourist attractions, including the Mystic Seaport Museum, Dinosaur Place and the Mystic Aquarium.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground

    4. Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground

    30 Reviews
    78 Photos
    290 Saves
    Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island

    Located on Point Judith Pond, Fishermen's Memorial State Park is a haven of water-based activities, including fishing, boating and kayaking. The park is adjacent to one of Rhode Island's most popular beaches, providing campers with a scenic and relaxing place to soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. The park offers a range of camping options, including tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and cottages. Fishermen's Memorial State Park is located near many of Rhode Island's most popular attractions, including Newport's mansions and historic sites, and the beautiful Block Island. Visitors can also explore the nearby towns of Narragansett and South Kingstown, which offer a range of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground

    5. Hither Hills State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    64 Saves
    Montauk, New York

    Hither Hills State Park offers visitors scenic picnic areas and fireplaces, sport fishing, a sandy ocean beach, playing fields, a playground and a 189-site campground on the ocean. Anglers can fish year-round and obtain permits to fish at night. The unique "walking dunes" of Napeague Harbor are located on the eastern boundary of the park, which also has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad and pine trees. Bridle paths and hiking, nature, biking and cross-country ski trails are available.

    Please Note: Motor homes, pop-ups and trailers are not allowed in the parking lot Friday, Saturday & Sunday.

    The park has a beach open from Memorial Day to Labor Day; bridle paths; hiking trails; a scenic ten-acre, handicapped-accessible picnic area with fireplaces; a playground; playing fields; courts for horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, and tetherball; and accessible campsites, with showers and dumping stations. Additional facilities include a park office, camp store, and centrally located phones. The park is patrolled by New York State Park Police and maintains a large recycling program.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $35 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA

    6. Niantic KOA

    11 Reviews
    48 Photos
    70 Saves
    South Lyme, Connecticut
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground

    7. Burlingame State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    39 Photos
    69 Saves
    Charlestown, Rhode Island

    Located next to Watchaug Pond in Charlestown, this spacious campground includes approximately 700 campsites, as well as 20 cabins. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground. The campground features conveniently located restrooms with shower facilities, a playground, arcade, freshwater beach, boat ramp, canoe rentals and hiking trails. The camp store carries a wide variety of camping necessities, along with a large selection of souvenirs. The campground abuts the Burlingame Management Area and Kimball Wildlife Sanctuary and is located near numerous ocean beaches, including Misquamicut State Beach, Charlestown Breachway and East Matunuck State Beach.

    6 New Cabin Sites will be available summer of 2022.
    Septic Dump Station Passes are available for a fee to non-registered campers to utilize both the dump and water filling stations.
    Main Camp is restricted to tent camping only.

    Address: 1 Burlingame State Park Road, Charlestown, RI 02813

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $18 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point County Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point County Park

    8. Cedar Point County Park

    3 Reviews
    9 Photos
    94 Saves
    Sag Harbor, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $10 - $26 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park

    9. Strawberry Park

    12 Reviews
    9 Photos
    33 Saves
    Griswold, Connecticut

    Strawberry Park is a 160 acre campground nestled in the heart of southeastern Connecticut, in a region of lakes, streams and ocean beaches, conveniently located near all the major points of interest, and only 5 miles off I-395 or 15 miles from I-95. Strawberry Park offers a wide variety of campsites, ranging from open lawns, wooded and shaded sites, some close to the facilities, while others are more secluded.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard

    10. Crocker's Boatyard

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    1 Save
    New London, Connecticut

    With 5 acres of open space, we can accommodate almost any self-contained RV. We are not a traditional campground, but a boatyard and marina with some of the same amenities found at other campgrounds.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Trash
    • WiFi

    $50 - $75 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Montauk

Recent Reviews in Montauk

443 Reviews of 84 Montauk Campgrounds


  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hopeville Pond State Park Campground
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Hopeville Pond State Park Campground

    Small campground in three sections on Hopeville Pond

    General: There are three sections to this campground: five canoe sites; 16 sites including one cabin behind the ranger station and what I would assume is the main section with 61 sites. Some sites have water and electric hookups, but the majority of the sites have no utilities. Note: Pets are not allowed at this campground!

    Site Quality: We arrived in the rain after the Ranger station had closed and circled the main section several times trying to find the site with the least amount of water. We did not know until the next morning when we went to pay that we ended up in an ADA-accessible site. It was not marked in any way and I’m guessing that the only reason it was designated as such was its proximity to the restrooms. All sites appeared level and even though they were supposed to have gravel pads, they were mostly a mix of dirt (or mud) and grass with a little gravel. 

    Bath/Shower House: In the main section, there is a very large and clean indoor bathhouse with free showers. Did not use the shower so cannot comment. Appreciated that there was immediate hot water at the sinks. The other two sections have vault toilets. 

    Activities/Amenities: In season there is swimming, but the beach is very small. Fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular. There are also some trails for walking/hiking, a basketball hoop, a dump station, and recycling. 

    This was an overnight stay for us but the rate for out-of-state campers, while higher than for residents, was reasonable at $30. We would return to this campground.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Niantic KOA
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Niantic KOA

    Future potential?

    We generally only stay in KOAs or similar RV parks when we need showers, laundry, or a dump station. This one was in a convenient location plus many campgrounds had not yet opened for the year when we were there. It had rained for a few days before our arrival and that did not help our first impression as we drove on the rutted and muddy road to our site. There was a sign that improvements are underway, but I am not sure what those planned improvements are and when they will be implemented.

    On the plus side:

    *Friendly and helpful staff. Not sure why when we are given a map an employee escorts us to our site but that is a KOA thing. Later an employee asked if I wanted help carrying our clothes to the laundry.

    * Warm showers (but it did take a while for the water to get warm)

    *Brand new pool that was uncovered but it was way too cold in April to use*Sites were spaced a decent amount of space apart (although there is little physical separation). This was helped by the fact that there was no one on either side of us during our stay.

    *In season, there are many activities to occupy families (pool, playground, mini golf, daily firetruck rides, complimentary shuttle into the town of Niantic); however, we could not take advantage of most of these.

    *Reasonably priced laundry, although the washing machines were smal, and it took two to do what should have been one load. However, the dryers give you 60 minutes so although it took longer to dry, I only had to use one. 

    On the negative side:

    *Unmaintained roadways. The main one was once paved but has not been maintained; others were dirt (and mud after a rain)

    *High price for what we received. Not sure if we received an off-season rate but at $87 per night for a water/electric site and not being able to take advantage of amenities seemed high.

    *Allowing political flags to be displayed at sites. I understand that on private property, this can be allowed at the owner's discretion, but this was offensive to us. 

    Again, this is not our preferred type of camping. Initially, I struggled to give this two stars but once the rain stopped, our stay improved somewhat.

  • Prashant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Island County Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Indian Island County Park

    Very Busy! Close quarters! Can be loud and neighbors are ignorant of rules

    Stayed at this campground this past weekend and yes it was a long weekend so the campground was packed. All the camping spots are pretty much right next to each one with hardly any space, packed like Sardines. Neighbors are loud and some of them are ignorant of the park rules. Staying on the phones in the middle of the night while talking so loud that all camping neighbors can hear their whole story

    Its a pity that they take a nice park and remove the fun out of camping. 

    However the walk to the beach area was very serene, especially early morning before sunrise and didn't feel like we live in dense suburbia and sunrise from the beach was worth the trip

    Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept , no fire ring (BYOFP)

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Oct. 7, 2024

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    HUGE state park

    General: HUGE state park with over 700 sites. It does not fully open for the season until May 1 and when we were there in mid-April, only two sections, Fish Camp and Mills Camp were open. The Ranger station is staffed 24 hours a day, with a ranger on site until 11 pm. You need to show your pass to get inside the gate leading to the campsites. There are no hookups in any site (as far as I could tell). Sites are designated for tents, small trailers, large trailers, and RVs. As with other RI state parks, non-residents pay double the price of residents which kind of ticks me off (I don't mind a nominal upcharge but double is excessive IMO).

    Site Quality: The site numbers throughout the park are painted on rocks but the sites themselves are not very clearly defined. There is no designated camping pad. Our site (114) had a water view but was not level. It was large enough for us to park horizontally and make it work for one night. Some sites had excessive roots and also were not level. Some picnic tables have been replaced with new ones, but others badly need it.

    Bath/Shower house: The one in Fish Camp was adequate and clean. There is hot water, but you need to run it for a while before you get any. There was no garbage receptacle, and the toilet paper is so thin, that you can see through it. Showers are $.75 to get it started for the first three minutes. After that, the amount per minute increases to $1, $1.25, $1.50, and so forth. Machines take up to 22 quarters. There is a change machine at the Ranger Station. I did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well they work. 

    Activities/Amenities: There is a camp store that offers wood, ice, coffee, basic groceries, propane, and canoe rentals. It was open with limited hours during our stay. Fishing, boating, swimming - all in season. Even though the park was only about 10% occupied, there was a strong Ranger presence. He circled our small loop three times just before check-out time and wanted to make sure we were leaving not a minute past the designated time. 

    This was just an overnight stay for us in a convenient location but there is no way I would stay at the height of the season!

  • Kathy T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Salt Rock State Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Salt Rock State Campground

    Clean, but dated facilities

    Campground is a bit crowded with sites close together. The facilities were clean but quite old. There are some nice hiking trails along the river.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground

    Somewhere to stay, not the best

    $18/night if you live here, but $36 if from out of state. Large tent campground with lots of spaces, so everyone is in pretty close together. My main concern is there are showers in the bathrooms you can pay for, but ones outside that are free, but cold water and no curtain, so you literally have no privacy.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    quiet and surrounded by boats. clean restrooms and lovely pool nice people

    Needed a place to stay for 2 nights , My wife and I were going to show at the Garde Theater. Which was walking distance from the boat yard.

    Had a bite to eat at the Blue Duck, it was fine. Saw the show and walk back to the boat yard.

    The next day we took the ferry to Block Island which was also walking distance from the boat yard. Block Island a must see. Took the 5 pm ferry back. 

    Had dinner at a Thai restaurant which was 5 minutes walking and it was great.

    Sunday we went and visited Fort Trumbull which is also walking distance away. Very nice place to visit and learn.

    Also took a tour of the Coast Guard Ship at Fort Trumbull.

    Head home around 12 pm stopped a Logee's Greenhouse on the way home.

    All and All it was a great get away weekend.

    Thank You Crocker Boat Yard!

  • ALEX H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Sep. 5, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great for a quick stop

    Secure and convenient location. Site can be a bit loud but calms down during the evening . Bathrooms were clean and the pool was amazing. Definitely going back!

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wawaloam Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Wawaloam Campground

    Nice!

     Wawaloam Campground in Rhode Island was our 3rd state & campground on our East Coast trip. Not a lot of choices in Rhode Island, but we liked this camp ground in a rural wooded area. 

       This is kid heaven. Families laughing & enjoying themselves. Besides the pool they have a splash pad, a water slide, mini golf, a nice pond for fishing. The playground is nice. The grounds are well taken care of. The bathroom& showers were checked often. The showers are now free!

      In wooded, rural Rhode Island, but an easy day trip to Newport.

  • Cynthia K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hammonasset State Park Campground
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Hammonasset State Park Campground

    Connecticut

       I had a hankering for East Coast seafood, so I picked Hammonesett Beach State Park for Connecticut. Our 2nd state of 5.

        Hammonesett Beach has a huge campground. They divide the loops with names. I unfortunately chose Pequot. This loop has THE WORST bathrooms/showers on the South side of the campground. Looks like they were built in 1950s with rotten wood siding. Dirty. The showers were outside the bathroom- there was a bench & hooks OUTSIDE! We found out all the other loops had modern bathhouses.

     My first impression of this campground is it's loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road. I actually liked it! This is a fun campground for families. There were kids on bikes, scooters, skateboards,roller blades. Watch your speed! They don't always watch out for your car.

      I found out most people stay through Sunday & leave on Monday. There were still lots of campers left. Lots of tent campers. 

       I chose site 14 on the Pequot Loop because I thought I would have a view of one of the ponds. There was tall vegetation, so that was out.

     The sites on the other side of the loop were right by the main beach road. Noisy during the day, but quiet at night. 

      There are some sites with shade, but most are sunny. 

       There's no electricity at most of the sites. Our site was full sun(yay for the solar panel!). On Beach Road in the campground there's 2 rows of full hookup sites, but they go FAST! I tried.

    NO PETS! Including dogs.

       No WiFi, but there's cell service. At least 5 dump stations. 

     The beach was popular. 

      There was a stream running from a pond that kids were playing in. 

     They have a beautiful Nature Center. A couple of easy hikes through one of the preserves.

      This was a good base camp for the area. Gillette Castle & other state parks are within driving distance. Connecticut is a beautiful state!!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadowlark RV Park
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Meadowlark RV Park

    Cramped but close to Newport

    This is an RV camp with mostly regulars and a couple of spots for passersby and short stay.

    We were received very friendly by a nice lady who told us everything about the camp and its surroundings.

    Our site had power and water. There are no showers of toilets. They have a dump station.

    This camp was not our favorite but it was close to Newport and the beach.

  • carol T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Waters Edge Family Campground
    Aug. 23, 2024

    Waters Edge Family Campground

    BEWARE WATERS EDGE CAMPGROUNDS THEY WILL KEEP ALL YOUR MONEY

    JUNE 30,2024  my husband & I were seasonals at waters edge campground Lebanon Connecticuit  gave them a 30 day notice we were leaving this place wasnt for us just awful the owners are just money hungey thieves they told us they were keeping our deposit wich we expected because it says non refundable deposit so okay fine but we paid for the whole season its open april15 to october15 gave a 30 day notice left june 30 they refused to give us back the money for july ,august,september,to october 15 they ket 750 plus 2500 dollars told us were not getting our money back So iam sure they rented the site thats double dipping so fair warning I dont want this to happen to anyone else they will Rob you blind oh and they broke our ice maker when they dewinterized our trailer and never owned up to it came down to my floor in camper soaked with water from my freezer and didnr bother to clean tthe mess and said  it must have been broken nefore so they are also dirty liars I didnt want to even give a one star rating but had to put somethin i give the a big fat 0

  • Steve Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Aug. 18, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    Great night at the Marina

    Easy access to the boatyard at night; pulled in, picked a spot and all good.

    Enjoyed the pool.

    Walked to Fort Trumbull.

    Recommend Crockers.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Crocker's Boatyard
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Crocker's Boatyard

    boat yard camping!!!

    We were here on an extremely hot and humid couple days.  It was great to have electric and water hookups.  Also being able to use their pool with our grandchildren was great.  They were very accommodating with all our questions and needs.  No trees but its a boat yeard.  And very interesting to watch the goings on at a boat yard

  • Matt S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Aug. 5, 2024

    Mystic KOA

    Great campground for coastal CT & RI

    We stayed at Mystic KOA in North Stonington, Connecticut, to be tourists in Mystic. Spoiler alert… we had a great stay! 

    This campground is just 15-minutes from Mystic and about an hour’s drive to Newport, Rhode Island. It’s just a few minutes from I-95 and so close to Mystic Aquarium, downtown Mystic, Mystic Seaport, and all the local spots. 

    It’s a well-maintained campground with 2 pools(though the larger one was closed for maintenance during our stay), lots of play areas and daily activities for little ones, and a cool“pub truck” for adult drinks. Our site(#408) was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our 45’ motorhome and toad(and then some!). It was level and gravel with a nice fire ring and picnic table. The hookups worked fine with 50-amp electric and decent water pressure. Cable TV had nearly 50-channels, but the wi-fi didn’t quite reach our part of the park. 

    Due to a family issue, we needed to leave about a day-and-a-half early. We called the office as a courtesy to let them know as we were pulling out and received a partial credit for a night’s stay on our credit card. Didn’t even ask, they just did it. Thanks Mystic KOA! 

    We’ll definitely be back. This is a great place to stay when visiting the coastal Connecticut/Rhode Island area.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Pros outweigh the cons

    Stayed for a week mid-July; during the week had almost an entire loop to ourselves which was wonderful - it felt like having the entire park to ourselves. Things picked up on Friday/Saturday but overall we lucked out with no neighbors who were disrespectful of the quiet hours (10p - 7a). Bathrooms, dumpsters, and portapotties are plentiful, but not always well maintained. Staff are seen frequently throughout the park and are very willing to be helpful when asked - our site had a few Yellowjacket nests and they took care of them for us almost immediately when asked. It’s worth investigating the various sites ahead of time - there are a number of sections much more likely to be busy than others, and lots of low-lying sites that show signs of easily being washed out in anything more than a moderate rain. With multiple great east coast beaches minutes away (as well as conveniences like fuel/stores) we will definitely be back.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground

    FEELS LIKE SUMMER

    Nothing like coming home to NARRAGANSETT..... BEAUTIFUL, clean campground.... Quiet & peaceful..... Bathrooms are very nice..... Not far from ROGER WHEELER BEACH & SCARBOROUGH BEACH.....Right down the street from great RI food.....

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Fort Getty Campground
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Fort Getty Campground

    HEAVEN ON EARTH

    Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers....Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming. Such a lovely vantage point with your tent location from the top of FORT GETTY. Who knew??? Mackerel Cove is awesome....beach, beach, beach.... Bathrooms are ok. Such a hidden gem on the wonderful island of Jamestown!!!! Bring your tent....

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Strawberry Park

    Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

    Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

  • Eddy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Whispering Pines Campground
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Whispering Pines Campground

    Fun for the family

    Great privately owned family campground. The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!

    AT&T service had only one bar. Couldn’t stream but worked for calls and texts. Campground WiFi was strong but as expected struggled to keep up on this busy 4th of July.

  • Beth R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mystic KOA
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Mystic KOA

    Nice amenities

    Pros: 15 minutes from Mystic CT 50 AMP, sewer & water hookup Nice amenities

    Cons: Gravel site No shade Tight site & hard to get in/out for big rig

  • Mia S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Burlingame State Park Campground

    Enjoyed myself this weekend

    We camped here from Friday to Sunday. The staff in the main office was very inviting and friendly, the rangers kept everyone in check . The bathrooms were kept clean, but the showers in the Legiontown area are kinda crappy, it's mainly the shower heads...they feel like bullets hitting you and you can't even adjust the shower head nozzle. The showers are $1.50/8mins I only put $1.00 in for 5 minutes which was more than enough time for me. There's a beautiful lake and you can rent Kayaks or a canoe for the day I believe it was around $45.00. there's a nice general store, an arcade, playground, trails, cabins... And the sites are pretty big. No real big complaints, except that the staties are usually waiting for you to come back from the bars since there's no alcohol allowed on the property. So if you are to drink off the property, make sure you have a Designated Driver. They love handing out DUIs. (I did not have this issue, but my friends did.)

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Hither Hills State Park Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Hither Hills State Park Campground

    Beachfront camping

    I took the train to Montauk on 6/20/24 and got a cab ($20) to the campsite.  All sites were reserved, but only 1/3 were being used. I was able to put my name on a waitlist and got a tent lot.  They wouldn’t let me register for more than 1 night.

    I was in A6, which is against the dunes (which are ~12ft tall), so I could hear the surf, but not see it. There was no one within 2 sites, so it was quiet.

    Friday morning, I put my name on the waitlist at 8am, I had to break down my site by 11am, and come back at 1pm to claim a site. I took J10 (which is on a bluff ~20ft above the beach and G, H and I areas). Strangely, I was offered a 2 night stay (Fri&Sat).

    Beautiful views of the ocean from my tent and I could still hear the surf. Area J has the best (newest?) facilities (bathrooms, showers, sinks (kitchen and personal)). Drawback is 10 minute walk to the general store/ranger station and 5 minutes to the beach (10 to swimming area).

    Almost no cell service! 2 bars was the maximum and finding that was rare. (Not enough service to get an Uber or play Spotify). There is a landline outside at the ranger’s station.

    General Store closed at 3pm, but Gurney’s is 1.5 miles down the beach if you want expensive bars and restaurants.

    FYI, guarded swimming area is ~100 yards wide and located next to the entrance circle.



Guide to Montauk

Camping near Montauk, New York, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk or drive from the beach. For example, at Horseneck Beach State Reservation, campers appreciate the proximity to the ocean, with one reviewer noting, "The beach is rocky, but we can quickly walk to the main beach area."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing or swimming in nearby waters. Campers at Wildwood State Park Campground have mentioned, "The beach is in walking distance. You can swim or fish there."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore local trails for hiking. One visitor at George Washington State Campground said, "It does have some great things going for it, namely the hiking trails and views of the lake."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground stated, "Bathrooms are very nice."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families with activities for kids. One family at Brialee Family Campground shared, "The activities were great and kept my grandchildren busy."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate having enough space for their setups. A visitor at Mystic KOA noted, "Our site was about 85’ long with plenty of room for our 45’ motorhome."

What you should know:

  • Booking in Advance: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Hammonasset State Park Campground advised, "If you are looking for a site it’s best to book far in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have stores or markets nearby. A reviewer at Rocky Neck State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no on-site camp store for last-minute necessities."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for potential noise from nearby roads or other campers. One camper at Strawberry Park said, "It was pretty small but it was shaded and it was hot so that was good."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer organized activities. A family at Brialee Family Campground enjoyed, "Tons of activities and the kids love their playground."
  • Choose Shaded Sites: Opt for campsites that provide shade, especially during hot summer months. A camper at Rocky Neck State Park Campground noted, "The sites are spacious but very rocky."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground mentioned, "Right down the street from great RI food."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose a level site for easier parking. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground advised, "The site we chose is very uneven so leveling the RV wasn't real easy."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A camper at Mystic KOA appreciated, "50 AMP, sewer & water hookup."
  • Plan for Road Noise: Be aware that some campgrounds may have road noise. A visitor at Strawberry Park mentioned, "The proximity to the interstate and subsequent road noise is too much for me."

Camping near Montauk, New York, offers a mix of fun activities, family-friendly environments, and beautiful natural settings. Just be sure to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions