Rocky Neck State Park Campground offers cabin accommodations and glamping opportunities near Orient, New York, with access to Long Island Sound. Located within 30 miles of Orient via ferry connections, this coastal destination features a mix of wooded sites and beachfront areas. The campground operates seasonally from May through September with varying site conditions depending on location.
What to do
Beach activities: At Rocky Neck State Park Campground, visitors can access a sandy beach for swimming and wildlife viewing. The water conditions vary with the tide. According to Todd J., "You'll enjoy the low tide." Beach access requires a short walk from most camping areas, with some sites located closer to the shoreline.
Hiking trails: The park maintains several marked paths connecting camping areas to natural attractions. "I've lived in CT all my life but never used the Rocky Neck State Park Campground until now. The campgrounds are named after water fowl: Crane, Egret, Osprey, Heron etc," notes Nita D. Trail difficulty ranges from easy beach walks to moderate woodland paths.
Water sports: Kayakers should plan transportation to boat launches. "Anyone with kayaks can't easily get to boat launch. It's 4-5 miles by car at 4 mile river boat launch," explains Nita D. The separation between camping areas and boat access points requires advance planning for water activities.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Wildwood State Park Campground features woodland sites near Long Island Sound. According to Amber A., "The North Shore and South Shore are pretty different. This site gives you the North Shore experience with high bluffs, sandy calm beaches along the Long Island Sound, and views of CT across the water." The beach area provides distinctive rocky shoreline conditions.
Family-friendly activities: Riverdale Farm Campsites organizes regular events for children. "They had great activities for kids. We did bingo and it was a blast. It was a beautiful day on the beach pond. They had great prizes for cheap cost. I spent 2 dollars for 10 long rounds of bingo with 4 cards," shares Nick H. Weekend programming often includes organized games and entertainment.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access, with some offering dedicated ponds. "There is good fishing on the pond," notes Anne M. about Odetah Camping Resort. Freshwater fishing requires Connecticut licenses for adults, while saltwater fishing regulations vary by location.
What you should know
Site conditions: Campsite layouts vary significantly across parks. At Indian Island County Park, "Sites are very large and easy to back into. Near perfect level," according to Michael C. However, not all sites include fire rings. One visitor notes, "Camp site itself was pretty flat, had a water station, bathrooms were well kept, no fire ring (BYOFP)."
Reservation requirements: Peak season bookings fill quickly, particularly for waterfront sites. "Make sure you set up your tent in preparedness for rain," advises Madeline H. about Burlingame State Park. Weekend reservations often require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer dates.
Weather considerations: Coastal locations experience variable conditions. "I've been there during a full on thunderstorm and watched as the trees swayed in the wind," reports Giselle P. Morning fog commonly occurs along the shoreline, with afternoon clearing typical during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Mystic KOA provides swimming facilities for children. "The pool is very popular but there are plenty of other things for kids to do like mini golf, a fishing pond, outdoor cinema, shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, hay rides, and lots of planned daily activities," shares Nancy W. Pool hours typically run 10am-7pm with designated adult swim periods.
Beach considerations: Beach textures vary significantly between parks. "Great Beach, but beware, it can be crowded!!!! So get their early if you do go to the beach," advises Michelle D. about Rocky Neck. North shore beaches tend toward rockier conditions while south shore locations feature more sand.
Wildlife awareness: Animal encounters occur regularly at campgrounds. "The skunks are friendly! Great for kids!" notes Jean V. Proper food storage prevents unwanted visitors, with hanging or secure containers recommended at all sites.
Tips from RVers
Utility connections: Wolf's Den Family Campground offers partial hookups for recreational vehicles. "Only electric 30 or 50A, and water; but there are a few dumpstations around in the camp," explains Kevin J. Water and electric connections are standard at most developed sites, while full hookups remain less common.
Site positioning: RV site selection affects comfort and convenience. "Most 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," notes Dana C. Corner sites typically provide more space but may experience higher foot traffic.
Access considerations: Campground entrance roads vary in quality. "The main one was once paved but has not been maintained; others were dirt (and mud after a rain)," shares Lee D. about a KOA property. Larger rigs may encounter challenges on narrow access roads, particularly after rainfall.
