Camping accommodations within a 40-mile radius of Coventry provide access to both rustic and developed sites. The region contains several freshwater ponds and lakes that serve as focal points for camping activities from April through October. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with reception stronger at private facilities compared to more remote state parks.
What to do
Water activities at pond sites: George Washington State Campground offers swimming and fishing opportunities at its man-made lake with designated beach areas. A camper noted, "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe. The dogs cannot go on the beach, but they can go in the boats."
Hiking trail access: Hopeville Pond State Park Campground maintains several marked trails around its pond and connecting to the Pachaug River. "There are many trails for hiking and a beach for swimming. There is a boat launch too," reported one visitor who appreciated the trail system.
Recreation facilities: Wawaloam Campground provides extensive recreational facilities including water slides, splash pads, and mini-golf within the campground. According to a camper, "There is a large seasonal camper section in the back, most are really well done... The front camping section is very pleasant and well spaced out."
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Certain campers appreciate the site layout at George Washington State Campground, with one reviewer stating, "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)."
Campground amenities: Whispering Pines Campground receives positive feedback for its range of amenities. "The sites and camp were very clean and well maintained. Everyone was very friendly, lots of things to do - pool, bocce, volleyball, horseshoes, arcade, a small field to play frisbee or ball, mini-golf," one camper shared.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain clean bathhouses, but Mystic KOA stands out with one camper remarking, "Clean, comfortable campground aimed more towards glamping. Lots of rv sites and very nice cabins. Cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen at a campground."
What you should know
Price variations for state vs. private facilities: State parks charge different rates for residents versus out-of-state visitors. At George Washington State Campground, "It cost $36 for out of state residents plus the fees which put it up to $44. Also only one bathhouse so port-a-potties along the road."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from April through mid-October. One camper at Whispering Pines Campground noted, "I believe we camped there too early in the season to fully enjoy the grounds. The pool, splash pad, and nearly everything else was non operational or locked up still."
Site conditions: Terrain at many campgrounds includes uneven ground. At Burlingame State Park, a camper advised, "This is a HUGE state park campground with over 700 sites... While RVs are welcome (and we have tent and trailer camped here), this is NOT an RV resort. No hook-ups."
Tips for camping with families
Noise levels: Family-friendly campgrounds often have higher noise levels. At Whispering Pines, one visitor remarked, "Screaming children all night took away from the peacefulness," while others view this as part of the experience.
Kid-focused amenities: Stateline Campresort & Cabins provides family activities and water features. A visitor commented, "Very clean campground with a big pool and pond to fish at. There always easy to make accommodations and it's always a good time with the family there."
Halloween activities: Several campgrounds offer special Halloween weekends in the fall. A camper at River Bend noted, "We just camped here for the first time over Columbus Day Weekend with a few other families. Great weekend to come - seasonal campers go all out decorating for Halloween."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs. A visitor to Wawaloam Campground noted, "Water and power are good, no internet to speak of, and many sites do not have sewer, but pump out is low cost and convenient."
Campsite spacing: RV sites vary significantly in terms of privacy and space. At Whispering Pines, one RVer observed, "Busy campground with a lot of RV sites on top of each other," while another mentioned that at Wawaloam, "The trailer on the door side is probably 50-60 feet away."
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger RVs. At River Bend Campground, tight turns and wooded sites require careful maneuvering, though their big-rig friendly designation indicates accommodation for larger vehicles.
