Connecticut is a delightful New England state with natural areas, historic sites, and other attractions.
RV camping in Connecticut allows you to have your own space and be comfortable no matter where in the state you choose to roam.
Of course, there are some things you’ll need to know to prepare for an RV camping trip in Connecticut. This article will share how to find a campground, what to do when you’re there, and much more.
- Finding Campgrounds
- Preparing for RV Camping
- Considerations for Camping in Connecticut
- Planning Your Itinerary
- Exploring Outdoor Activities
- Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
- Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Connecticut
Finding Campgrounds
There are many great places for RV camping in Connecticut. You’ll find luxury camping, urban camping, and camping in more natural settings for those who don’t mind roughing it.
Keep reading to learn all about campgrounds in Connecticut!
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Connecticut
We’ll start by talking about public campgrounds in the state. In Connecticut, these include the many state park campgrounds. Pick one of these campgrounds for budget camping or for being surrounded by nature. Just keep in mind that the amenities will likely be minimal.
State Park Camping
Connecticut is home to 142 state parks and forests. Considering the fact that this is a smaller state, that number is surprising, but fantastic because it means loads of camping opportunities!
Some of the best state parks in Connecticut include Black Rock State Park where you can camp right by the lake, along with the lovely Kettletown State Park. We also love Mashamoquet Brook State Park where you can swim, hike, and see historic sites.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
If you prefer more amenities, Connecticut has lots of private campgrounds. You can try your hand at glamping or just enjoy having access to clean bathrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, swimming pools, and dump stations.
One of our favorite Connecticut RV parks is Sun Outdoors Mystic. Here you can camp in the adorable town of Mystic, where you can step back in time at Mystic Seaport Museum, check out the Mystic Aquarium, and wander the adorable downtown area. You’ll appreciate the full-hookup sites, sports courts, and clean restrooms and laundry facilities at this park.
Salem Farms Campground is another good pick. This one is located in Salem, CT, and offers free Wi-Fi and cable TV to all guests. The sites are big and shady and offer hookups. You’re sure to love the pool and onsite petting zoo, and everyone appreciates the ice cream stand on those hot summer days!
Boondocking in Connecticut
There is also the option of boondocking in Connecticut. Boondocking can be a bit more difficult to find in Connecticut than in some other states, but there are a few gems out there.
One of our favorite options is the Beach Pond Boat Ramp near Voluntown, where you are camped right on the lake. We also appreciate the casino boondocking options such as Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort.
Preparing for RV Camping
A key part of having a great RV camping trip is making sure you have an RV that will suit your needs. Don’t have an RV of your own? Try Connecticut rental RV – RVshare has a variety of types and styles to choose from.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
Choosing a rental RV can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t done so before. First, decide whether you’d like to drive the RV yourself or have someone deliver and set it up for you. From there, think about whether you prefer a motorhome or a tow-behind rig.
Once those things are settled, you can decide on things like floor plans and amenities, then find a rig that meets all of your qualifications and is within your budget.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Once you have your RV, you can decide what to pack to bring along on your trip. The things you bring will depend on the activities you have planned while you’re out. You can consult our ultimate guide to packing – we’ve compiled packing lists for several different types of trips and events.
Considerations for Camping in Connecticut
While most RVing laws are pretty much the same from one state to the next, a few things change across state lines. It’s a good idea to do a bit of research and understand the rules of the road before you head out.
In Connecticut, the total length of your rig (including tow vehicle) can’t exceed 65 feet. Trailers and motorhomes can be no more than 40 feet long and no more than 8.5 feet wide. 13.5 feet is the max height for any RV, and trailers over 4,000 lbs must be equipped with brakes.
Trailers are not allowed to ride the Connecticut River ferry that runs between Chester and Hadlyme. Additionally, trailers may not drive on Wilbur Cross Parkway or Merritt Parkway.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now for the most fun part: planning your RV camping in Connecticut itinerary. There are tons of amazing things to see and do in this state. Whether you’re exploring the city of Hartford, following a hiking trail, or checking out historic sites, you’re sure to have a great time.
Features and Attractions in Connecticut
One great way to explore the beauty of Connecticut is to take a drive. Enjoy the beauty of the countryside and the quaint cities and make some stops at state landmarks like the Mark Twain House, Dinosaur State Park, and Gillette Castle State Park.
While you’re out, see if any of Connecticut’s national park sites are on your route. The New England National Scenic Trail is a lovely trail that offers a great way to take in the natural beauty of the state.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Alabama
One way to make sure your trip is extra fun is to plan the trip around one of the state’s awesome annual events. The Apple Festival in Salem happens in October and is a wonderful event to plan your trip around. If you visit during the month of March, you might consider heading to the Sugar Maple Festival in Hebron. Lastly, for summer visitors, there is the inspiring International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
You will want to spend at least some of your time in the beautiful natural areas found throughout the state. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to go about that!
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
If you enjoy hiking or biking your way through new places, you’ll be happy to hear that Connecticut is home to some wonderful trails. If hiking is your preferred activity, we recommend the following trails:
- Ragged Mountain Blue and Red Blazed Loop in Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve — Moderate
- Bear Mountain Trail in Mount Riga State Park — Hard
- Wadsworth Falls Loop in Wadsworth Falls State Park — Easy
- Sleeping Giant Tower Trail in Sleeping Giant State Park — Easy
Cyclists might check out these awesome trails:
- Ragged Mountain Blue and Red Blazed Loop in Ragged Mountain Memorial Preserve
- Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve Trail in Bluff Point State Park
- Case Mountain Trail in Case Mountain Park
- Mianus Maze Trail in Mianus River State Park
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Connecticut is home to a number of bodies of water, making this an excellent state for fishing, kayaking, swimming, and more.
Connecticut’s beaches are surprisingly diverse. You’ll find red sand beaches, black sand beaches, rocky beaches, and more. Fishing options in Connecticut include rivers, lakes, and some great fishing ponds. Meanwhile, Connecticut waterfalls include such beauties as Kent Falls in Kent Falls State Park and Buttermilk Falls in Allentown.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Wildlife in Connecticut is varied and tons of fun to see. Some of the best places to see wildlife in this state are the many state parks and forests. Hammonasset Beach State Park is the perfect place to see white-tailed deer, foxes, coyotes, marine life, and many birds of prey. More marine life can be seen off the shores of Silver Sands State Park, and Sleeping Giant State Park is home to black bears!
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
There are plenty of awesome family-friendly activities and attractions in Connecticut. Visit the city of New Haven for an awesome ropes course and an interesting museum, check out the many Connecticut state parks, or learn about the state’s history.
Historical Sites and Museums
One of the best ways to make the most of trips with kids is to include a little bit of learning. Connecticut’s many historic sites are perfect for learning while still having a fun time. We particularly like Weir Farm National Historical Park in Wilton. Wander the beautiful grounds while learning about impressionist artist J. Alden Weir.
You could also head to a museum or two. Some of the best museums in Connecticut include the aforementioned Mystic Seaport Museum and the Mark Twain House. We also love Kidcity Children’s Museum in Middletown and The Carousel Museum in Bristol.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Amusement parks are one of the very best ways to entertain the whole family while on vacation. Fortunately, Connecticut is home to some great amusement parks.
Lake Compounce Theme Park is known as the state’s best amusement park, and it’s the oldest continuously running theme park in the country. Meanwhile, Adventure Park at Storrs offers different kinds of attractions that are perfect for the adventurous crowd.
Prefer a zoo over an amusement park? Connecticut has places to view animals and sea life as well. The Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is an amazing place to learn about animals, while the Riverside Reptile Education Center in Enfield is perfect for those reptile lovers out there, and Mystic Aquarium is tons of fun for viewing marine animals.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Connecticut
Although you’re likely focused on fun, you’ll want to know how to stay safe on your trip as well.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
In Connecticut, hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th. And while summertime is an excellent time to visit the state, you’ll want to be ready. Download some good weather apps that offer push notifications and stay on top of the weather forecast. Have a “bug out” bag ready to go with emergency supplies and a change of clothes, and get out of the way if a warning is issued.
In addition to hurricanes, Connecticut can also see flooding and even tornadoes in the summer, as well as blizzard conditions in the winter. Those weather apps will help you stay out of the way of these things. Always know where the nearest tornado shelter and evacuation routes are, and avoid parking your RV near bodies of water or in areas known for flooding.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
We mentioned before that Connecticut is home to lots of wonderful wildlife. While this is great when you’re out wildlife watching, it can be scary if you find yourself face to face with a black bear, bobcat, moose, or rattlesnake.
To avoid meeting up with a bear or moose, try making plenty of noise as you hike. Bobcats can be avoided by skipping night hikes, and you should always watch your step to avoid stepping on snakes. Carrying bear spray might also help you feel safer.
Of course, you never want to approach or feed the wildlife. If an animal seems like it needs help, don’t touch or approach it. Instead, call a ranger or animal control.
