Pachaug State Forest RV & Campground Guide
Connecticut
The Pachaug State Forest began with 1,011 acres of land in 1928. In 1933, Camp Lonergan was established in the forest. As more funding continued to come in, more acres were bought to expand the forest; today, Pachaug covers 26,477 acres. This area was once tribal land of the Mohegan, Narragansett, and Pequot, and the forest is filled with red maple, sugar maple, pine, oak, and hemlock trees, with a large portion of the land being state-managed for the New England cottontails. Other wildlife living in the forest includes white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, reptiles, and other small game animals. Three popular cities nearby are Voluntown, Norwich, and Danielson, Connecticut.
Spring 27-69 F
Summer 56-83 F
Fall 32-74 F
Winter 18-42 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pachaug State Forest
Whether you're looking to stay overnight or longer at Pacgaug State Forest, an RV is the ideal camping option. A recreational vehicle gives you a warm cozy place just like home with a comfortable bed, private bathroom, and fully stocked kitchen. If you don’t own an RV, consider an RV rental from RVshare. You can choose from various models that fit your family's budget and size.
Natures Campsites
Natures Campsites offers 97 spacious RV sites and other camping alternatives. Water, electric, and sewer hookups are available on many of the sites. This pet-friendly campground also offers free Wi-Fi, two swimming pools, a recreation hall, a dump station, and so much more. Fun activities nearby include casinos, ocean beaches, antique shops, and restaurants. RV rates start at $54 per night on weekdays and $61 per night on weekends.
Ross Hill Park Family Campground
Ross Hill Park Family Campground sits on 50 picturesque acres along southeastern Connecticut’s Quinebaug River. All RV sites have water, electric, and sewer hookups as well as free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Pets are welcome. Other amenities offered here include a snack bar, playgrounds, a swimming pool with a sandy beach, and four dump stations. There is also a camp store with ice, RV supplies, firewood, snacks, and other small items. RV rates start at $55 per night.
Circle C Campground
Circle C Campground features a natural setting by the shoreline in northeast Connecticut. There are pine-shaded and grassy sites with water, electric, and cable hookups. Here, you can swim in the man-made pond, fish, canoeing, kayaking, and many other outdoor activities. The campground has organized activities for all ages, from hayrides and horseshoes to pot-luck dinners. RV rates start at $43 per night.
What to Do at
Pachaug State Forest
Inside Pachaug State Forest
Inside Pachaug State Forest, you'll find many hiking trails that pass through the area, with the most popular ones being Pachaug, Nehantic, Quinebaug, and Narragansett. Some of the trails permit horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Boating and freshwater fishing are other fun activities that many visitors do on the Pachaug River, which flows through the center of the forest. Camping, picnicking, snowmobiling, and hunting are also popular pastimes in Pachaug State Forest.
Outside Pachaug State Forest
After you've explored all of what the forest has to offer, take some time to explore outside of Pachaug State Forest. There are several great restaurants in the area that specialize in comfort food, and you won't want to leave the area without picking up gifts at local shops like Gerr's Gift Shop for friends back home. The forest is close to the Atlantic Ocean, and taking a cruise is a good way to see the lighthouses that dot the coastline.
Restaurants
Town Grill and Pizzeria
Whether you're hungry for pizza or seafood, Town Grill and Pizzeria has it all. Delicious vegetarian options are available, like the tomato Caprese panini, and locals rave about the ribeye steaks. You'll definitely want to try the clams casino pizza, a twist on a traditional New England favorite.
Type: Italian, American
Location: 104 Beach Pond Road, Voluntown, CT 06384
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Experience excellent food and great hospitality at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant. This restaurant opened in 1985 with a menu focused on Mexican dishes such as fajitas, tacos, and hand-made guacamole. There is a wide variety of margarita options, but if you're looking for a new favorite, try the flight of margaritas — the flavors change every month!
Type: Mexican
Location: 12 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355
Zoe's Restaurant
Zoe's Restaurant is a family-run establishment with a wide selection of quality home-cooked entrees like steak, seafood, chicken, and more.
Type: American
Location: 597 Putnam Road, Danielson, CT 06239
The Shack
The Shack is a family-owned and -operated company, serving the southeastern Connecticut area since 1989. This restaurant has various comfort foods and all-American favorites.
Type: American
Location: 324 Flanders Road, East Lyme, CT 06333
Shopping
Chucky's Country Store
Chucky's Country Store is just a few miles from the Pachaug State Forest, making it the ideal place for a quick midnight snack. This unique corner store offers great customer service and gas pumps for filling your RV tank.
Location: 251 Main Street, Voluntown, CT 06384
Geer's Gift Shop
Shop for women's apparel and accessories that spice up any outfit at Geer's Gift Shop. This gift shop also has country-style decorations, figurines, and other home décor items.
Location: 852 Voluntown Road, Griswold, CT 06351
Farmstead Herbs & Goods
Farmstead Herbs & Goods is the ideal place for various clothing and lifestyle items. You'll find hoodies, T-shirts, music, and posters at this store.
Location: 479-459 Beach Pond Road, Voluntown, CT 06384
Lisbon Landing
Lisbon Landing is a large open-air shopping center with stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Looking for a place to watch the latest movie? This shopping center has that covered too.
Location: 160 River Road, Lisbon, CT 06351
Sightseeing
Mystic Aquarium
Explore thousands of species of marine mammals, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates at the Mystic Aquarium. Take time to admire the grace and beauty of beluga whales, or check out the 35 resident African penguins at this magnificent aquarium. Virtual learning programs are offered here for everyone from ages 3 to 103.
Location: 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355
Argia Mystic Cruises
Enjoy the feel of the open water on a day-sail or sunset cruise. Argia Mystic Cruises offers public sailing adventures where you'll see breathtaking scenery as you relax in smooth and protected waters on one of the U.S. Coast Guard-licensed vessels. Private charters are also offered for a one- to four-hour sail with up to 49 guests at a time.
Location: 12 Steamboat Wharf, Mystic, CT 06355
Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises
Enjoy the perfect view of many popular lighthouses at Cross Sound Lighthouse Cruises. On the classic cruise, you'll have the opportunity to view eight different lighthouses from New London, Connecticut, to Long Island, New York. Another cruise that departs from New London is the Lights & Sights Cruise, which takes you from the mainland coast out of the New London Harbor, where you'll view mansions, ritzy waterfronts, and nine different lighthouses. All cruises return to your departing destination.
Location: 2 Ferry Street, New London, CT 06320
Denison Homestead
Learn the history of the Denison Homestead by taking a tour through the museum. You'll learn about the lives of Captain George Denison and his second wife, Ann Borodell Denison, in addition to the natural history of the area. The Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center is located on the grounds where you can see various animals roam their natural habitat.
Location: 120 Pequotsepos Road, Mystic, CT 06355
Leffingwell House Museum
Leffingwell House Museum offers tours on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You'll be able to view the New England Colonial architecture of this home and the fascinating assortment of pieces that represent its architectural evolution. There are also displays of artifacts, dating from 1659 through the Civil War, to remind visitors of the early American lifestyle.
Location: 348 Washington Street, Norwich, CT 06360
How to Get to
Pachaug State Forest
If you're traveling from Voluntown, you'll want to head north on Lillibridge Avenue towards CT-138 East. You'll need to take a left onto CT-138 West, and then, in 0.3 miles, make a right onto Dep Trail One Road. Within a short distance, turn left onto Fire Tower Road. Follow signs to the Pachaug State Forest.
Entering Pachaug State Forest
Pachaug State Forest is open from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, and the recreational areas are open from sunrise to sunset.
Entry fee : $0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Pachaug State Forest. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.