Campgrounds of Mystic Connecticut have rustic charm

Campgrounds with very reasonable rates operate at 13 state parks and state forests, and many of them are in the Mystic region of eastern Connecticut. The state Department of Environmental Protection offers plenty of information on its website about camping. In addition, Mystic has a privately owned campground. Campgrounds in CT may be near the beach, and they offer a wide variety of amenities in terms of bathrooms, showers, dumping and hookups. Also, accessibility to nearby fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports varies widely. Be sure to contact individual campgrounds for detailed information.

Devil's Hopyard State Park

East Haddam, CT Phone: 860-873-8566

21 wooded sites near scenic waterfall. Stream fishing, no swimming. No pets. Cost: $11/night/campsite. There is a processing fee for reservations. Open April through September.

Hopeville Pond State Park

Jewett City, CT Phone: 860-376-0313

80 wooded sites near pond. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Fishing, swimming. No pets. Cost: $13/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open from April through September.

Mashamoquet Brook State Park

147 Wolf Den Drive Pomfret Center, CT Phone: 860-928-6121

Popular state park with facilities for camping, swimming, boating and a rest area with a food concession. Hiking trails and fishing areas are also available. There is a weekend/holiday parking fee of $9 to $15 and a campsite fee at Mashamoquet State Park.
Wolf Den Campground, 35 open sites. Bathrooms, showers, dumping station. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets.
Mashamoquet Brook Campground, 20 wooded sites. Dumping station nearby. Fishing, hiking, swimming nearby. No pets. Open April through September.

Pachaug State Forest

Two camping areas: Green Falls Campground, off Route 138, 3 miles east of Voluntown. 18 wooded sites. Pond fishing, swimming. One pet/site permitted. Cost: $13/night/campsite. Information: 860-376-4075. Open from April through September.
Mount Misery Campground, off route 49, north of Voluntown. 22 wooded sites. Stream fishing, swimming nearby. One pet/site permitted. Open April through December. Cost: $11/night/campsite. Information: 860-376-4075.

Rocky Neck State Park

244 West Main Street (Route 156) East Lyme, CT Phone: 860-739-5471

The large stone pavilion, diverse trail systems, and gently sloping beach make this park ideal for families. Try crabbing or fishing. Look for hawks, cranes, and herons. Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, saltwater fishing, interpretive programs, saltwater swimming. Facilities include bathrooms, food concession, pavilion, and picnic tables. Rocky Neck Campground offers 160 sites in both open and wooded settings. The camping season begins in May and ends September 30.
From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day there are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees. On weekends from April 17 through May 23 and again from September 11 through September 26, the weekday rate for parking will be in effect. There is also a camping fee at Rocky Neck State Park.

Salt Rock Campground

173 Scotland Road (Rte. 97) Baltic, CT Phone: 860-822-0884

71 tent and recreational vehicle (RV) sites. Utilities to some sites, bathroom, dumping station, showers, in-ground swimming pool. Two pets/site permitted. Fishing by permit along the Shetucket River with over one mile of waterfront access. Permits may be obtained at the Salt Rock State Campground office. Open May through October.

West Thompson Lake Campground

Reardon Road Thompson, CT

Open: Mid May - Mid September

Family campground run by the U.S Army Corp. of Engineers. 23 campsites are available, as well as electric hookup, boating, hiking, fishing and some planned activies.