Calling all nature lovers! Camping is one of the best ways to get outdoors this fall and experience the natural beauty, vibrant foliage, and active adventure sports our region has to offer. Eastern Connecticut boasts an array of campgrounds ranging from rustic to glam. So, whether you prefer to hitch an RV or pitch a tent old-school style, check out all these places for your next reservation:
Acorn Acres
Located in Bozrah, Acorn Acres is the perfect campground to visit in order to get some fresh air with the fam! Nestled within over 100 acres of pristine woodland forest and surrounded by a tranquil lake, this remote ground has lots in store. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Acorn Acres has amenities on-site and destinations not too far to make you and all of your fellow guests a happy camper.
On property, the campground has it all: from a classic general store, to updated bathrooms and laundry facilities, as well as recreation halls and courts with every game in the book! What sets Acorn Acres apart however is their very own golf course on premise-perfect for all ages. And if you happen to be looking for even more excitement after schooling others on the 18 holes, the Mystic Seaport (36 min.) and the Submarine Force Museum (30 min.) are two more great spots located conveniently nearby.
Photo Credit: Omni Hotels
Hidden Acres Family Campground
If you want to head east for a change in scenery, discover the not-so-hidden gem that is Hidden Acres of Preston. This campground is tucked just enough away and is sure to help you and friends relax and reset. Hidden Acres offers cozy cabin rentals and provides family-fun activites like: basketball, bingo, bocce, ping pong, shuffleboard, and more. Plan a camping trip that's fun and simple here, without underestimating the fun! For the adult campers, Preston Ridge Vineyard (8 min.), Maple Lane Farms (10 min.), and Foxwoods Resort Casino (15 min.) are located close by. This fall, sip, pick, and explore near Hidden Acres!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Mystic KOA Holiday
Are you more the type to stay at the campsite the whole visit? If so, then Mystic KOA Holiday is for you! This camp in North Stonington hosts fun activites all year long. Beyond their specialty seasonal outdoor movies, arts and crafts sessions, and fall hay rides, the KOA hosts themed weekends! Mystic KOA also caters to every style camper-from bare bones explorer to glamper, offering stays in: airstreams, cabooses, teepees, conestoga wagons, yurts, treehouses, and wall tents. Talk about ways to stay! Oh-and the best part-they're pet-friendly!
You may not want to venture off if you have a furry friend with you or are enjoying one of these uniquely styled lodges. But if you feel so inclined, Olde Mistick Village (12 min.) and Mystic Aquarium (12 min.) offer complementary shopping and entertainment options close by that are staples to the Mystic Experience.
Photo Credit: Mystic KOA Holiday
Nature's Campsites
Speaking of experience: while the weather is still warm, you could also take advantage of a site by the New England forest AND coast! What makes Nature's Campsites stand out is not only their exciting paintball field and rec activities, but endless trails and state forest directly across the street. Pachuag State Forest has its own rhododendron path and pictureque Mount Misery peak for those aesthetic foliage walks and hikes. The opening of the forest is also perfectly paved for ideal biking. And, there's ample space between the ballpark and CCC fields for groups of campers to picnic. Needless to say, you can do almost any camping activity here! While the chilly days are still a ways away too, Beach Pond (7 min.) and Misquamicut State Beach (36 min.) offer kayaking/canoeing, boating, and fishing to add to your agenda.
We can't forget that after all this you'll want to kick back and relax in a comfy hoodie by the campfire. So, we remind you to let the staff come to you and take advantage of Nature's Campsites' firewood deliveries as you prepare those delicious s'mores. Whatever way you spend your days, let the experience be as sweet as your campfire treat.
Photo Credit: Eastern Regional Tourism District
Water's Edge
The last recommendation on our list that's also in the scenic northeast but circles back west to our first pick is Water's Edge. Located in Lebanon, Water's Edge is the ideal spot to get up close and personal with the wonders of wildlife. As you explore the campground, be on the lookout for the diverse birdlife, including majestic humming birds and flocks of ducks that call Lebanon home. But that's just the beginning! The fun at Water's Edge continues with its own golf carts, bark park, pedal and row boat rentals, and recreation activities too. And with Nature's Art Village (32 min.) and The Adventure Park at Storrs (33 min.) in driving distance, it's the perfect place to introduce camping to your young ones or teens! Camping after all is best when done with others!
Photo Credit: Filip Mroz (Contributor on Unsplash)
So, what are you waiting for? Visit Reserve America to learn more about the campgrounds closest to you and book your next camping adventure. We invite you to spend a night under the stars and share your adventure with us using #CTVisit and #NewEnglandFall.
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