Camping on the Connecticut Shoreline
This summer, let a weekend campout lead you to explore the Shoreline in a new way. Even if you’ve never stepped foot onto a campground before, you might be surprised by how good it feels to spend a day or two in the wild.
Camping gives you the ability to unplug, and explore the great the Shoreline with friends.
Where to Set Up Camp
Choosing the perfect stop on the Shoreline is easy. Whether you choose a state park, private campground, or your own back yard. You’ll make a great choice!
Madison
Hammonasset State Park
With beaches, hiking, bike rentals, camping, fishing, picnicking, scuba diving, boating, Meigs Point Nature Center and concessions, Hammonasset State Park is one of our favorites.
The campground is complete with concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Salt water swimming and fishing.
Niantic
Rocky Neck State Park
Located on Long Island Sound in the town of East Lyme, 710-acre Rocky Neck is the perfect recreation spot. The historic stone Ellie Mitchell Pavilion dominates the park's western shoreline, and is constructed with native materials and crafted supporting pillars with wood cut from each of the state parks and forest. The park is also home to clear waters and a stone-free beach with white sand make it ideal for swimming. You’ll also find camping, hiking, and wildlife.
Shoreline
Your Own Backyard
New to camping? Nothing is better than starting in your own backyard. You know the bathrooms are clean and the food will be good - and if all else fails, warm, cozy beds are only a few steps away.
BEYOND
Backpacking
One of the most famous trails runs right through Connecticut, the Appalachian Trail. Explore beyond the Shoreline for some of the best backpacking experiences on the east coast.
The Basic Pack List
So you know where your camping, but it may feel a little overwhelming deciding what to bring. You don’t want to under pack, but you don’t want to bring everything you’ve ever owned. Here’s our basic packing list to get you started.
Portable Camp Stove
Lantern
Utensils
Skillet
Plates & Bowls
Binoculars
Mugs
Tent
Flashlights
Waterproof Matches
Canteen
Swiss Army Knife
Sleeping Mat
Insect Repellent
Coffee Maker
Thick Blanket
Water-Resistant Boots
Clothes
Sunscreen
Cooler + Ice
Camp Chair
Sleeping Bag + Pillow
Cooking Grate
Folding Table
A Simple Food Plan
If cooking over the open flame sounds thrilling, go as gourmet as you’d like. But you can also keep it simple. Prep everything at home before storing it in a cooler with ice to simplify on-site cooking. To keep it even simpler order delivery from your favorite pizza spot (the Shoreline has many!).
The Right Heat for Campire Cooking
To cook over a campfire, you’ll want hot embers instead of a full flame. Start a wood fire and let it burn down until the embers are glowing with no more than a dusting of light ash on them.
Don’t Forget Dessert
Dessert is a must when camping, and for us that means S’mores. Keep it traditional or experiment with an assortment of delicious toppings.
Chocolate
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
White Chocolate
Berries
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
Banana
Pineapple
IT’S A GOOD READ!
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If you’ve recently discovered the joy of pickleball or are just looking for a new way to get your paddle fix, you’re in for a treat. Here’s everything you need to know to serve, smash, and spin on the Connecticut Shoreline! But please stay out of the kitchen.