You Rock, Rocky Neck!
For the third consecutive year, the snappy campers visited Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, CT. As usual, we had a VERY snappy time. For more than a few members of the group, this is THE favorite summer spot. The campground is located on the Long Island Sound and is only a 5-10 minute walk to the beach which features soft, clean, sand, a grassy field perfect for volleyball and a jetty for the fishing enthusiasts among us. For $15 a night, it's a real bargain (even for the most frugal camper). You can bring the cerveza, but leave the pets at home. Six guests and two vehicles are permitted on each site, and each one has a fire pit with a grill. For those used to an urban environment, this is a great balance between city and country. Be forewarned, though, if you are looking for a peaceful, stoic New England getaway, this is not the place for you. Don't get me wrong, the campground portion of the park is your typical quiet camping experience. The beach is a slightly different story. The train tracks run parallel to the beach and you can see commuters waving to the beachcombers all day (and night). During the peak season (mid-June to early September), the beach can get exceptionally crowded. If your tolerance for loud children, and even louder radios is low, I would suggest visiting nearby Hammonasset. After 4 or 5 in the afternoon, things start to quiet down and this beach affords one of the best places to watch the sun set in the Northeast. The water is warm (by New England standards) and is perfect for a pre or post dinner swim after all of the daytrippers have headed home.
This year, we stayed in the tent area for the first time (I was in site "Q"). Wow, it was big! The biggest campsite I think I've ever seen. Cars are not permitted to drive in the area itself (there is a lot at the entrance). Although this caused a little huffing and puffing dragging all of our snappy gear to and fro, it was worth it not to worry about the little ones darting out in front of traffic. The tent area does not have flush toilets (but there is a plentiful supply of port-a-potties). Neighboring Seagull has indoor plumbing, complete with free, warm showers and is only about 3-5 minutes away on foot.
Rocky Neck still rocks, and will continue to be on the Snappy Camper must-see list for the 2009 summer tour.
Victoria relaxes on the beach-jetty border on a busy July day.
This year, we stayed in the tent area for the first time (I was in site "Q"). Wow, it was big! The biggest campsite I think I've ever seen. Cars are not permitted to drive in the area itself (there is a lot at the entrance). Although this caused a little huffing and puffing dragging all of our snappy gear to and fro, it was worth it not to worry about the little ones darting out in front of traffic. The tent area does not have flush toilets (but there is a plentiful supply of port-a-potties). Neighboring Seagull has indoor plumbing, complete with free, warm showers and is only about 3-5 minutes away on foot.
Rocky Neck still rocks, and will continue to be on the Snappy Camper must-see list for the 2009 summer tour.
Victoria relaxes on the beach-jetty border on a busy July day.
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