Snappy Campers on 
Rockin out at Rocky Neck
This weekend we gathered 23 or so snappy campers for that annual pilgrimage to Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic (aka East Lyme) Connecticut. We stayed in the Seagull area, in site 18. I'm not sure if there are strong enough (good) words in the English language to describe just how snappy this little patch of earth is. As I have said time and time again, Rocky Neck is on my top 5 places to camp, bar none. This visit was no exception.
As we hit the ground running a little early in the season (and suffered through a series of never ending rain showers on day one), the area was pretty much deserted on arrival, which gave us a wonderful opportunity to sit back and watch the wildlife that shares the park with the seasonal transient visitors. During our stay, we spotted deer grazing at the edge of our campsite, along with a turkey that appeared to be about 5 feet 2 inches tall. Wild bunnies were hopping around, and seagulls were plucking blue crabs from the water and gobbling them down an arm's reach away. Seagull 18 has the benefit of being directly across from the bathroom (with it's customary free, hot! showers), with plenty of shade trees, and abuts a VERY large open field. The kiddos were able to run wild to their hearts content, while the bigger boys hit the basketball court at the edge of the clearing. The camp store did not appear to be open, but firewood was available for purchase at the gate. The gas station down the street sold piles of ice at discount prices, so we didn't want for much. The only know before you go on this trip is that liquor stores are not open in CT on Sundays. Rocky Neck does allow alcohol in the park, so if you have a Sunday trip on your itinerary, stock up or be prepared to run out.
Still the most economical spot on the planet, rates have gone up to $20 a night for out of staters, and ReserveAmerica adds a $9 service fee to the total. Book early, as CT Parks now accept reservations a whopping 11 months in advance. Rocky Neck allows 6 people and 2 vehicles per site (ReserveAmerica.com erroneously indicates only 1 car is allowed), and each site is equipped with a fire ring with grill (no electricity or hookups are available). Alcohol is a-ok, but pets are strictly prohibited. The Long Island Sound beach is located within the park, and is within walking distance of all campsites (with the Tent Area and Seagull boasting the shortest walk). If you can only get away to the campground once this season, Rocky Neck rocks like no other!
Rocky Neck is so cool even your teenagers will like it.
As we hit the ground running a little early in the season (and suffered through a series of never ending rain showers on day one), the area was pretty much deserted on arrival, which gave us a wonderful opportunity to sit back and watch the wildlife that shares the park with the seasonal transient visitors. During our stay, we spotted deer grazing at the edge of our campsite, along with a turkey that appeared to be about 5 feet 2 inches tall. Wild bunnies were hopping around, and seagulls were plucking blue crabs from the water and gobbling them down an arm's reach away. Seagull 18 has the benefit of being directly across from the bathroom (with it's customary free, hot! showers), with plenty of shade trees, and abuts a VERY large open field. The kiddos were able to run wild to their hearts content, while the bigger boys hit the basketball court at the edge of the clearing. The camp store did not appear to be open, but firewood was available for purchase at the gate. The gas station down the street sold piles of ice at discount prices, so we didn't want for much. The only know before you go on this trip is that liquor stores are not open in CT on Sundays. Rocky Neck does allow alcohol in the park, so if you have a Sunday trip on your itinerary, stock up or be prepared to run out.
Still the most economical spot on the planet, rates have gone up to $20 a night for out of staters, and ReserveAmerica adds a $9 service fee to the total. Book early, as CT Parks now accept reservations a whopping 11 months in advance. Rocky Neck allows 6 people and 2 vehicles per site (ReserveAmerica.com erroneously indicates only 1 car is allowed), and each site is equipped with a fire ring with grill (no electricity or hookups are available). Alcohol is a-ok, but pets are strictly prohibited. The Long Island Sound beach is located within the park, and is within walking distance of all campsites (with the Tent Area and Seagull boasting the shortest walk). If you can only get away to the campground once this season, Rocky Neck rocks like no other!
Rocky Neck is so cool even your teenagers will like it.
Posted by Jennifer at 6/22/2009 2:18 PM 
Categories: Campground reviews,Connecticut Camping
Tags: CT campgrounds Rocky Neck State Park
Categories: Campground reviews,Connecticut Camping
Tags: CT campgrounds Rocky Neck State Park
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