Seaport Campground - Old Mystic, CT

This campground used to be our "go to" campground.  It was formely family run and we loved it because it was a simple, very affordable campground boasting large grassy, shaded sites.  About two years ago a large company called Morgan RV Resorts bought the campground.  We were looking forward to the upgrades that usually come when a larger corporation takes over an mom and pop campground.  Instead, sadly, it has been a downward spiral.  On our last visit earlier this spring we found wooden picnic tables rotting and in need of replacement, the pool was dirty, the restrooms were filthy, the internet was not working, and we lost water twice because of a broken pipe somewhere in the campground.  The outdoor pavilion area that formely hosted dances was dismantled with nothing in its place.  The miniature golf was the only renovation noted (they recovered some on the pieces with new artificial grass carpet).  With all of this they had the audacity to increase their rates to match those of other campgrounds that offer so much more. They also refer to themselves as a resort but have nothing to offer as a resort. After this visit, I emailed my disappointment to Morgan RV...TWICE.  Needlesstosay, I never received a reply.  Very, very disappointing.  In summary, I do not recommend this campground.  The only thing they have left going for them is their large, grassy, level campsites. 

Seaport Campground

 

Mystic KOA - North Stonington, CT

My very good friend, Doreen, was having hardwood floors installed in her home and suggested we all go camping for a few days since she had to vacate the house.  Doreen and her family are not campers and they have a dog......so a rental of some sort was in order.  On a lovely Saturday afternoon we began the Internet search for a campground that had cabin rentals - not a bare cabin, but a cabin with full amenities and allowed pets.  We came across Mystic KOA, which I was familiar with. This campground was formerly known as Highland Orchards.  KOA (Kampgrounds of America) has upgraded the campground and installed new full amenity cabins and their "trademark" pillow (a large bouncing trampoline-type, air-filled pillow for kids). 

I must say the cabin was lovely.  They provided linens, pots & pans and tableware.  There was a stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and gas grill.  All Doreen had to bring was food and clothes!  It was perfect for her family. Did I mention there was A/C too!  We were able to get a campsite directly across from her.  Our campsite was narrow and did not have any shade, but we made the best of it.  The weather was beautiful so the kids enjoyed the pillow and we all enjoyed the large, clean swimming pool (they have 2 pools - one is shallow for small children). The rec hall was on the small side and had the usual fair of video games.  The bathrooms were very clean.  They do provide more wooded areas to camp, but because we wanted to be near Doreen's cabin, we unfortunately were in a less shady area but we were close to the pool and playground. There is also a small pond for fishing (catch & release) and they rent banana bikes and have miniature golf.  There were fun activities planned for the kids, including a flashlight scavenger hunt in the early evening.  I think this may become our new "go to" campground when we're looking for a weekend to unwind.

Doreen blogged about her experience.  If you'd like to read, check her out on Patch.com

Check out this campground at Mystic KOA  Don't forget to check out their Hot Deals page.  Doreen got a free night in her cabin!

Stateline Campresort & Cabins - East Killingly, CT

This past weekend we visited Stateline for the first time.  I must say this campground is ideal for those looking to do some "real" camping.  Most sites are nicely wooded but, sorry kids, no cable TV and the Wi-Fi was intermittent. They offer gray water drainage hook-up at all sites, which is a plus for those of us with teenagers who must take long showers. This campground is truly perfect for pop-ups, tenters, and small to moderate size units because of the smaller size sites and the difficulty maneuvering around due to the trees.  However they do have a few sites that accommodate larger units.....at a cost.  There is a fee for each foot over 30' long. Our site was very nice.  It was a corner site, pull through, not far from the main office, rec hall and pool area.  We had plenty of space with our unit and we enjoyed the shade provided by the trees.  They do not allow you to bring in your own firewood, apparently due to the Asian beetle epidemic.  They offer firewood at what they state as a "small" fee, which was $5 for a bundle containing 4-5 small pieces of wood. I should add that they have some lovely lakeside sites and I think we may try that area on our next stay.   I commend them on an excellent activity schedule.  They had a great DJ on both Friday and Saturday nights (this past weekend was "Prom").  They had activities going all day for the kids and for adults. They had raffles (50/50 and a very nice gift basket)and bingo (cash for adults and candy bars for the kids). The amenities were very nice.  The rec hall was loaded with video games, skee ball (my favorite) and pool tables.  The pool was a large L-shape and in good condition.  The public restrooms were clean.  They have a cute "frog"pond that kids can catch frogs with nets and they have rowboat rentals for the lake that offers fresh water fishing. The cabins looked very nice.  I did not get to see the inside of any, but they appeared well-maintained and a few had covered porches....very cute. 

Check them out at:  Stateline Campresort & Cabins

Cold Springs Camp Resort - Weare, NH

This past weekend we stayed at Cold Springs Camp Resort.  What a lovely campground!  The campground has alot of permanent campsites, which probably attributes to the fact that the grounds are meticulously kept and the landscaping is beautiful.  The permament campers take pride in their campsites, which are well-maintained.  There were many golfcarts which are owend by the permanent campers, however, the campground does not rent golf carts.  There are 4  inground heated swimming pools that were very clean.  One is designated for adults only.  Additionally, there was a kiddie pool and a spa.  There was a very nice playground and kiddie arcade for younger children and another arcade for older kids.  There was shuffleboard, horseshoes and a volleyball court.  There was a large pavillion that hosted a dance with a DJ.  The kids enjoyed bike riding on the well-maintained gravel roads.  There was a pond for fishing and I saw some little girls trying to catch frogs in a small stream.  The safari area was kind of small.  There were nice wooded sites for small campers and tenters.  Our site was located near the front of the resort which was nice and made for a short walk to the pool and arcade.  We were surrounded by alot of permanent sites but the campers were all very friendly.  The staff was a little cranky but there was alot of security.  The restrooms were very clean and well-maintained.  We all agreed that this would be a nice campground to stay for a week of R&R.

http://www.coldspringscampresort.com/