Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground

For Connecticut residents seeking a quintessential New England camping experience that combines natural beauty with a warm, community-oriented atmosphere, Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground in Preston, CT, stands out as a true local gem. Nestled on the serene shores of Amos Lake, this privately owned and family-run establishment has been a beloved part of Preston life since its inception in 1966. It offers more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it provides a tranquil retreat where the simple joys of lakeside living and friendly interactions create a "Norman Rockwell type" experience, as one delighted visitor described it.

Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground is renowned for its inviting beach area, allowing campers direct access to the refreshing waters of Amos Lake. This feature, consistently highlighted in reviews, makes it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying various water activities. Campers frequently praise the "very nice camper sites" and the welcoming, "dog friendly" environment, ensuring that the entire family, including furry members, can enjoy the getaway. The long-standing presence of the campground within the community also speaks volumes about its commitment to providing a consistent and enjoyable experience, with continuous improvements made over the years by dedicated owners.

Unlike some larger, more bustling resorts, Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground seems to maintain a peaceful, less-crowded ambiance, fostering genuine connections among its visitors. While specific details on all amenities might require direct inquiry, the core offerings of well-maintained sites and access to a beautiful lake are clear. This article aims to provide a comprehensive and informative overview of Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground, tailored specifically for Connecticut residents. We will delve into its convenient location and accessibility, detail the known services and features, and explain why this long-standing Preston institution is ideally suited for your next local camping adventure.

Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground is charmingly situated at Hollowell Rd, Preston, CT 06365, USA. More precisely, public records indicate its address as 53 Hollowell Road, Preston, CT 06365. This location places it on the eastern part of Amos Lake, a 112-acre (or 113-acre, depending on the survey) waterbody in Preston, New London County, southeastern Connecticut. The campground is notably "set back from the waterfront," meaning while there's lake access, the campsites themselves offer a sense of privacy and separation from the direct shoreline.

For Connecticut residents, accessing Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground is relatively straightforward. Preston is a rural town, but it’s well-connected by state routes. From major population centers like Hartford, the drive typically involves I-91 South, connecting to CT-2 East, and then local roads to Preston. From New Haven, routes would include I-95 North, eventually connecting to local state routes leading to Preston. For those coming from southeastern Connecticut, such as Mystic or Norwich, the drive is quite short, with Preston being just five miles east of Norwich. The proximity to Norwich means easy access to stores, restaurants, and other urban conveniences, while the campground itself offers a peaceful, natural setting. While the area is rural, the roads leading to the campground are generally well-maintained and accommodating for RVs and trailers. The presence of a state-managed public boat ramp on the western shoreline of Amos Lake (separate from the campground's access) also speaks to the ease of reaching this popular lake for recreational purposes. The overall accessibility makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation for locals seeking a genuine Connecticut outdoor experience.

Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground provides a range of services designed to offer a comfortable and enjoyable lakeside camping experience. While it maintains a "Norman Rockwell type" simplicity, it focuses on essential amenities that make a stay pleasant.

• Campsites for RVs and Tents: The campground offers various types of sites, including:

  • Seasonal Sites: A significant portion of the campground operates with seasonal sites, fostering a strong community atmosphere among returning campers.
  • Rental Sites: Sites are available for shorter-term stays, accommodating both recreational vehicles and tents. Public data suggests there are approximately 25 RV sites with full hookups (water, sewer, and electric), offering 30 and 50 Amp service, making them "big rig friendly." Site sizes range from 2400 to 3560 square feet, providing "ample space for a recreational vehicle and 2 additional vehicles to park on site."

• Beach Access: A standout service is the "extremely nice" beach area at Amos Lake, allowing direct access for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water.

• Clean Restroom Facilities: Reviewers consistently praise the "clean" bathrooms, which are essential for a comfortable camping experience. Public records mention the presence of restroom facilities near the beach club area.

• Dog-Friendly Environment: The campground is noted as "dog friendly," allowing leashed dogs at campsites, making it convenient for pet owners to bring their furry companions along. Call for specific pet restrictions.

• Recreational Access to Amos Lake: Beyond the beach, the campground provides recreational access to Amos Lake itself, known for fishing (especially largemouth bass, trout, and panfish) and boating (with an 8 MPH speed limit enforced during off-season and water-skiing restricted at certain times). Small fishing boats, kayaks, and canoes are welcome year-round.

• Well-Maintained Grounds: The owners have a long-standing reputation for keeping the campground "neat, clean, and safe over the years," demonstrating a commitment to upkeep.

• On-Site Parking: "Guest parking is provided throughout the campground," and proposed sites offer space for recreational vehicles and additional vehicles.

• Lighting: Public records indicate mounted lighting on existing buildings and pole lighting with downlighting along roadways, plus solar lights on site poles for visibility and safety.

Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground offers several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal and make it a cherished destination for campers in Connecticut.

• Beautiful Amos Lake Access: The most significant highlight is direct access to Amos Lake itself, including an "extremely nice" private beach area for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the water. The lake is also popular for fishing (stocked with trout by CT DEEP) and various boating activities.

• "Norman Rockwell Type" Atmosphere: Reviewers consistently describe the campground as having "wonderful people" and a "Norman Rockwell type" feel. This points to a friendly, welcoming, and community-oriented environment that fosters genuine connections and a sense of nostalgia.

• Family-Run and Long-Standing History: Established in 1966, this family-run campground has been "part of the fabric of Preston life" for decades. This long history implies stability, continuous improvements by the owners, and a deep understanding of what campers value.

• Well-Maintained Sites and Facilities: The campground is consistently noted for its "very nice camper sites" and overall cleanliness. The owners are committed to keeping the grounds "neat, clean, and safe."

• Dog-Friendly Policy: For many campers, the ability to bring their beloved canine companions is a major plus. Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground is explicitly "dog friendly," with leash requirements.

• Spacious Campsites: Proposed site expansions indicate generous site sizes, ranging from 2400 to 3560 square feet, providing "ample space" for RVs and multiple vehicles, ensuring comfort and privacy.

• Proximity to Major Attractions: While offering a peaceful retreat, the campground is conveniently located near popular southeastern Connecticut attractions. These include:

  • Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun Casinos: Just a short drive away for entertainment, dining, and shows.
  • Mystic Seaport and Aquarium: Historic and educational attractions within easy reach.
  • Norwich: Close by for convenient access to stores, restaurants, and other urban amenities.

• Natural Buffer: A natural buffer of mature trees (29 trees ranging 12" to 38" in diameter) creates privacy and visual protection between campsites and the lake.

As a long-standing, privately owned and family-run establishment, Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground may offer promotions that are discovered through direct inquiry rather than widely published, commercial deals. Based on common practices for similar campgrounds, and some generalized information available for campgrounds that may be listed on booking platforms, potential "special offers" or beneficial arrangements might include:

• Seasonal Rates: Given the significant number of seasonal sites, the most prominent "promotion" is likely the value offered for committing to a full camping season. This typically includes a fixed, often more cost-effective, rate for the entire duration the campground is open (May to September).

• Extended Stay Discounts: For non-seasonal campers, it's common for campgrounds to offer reduced per-night rates for weekly or even monthly bookings compared to single-night stays.

• Off-Peak Season Rates: If the campground has availability during the shoulder seasons (e.g., May or September, outside of summer weekends), they might offer slightly reduced rates to encourage bookings during these quieter periods.

• Senior or Veteran Discounts: While not specifically listed for Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground in widely available public data, many campgrounds, especially those with a 55+ focus (as some sources suggest for a subset of their sites), offer discounts for seniors, military personnel, or first responders. It is always worth asking directly when booking.

• Direct Booking Advantages: Sometimes, contacting a smaller, family-run campground directly via phone or email can unlock the best rates or allow for more flexible booking arrangements, especially if you have specific needs or are planning a group visit.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any specific promotions or offers, it is highly recommended that Connecticut residents contact Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground directly using the provided phone numbers or email.

To inquire about reservations, availability, or any specific questions regarding Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: Hollowell Rd, Preston, CT 06365, USA (More specifically, 53 Hollowell Road, Preston, CT 06365)

• Phone: (860) 885-6199

• Alternative Phone (as found in some listings): (860) 889-6205

• Email: amoslakecamp@comcast.net (as found in some listings)

• Operating Season: Typically open from May to September.

Given its long-standing presence and family-run nature, direct phone contact is likely the most effective way to communicate and plan your stay.

For Connecticut residents, Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground in Preston is an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for a camping getaway, offering a blend of nostalgic charm, natural beauty, and convenient accessibility. Its strengths align perfectly with what many locals seek in an outdoor escape within their home state.

Firstly, its location on Amos Lake provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for a truly relaxing vacation. The "extremely nice" beach area offers direct access to swimming, sunbathing, and simply enjoying the lake, which is a significant draw for families and individuals alike. For those who enjoy fishing, the lake's reputation for bass and trout, along with opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, adds another layer of appeal. This immediate connection to a clean, well-maintained body of water makes it a prime spot for water-based recreation without the need for extensive travel.

Secondly, the campground's long history as a family-run establishment since 1966 has cultivated a unique "Norman Rockwell type" atmosphere. This speaks to a strong sense of community, friendly interactions, and a focus on traditional camping values. For Connecticut residents, this means stepping into a welcoming environment where the owners are invested in the experience and where fellow campers often become familiar faces. The consistent praise for the "wonderful people" and the campground's cleanliness reinforces this welcoming and well-cared-for environment. The fact that it's also "dog friendly" allows the entire family to participate in the outdoor adventure, a crucial consideration for many local pet owners.

Finally, its accessibility within southeastern Connecticut is a major advantage. Being a relatively short drive from major towns like Norwich, as well as renowned attractions such as Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun, and Mystic, allows campers to balance peaceful lakeside relaxation with opportunities for entertainment, dining, and sightseeing. This convenience means less time spent on the road and more time enjoying their vacation. For Connecticut locals looking for a dependable, clean, and charming lakeside retreat that embodies the spirit of traditional camping, Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground truly stands out as a top choice.

Amos Lake Beach Club & Campground

Hollowell Rd, Preston, CT 06365, USA