The Island Campground and Cottages

For Connecticut locals dreaming of a quintessential New England getaway that combines the tranquility of nature with easy access to coastal charm, The Island Campground and Cottages in East Lyme, CT, offers a truly unique experience. This delightful destination is praised for its "great vibe" and "old school feel," providing a refreshing change of pace from modern, bustling resorts. Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of a small lake, with a sweet little beach just steps from your site, all while being mere minutes from the vibrant Connecticut shoreline.

The Island Campground and Cottages is more than just a place to stay; it's a nostalgic retreat where "nice people" abound, and the owners are celebrated for being "amazing and helpful." Whether you prefer pitching a tent under shady trees, bringing your RV for a comfortable stay, or enjoying the convenience of a cottage, this campground is designed to help you create lasting memories. It’s a "secret CT location" that truly delivers on its promise of relaxation, natural beauty, and unparalleled convenience to some of Connecticut's most beloved coastal towns.

The Island Campground and Cottages boasts an exceptional location at 22 Islanda Ct, East Lyme, CT 06333, USA. This address places it in East Lyme, a picturesque town situated along the shoreline of Long Island Sound in New London County, Connecticut. What makes its location particularly outstanding, as noted by enthusiastic reviews, is its unique setting on a small lake while being incredibly close to the larger Connecticut coastline.

The campground is just "5 min from the shore and Niantic," making it an incredibly convenient base for exploring one of Connecticut's most charming coastal communities. Niantic, with its quaint Main Street, unique shops, diverse restaurants, and the scenic Niantic Bay Boardwalk, offers plenty of opportunities for leisure and entertainment. This proximity allows campers to enjoy the peacefulness of the lake and wooded glade, then easily venture out for a day of beachcombing, fishing, or exploring the lively seaside town.

East Lyme is highly accessible from various parts of Connecticut and neighboring states. Major roadways such as I-95 run directly through East Lyme, providing a straightforward route for visitors from New Haven, Hartford, and beyond. This excellent highway access means less time spent traveling and more time enjoying your vacation. The blend of a serene lakeside environment with immediate access to coastal towns and major transportation routes makes The Island Campground and Cottages an incredibly well-situated destination for any Connecticut resident seeking a versatile and engaging getaway. The unique "island" setting on a small lake further enhances its appeal, offering views galore and a truly special atmosphere.

The Island Campground and Cottages provides a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests, whether they are tent campers, RV enthusiasts, or staying in one of the cottages.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of sites, including tent sites and RV sites. Tent campers can enjoy spots "right next to the sweet little beach" with "sand and shade trees," providing a classic and comfortable tenting experience. RV campers also find accommodating spaces.

• Cottage Rentals: For those seeking more comfort, The Island offers cottages, providing a convenient alternative to traditional camping with amenities often found in a small home.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Most sites are equipped with picnic tables for outdoor dining and fire rings for enjoying traditional campfires, perfect for s'mores and evening gatherings.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: While specific details weren't provided in the reviews, well-maintained campgrounds typically offer clean restroom and shower facilities for guest convenience.

• On-Site Management/Owners: The presence of "amazing and helpful" owners and managers ensures that guest needs are attended to, and a welcoming atmosphere is maintained.

• Lake Access and Beach: Direct access to a small lake and a "sweet little beach" allows for swimming, sunbathing, and other lakeside activities. This is a significant feature for water lovers.

• Wooded and Shaded Sites: The campground is set in a "wooded glade with nice mix of sun and shade," offering natural protection and a pleasant environment for all sites.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: While not explicitly stated in reviews, many campgrounds are pet-friendly. It's always advisable to confirm their current pet policy directly with the management.

The Island Campground and Cottages truly shines with a set of unique features and highlights that create its distinctive "vibe" and make it a highly desirable destination for campers in Connecticut.

• "Best Location in Connecticut": As enthusiastically stated by a reviewer, the campground boasts what is possibly the "best location in Connecticut." This is attributed to its unique position on a small lake with its own beach, while being just "5 min from the shore and Niantic." This dual access to both freshwater and saltwater recreational opportunities is unparalleled.

• Private "Sweet Little Beach": Having a private beach directly on the small lake is a significant highlight. It provides a convenient and safe area for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation, perfect for families and all campers.

• Nostalgic, "Old School" Feel: Visitors frequently mention a "splash of nostalgia" and an "old school feel." This is a major draw for those seeking a charming, less commercialized camping experience that harks back to simpler times, creating a truly unique ambiance.

• Wooded Glade Setting: The campground is beautifully situated in a "wooded glade with nice mix of sun and shade." This natural setting provides a serene backdrop, ample shade for comfortable camping, and a sense of being immersed in nature.

• Amazing and Helpful Owners/Managers: The consistent praise for the owners and managers as being "really nice and thoughtful," "amazing and helpful," and fostering a "great vibe" is a top highlight. Their personal attention and welcoming attitude significantly enhance the guest experience, making visitors feel valued and eager to return.

• Views Galore: The lakeside location offers "views galore," providing picturesque scenery that contributes to the relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the campground.

• Community Atmosphere with Nice People: Reviewers mention "nice people at the sites" and a general "great vibe," suggesting a friendly and respectful community among campers. This social aspect can greatly enrich the camping experience.

• Proximity to Niantic and Connecticut Shoreline: The incredibly short drive to Niantic means campers have immediate access to a vibrant coastal town with its boardwalk, shops, restaurants, and other shoreline attractions, offering a perfect blend of natural retreat and local exploration.

As a well-regarded, potentially "secret CT location" that maintains a "nostalgic" and "old school feel," The Island Campground and Cottages might not heavily publicize traditional large-scale promotions or discount codes typically found with larger, more corporate campgrounds. Their appeal often lies in their unique charm, prime location, and the personal touch of their owners.

However, it is always advisable for prospective campers to contact the campground directly to inquire about any potential special offers. They might offer:

• Off-Season Rates: During the shoulder seasons (early spring or late fall), when demand is lower, some campgrounds may offer slightly reduced rates or more flexible booking options.

• Extended Stay Discounts: For campers planning to stay for a week or longer, it’s worth asking if any weekly rates or long-term discounts are available.

• Return Visitor Incentives: Given that reviewers consistently say they "will definitely be coming back" and "See you next year!", the campground might have informal loyalty recognition for repeat customers, which could be inquired about upon booking.

• Mid-Week Specials: Some campgrounds offer lower rates for stays during non-holiday weekdays when sites are less in demand.

The most reliable way to learn about current rates, availability for specific dates (especially for popular beachfront sites or cottages), and any unadvertised offers is to directly call The Island Campground and Cottages. Their "amazing and helpful" owners would be the best resource for the most up-to-date and personalized information.

Ready to discover your next favorite camping or cottage getaway in coastal Connecticut? Here’s how you can get in touch with The Island Campground and Cottages:

Address: 22 Islanda Ct, East Lyme, CT 06333, USA

Phone: (518) 421-5298

Mobile Phone: +1 518-421-5298

It is highly recommended to call during business hours to speak directly with the owners or management, who can provide detailed information on site availability, cottage rentals, amenities, and help you plan your visit to this unique East Lyme gem.

For Connecticut residents, The Island Campground and Cottages in East Lyme represents an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for a local escape. Its unique selling proposition is its unparalleled location, which offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, "wooded glade" setting on a "small lake" with its own "sweet little beach," all while being just a "5 min" drive from the vibrant coastal town of Niantic and the broader Connecticut shoreline. This incredible proximity means locals don't have to travel far to experience diverse outdoor recreation, from lakeside relaxation to seaside adventures.

The "old school feel" and "great vibe" highlighted by reviewers resonate strongly with those seeking an authentic, less commercialized camping experience that focuses on genuine connection with nature and community. The consistent praise for the owners as "amazing and helpful" underscores a commitment to guest satisfaction that fosters a welcoming and comfortable environment. This personal touch can make a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of a local getaway.

Whether you prefer the simplicity of tent camping by the beach, the comfort of an RV site with "views galore," or the convenience of a cottage rental, The Island Campground and Cottages caters to a variety of preferences. It's a place where families can create cherished memories, relax by the water, and easily explore the charming attractions of coastal Connecticut, all within a convenient drive. For Connecticut locals looking for a truly special and nostalgic camping experience, this "secret CT location" is an ideal choice for regular returns, promising relaxation and enjoyment year after year.

The Island Campground and Cottages

22 Islanda Ct, East Lyme, CT 06333, USA