Great East Coast Campground: Odetah Camping Resort on the Connecticut Coastline

Published
Father and son camping

Travel Guides Outdoor Adventures Camping

By Caitlyn Knuth/Sept. 27, 2023 6:00 am EST



Whether you head out to enjoy quality time with family and friends or looking to connect with nature, a camping trip is a fun outdoor adventure. Whether you’re one for tent camping or RV life, it’s an activity that can provide a refreshing opportunity to step away from routine and uniquely enjoy new surroundings. The 2023 North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report by the team at KOA showed that around 58 million American households camped at least once in 2022.

Many of these campers likely set their sights on East Coast destinations with good reason. This region of the U.S. is particularly appealing to campers who enjoy oceanfront retreats. East Coast campgrounds are also sought out when campers are looking for options to explore coastlines that are open to the public year-round.

When you happen to be on the hunt for an East Coast Campground that’s a great home base for exploring the coastline, Odetah Camping Resort is a wonderful place to find yourself. Located in Western Connecticut, Odetah Camping Resort enjoys a location in Bozrah, which sits in a scenic area of the state known as Mystic Country. While there’s certainly plenty to keep campers entertained on-site here, easy access to the coastline is another huge draw for travelers.

Nearby coastlines to explore

Swimming at Dubois Beach



Susan Marrah Photography/Shutterstock

Those passionate about time on the shoreline will love Odetah Camping Resort’s proximity to the sand. When camping here, you’re only about 30 minutes from incredible coastlines, just waiting to be enjoyed. A popular place for guests to check out during their stay is Ocean Beach Park in nearby New London. This inviting stretch of coastline sits just over 17 miles from Bozrah along I-395 South.

Accessible on Neptune Avenue, Ocean Beach Park offers guests access to a vibrant New England beach and boardwalk area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. When visitors aren’t relaxing on the sand, they can cool off in the freshwater pool, play mini-golf, bird watch from the observation deck on the nature trail, or restaurant hop. Ocean Beach Park sprawls across 50 acres of coastal terrain and is a scenic and fun place for travelers to enjoy an East Coast beach day.

See also  Airplane Flight Attendants Dislike Passengers Who Order Multiple Drinks


Campers settling in at Odetah Camping Resort looking for a quiet stretch of nearby coastline to explore with gentle surf and fewer crowds will find it at DuBois Beach. Located in Stonington, just over 30 miles from Bozrah, this coastal destination is a great family-friendly stop that can be accessed between Memorial Day and Labor Day with the purchase of a beach pass at $10 each for those over 18. A day spent here can include a shoreline picnic under the gazebo, swimming, and crabbing from the jetties or dock.

On-site shorelines to check out

Mother and daughter canoeing

Larry Williams & Associates/Getty Images

While getting out and exploring nearby coastlines can be a treat for travelers camping at Odetah Camping Resort, this destination also has its own waterside options to discover. Odetah Camping Resort hosts a private lake and beach for campers to enjoy, which spans 32 acres. It’s where you can just as easily spend time building sandcastles with the kids as you can fishing or swimming in designated areas. There’s also a beach volleyball court to use when some friendly competition is in order.

Options to get out on the water also expand the fun of a stay at Odetah Camping Resort. Guests excited to explore the lake at their own pace can rent everything from 1 and 2-person canoes and rowboats to single-rider paddleboards at The Boathouse, located next to the dock. Rentals can be enjoyed for just $10 an hour, and because no gas motors are allowed on the lake, you can always count on enjoying a peaceful day on the water.

Whether you head out to the Atlantic coastline or spend time on a lakeside shoreline instead, Odetah Camping Resort is a prime place to make your home base. Here, you can pick and choose between RV camping, tent camping, or renting one of their lodging options like yurts. It’s been a popular outdoor adventure stop since 1905 and remains a place well worth adding to your camping calendar for coastline fun.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.