12 acres hosted by Brendan W.
1 lodging site · 2 RV/tent sites
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Climbing
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Wetlands
Select a site
Sold outTry changing or removing some of your filters.
Reviews
92% Recommend67 ratings · 43 reviews
The campsite offers a mix of serene natural beauty and some practical challenges. While some campers appreciated the peaceful wooded areas and convenient location near Mystic and Groton, others were less impressed by the proximity to roads and parking lots, which can diminish the feeling of seclusion. The amenities like water access and fire pits are a plus, but the rocky terrain and limited facilities like showers and volleyball courts might not meet everyone's expectations. Brendan, the host, received praise for his hospitality and communication.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
33 ft Class A · With pets ·
Site 1 - Camping on the Grass!
We had a quiet 10 days enjoying the fresh air and sunshine in eastern Connecticut. Brendan's hospitality was more than we expected, and he let us know when other visitors would to be coming in. They are working on improvements to the camp sites and an outdoor amphitheater to be ready soon. Looking forward to returning and hearing some music in there.
Shopping in nearby Groton for food and other supplies was really convenient. We did a little touring both in the countryside and along the shore which have that classic New England beauty. Mostly just hanging out at the campsite, cooking outdoors, taking walks with our dogs, and taking in the surrounding landscape. The water is good and accessible at 2 points, one near the main facility and the other on the road to site #2.
This was our first trip this year and it was a great place to get all the camping stuff sorted out, which for us includes both tenting and RVing. The cellular signal was good so you're not really "off the grid" and a big plus if you have people that can't be away from the internet. Site #1 gets plenty of sunshine so prepare for that as we experienced the hottest days so far this year. Tested out some new portable solar power stations which proved to be perfect for recharging and playing music.
P
Peter K.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2024
Loved the wooded campsite, just far enough into the trees to give us privacy and distance from the road / parking lot. The price was right and location super convenient.
R
Robert T.
9 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· September 2024
15 ft travel trailer ·
Site 1 - Camping on the Grass!
Basically a parking lot.
Does have a port o let, and water.
D
Dennis B.
5 reviews
Recommends
· July 2024
Everything was nicely set up upon arrival with all tools needed and Brendan was very welcoming.
R
Ryan F.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
We enjoyed camping at Brendan's very much. It was very relaxing- just what we needed. We could hear the cars on the road, but it wasn't bothersome, as it is convenient to get to, while exploring Groton and Mystic. Brendan is very nice and had some great suggestions.
M
Margaret O.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· July 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 2 - Camping in the woods!
Not a great experience, it would be great if the spot was in the woods somewhere. Those who wants to camp in the open area this will be a good option or else no
R
Randeep T.
1 year on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2024
Misleading but fine overall.
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 1 - Camping on the Grass!
Overall, the experience was good. The location was easy to find, and parking, water, and the porta-potty were all relatively close at hand. However, there were a few significant issues with the site:
Parking Misrepresentation: The listing advertises "pull in site," and "wheel-chair accessible" but this is extremely misleading. You park and have a short hike to the site, which is not convenient, especially at night as the path is unclear and covered in boulders and rocks. This is not suitable for anyone with walking disabilities, and the host should update the listing to reflect this.
Volleyball Courts and Showers: We booked the site for the volleyball courts, but the hours were not listed online. We discovered upon arrival that they aren't open on weekends, eliminating our use of the courts and showers. Although I could have done more research before booking, this should be clearly stated in the listing.
Site Layout: The site itself is good for one tent but has many rocks and limited open space. This can be challenging for larger groups, even though the listing says it sleeps 6.
While the site is a nice little spot near a lot of activities, I feel that I paid for amenities that were not provided. If I had known about the parking situation, closed showers, and volleyball courts, I would have chosen a cheaper location. If the cost reflected the actual amenities and the listing was more accurate, this would be a fine place to camp.
Erik P.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
10 ft toy hauler · With pets ·
Site 2 - Camping in the woods!
Trailer spot was out in the open, but not a huge deal for a quick overnight stop. Just what we needed, and priced right! The tent and "glamping" spots are back in a great wooded area, and looked very private.
The area itself is great as well, definitely check out Barkin Barley if you have a pup with you, we had a blast.
Brendon was very communicative and accommodating. I would absolutely stop here again.
D
Dan C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· May 2024
Tent · With pets ·
Site 2 - Camping in the woods!
Very grateful to Brendan and this campsite. My 4 y/o wanted to try camping somewhere other than our backyard. She had a blast. The location is great and access to amenities like water and shower is a huge plus. Brendan was super cool and let us set up tent wherever we felt comfortable. It’s a little noisy, but nice being close to everything. There’s lots of woods to explore, however no trails yet, which kept our expedition short.
A
Anthony D.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
16 ft travel trailer ·
Site 2 - Camping in the woods!
Communication was wonderful. A nice spot that I’d visit again. A really cool facility. I had a travel trailer and their tent setup was great.
Scott I.
2 reviews
Recommends
· September 2023
We loved Glamping at the Sandbox! The host was super helpful and very responsive. The tent was clean and spacious. The bed was surprisingly cozy. We loved falling asleep to the sounds of the woods. You can hear the road from the tent but it didn't bother us. This site is perfect for a fun night away from home!
J
Jessica O.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· September 2023
15 ft travel trailer ·
Site 2 - Camping in the woods!
Not suitable for any sort of RV. Tent camping would also be questionable.
J
Joseph F.
3 reviews
Recommends
· July 2023
Beautiful area, exactly what we were looking for! Will return!
E
Erin D.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Tent · With kids ·
Site 2 - Camping in the woods!
We stayed at site 2 and it was perfectly situated off a gorgeous trail! About a 2 minute walk from the parking lot. Brendan and Sarah were incredibly helpful.
Kelly S.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
Tent · Group trip ·
Site 2 - Camping in the woods!
The campsite was just what we needed. Pretty rocky area, but some flat spots can be found for tents
M
Michael Y.
3 reviews
Mixed feelings
· June 2023
Don’t Recommend If Not a Tent
22 ft campervan · With kids ·
The Sandbox Campground
If you’re camping by way of tent or renting the existing tent o site, then this is a great option in Groton. But we had a 22’ sprinter van and had to park in the rocks the second night as we parked on the grass the first night in error. There is beautiful grass in the “recreation area” but no parking is allowed there. Luckily no one was camping at either tent site during our stay but I’m not sure how it would work with larger rigs. We were given the option to park in the grass at the end of the drive but it was a very small space for a car and not a camper. Don’t recommend for an RV of any kind unfortunately but we appreciated the stay, the porta potty and the quiet.
Megan M.
10 reviews
Recommends
· June 2023
14 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
The Sandbox Campground
The grass area was very nice for camping. Fire pit only available in the glamping area. Very primitive, you need your own power source since there isn't a plug in option.
Stephanie B.
2 reviews
The Glamping tent was very clean and cozy. There were so many great hiking trails on the land and across the street. I have never seen so much mountain Laurel…it was beautiful! The bathrooms/shower facilities were very nice too! Great space for dogs…Our dog had the best time
C
Christy G.
2 years on Hipcamp
Host was very friendly and accommodating, reaching out ahead of time and making sure there were a couple of chairs at the site. Site 2 is up the trail and on the ridge, nestled next to a large rock within a small clearing in the trees. It was secluded enough that we felt alone out there but were a quick walk to the car and a 1-2 minute drive to the nearest gas station. Plenty of very dry deadfall in the area to scavenge for fire. We didn’t stay the night as we just wanted a place to enjoy a campfire for a few hours. This place met all of our requirements: conveniently located, dog friendly, primitive site. We got the evening in nature we were craving
P
Paden S.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· October 2022
Unique “Mystical” Spot!
18 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
The Sandbox Campground
So unique and a perfect location! It’s less than 10 minutes from both downtown Mystic and Olde Mystick. You’re not going to feel like you’re completely isolated out in the woods, (but that’s clear in the booking.) The campsites are super cute and easy to get to. They have nice fire pits and chairs with plenty of firewood. If you’re RV camping you’ll likely need to park in the parking lot, but you still have access to a fire pit. The host was super communicative and accommodating! My favorite part was a beautiful and unexpected hiking trail in the woods just off the property. We would love to come back and spend more time both here and exploring Mystic!
Shelby B.
4 reviews
Recommends
· September 2022
Tent ·
The Sandbox Campground
Brendan has done an amazing job with this property! The business area is beautiful and sits at the front of the property, which gives privacy to the camping areas in the back woods. I stayed in Site 2, which was up at the back of the property on the ridge. I couldn't have asked for a better primitive site! There is plenty of space for a decent sized tent (I only had a 2 person tent), chairs and a cooking table, plus space to enjoy the firepit. I plan to be in that area more often and will absolutely book this site again!
J
Jason M.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
The Sandbox Campground
Great campsite and an awesome host. The location was perfect as well. Very close to Mystic seaport. Highly recommend.
A
Aaron C.
2 reviews
It’s pretty cool over at the sandbox. It’s not your typical campground however it feels really nice when you’re there. Brendan was always able to help out if we needed it.
R
Ryan P.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
This site was super cute and great place to stay. Having a 6 year old with us, the use of actual bathrooms and shower was fantastic. Easy check in, fun set up & worked perfect. As others have said, be sure to bring bug spray though, you’ll need it!
T
Trisha T.
3 years on Hipcamp
My husband and I took a drive up the Conn coast and stayed for one night. I wouldn't call this glamp site a 'destination', as its not very secluded. Bed and tent were WONDERFUL, especially as we arrived pretty late in the evening and it would have been hard to pitch one ourselves. It was so nice to wake up to the birds and trees, while still being in a comfy bed. Lamps and fire starters were provided. Fire was cozy and the bathrooms are very nice and close. You will be staying behind a parking lot of an indoor beach volley ball court—parking lot lights are really bright and on all night. You're right off of a pretty busy road. You'll be tucked into the woods which is nice but, BRING BUG SPRAY.
E
Emily H.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
Loved this little spot. Wear good shoes, it's a bit rocky.
A
Ashley M.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
The Sandbox Campground
This space was so fun. No frills, straight to the point. The volleyball courts were a huge plus and tons of fun.
D
Dipan V.
4 years on Hipcamp
The site was perfect! Tucked away off a lovely little trail from the parking lot, it offers just enough seclusion to create the deep woods camping experience. Shower facilities are fantastic, and the hosts were phenomenal. Great resources to us, and have fantastic advice on where to launch our Kayak. Would definitely come back, thanks for a great weekend!
F
Frank S.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· June 2022
We were extremely disappointed in the proximity of the tent to the road. Right behind the tent was a big parking lot off of a busy road/highway. You could hear the traffic at night. The tent should have been further into the woods. We also didn’t see or find any stream/river as stated on the website. The tent set up itself however was very cute
K
Karen G.
3 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2022
Tent · Group trip ·
The Sandbox Campground
Beautiful spot with abundant land to explore and an attentive, friendly host. We will be back!
Patrick G.
3 years on Hipcamp
Location
Groton, New London, Connecticut, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Brendan W.
Joined in October 2020Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
Campers also viewed...
Related Searches
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.