- Camping with Hiking
The best camping near Shirley with hiking
89% (586) • 1,442 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Shirley
Peconic River Campgrounds
1. Peconic River Campgrounds
95%
(669)
11mi from Shirley · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible.
We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY.
Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site.
Toilets and shower are available.
Potable water available.
Pet-friendly!
Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further!
It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Humble Farm with Simplicity
2. Humble Farm with Simplicity
96%
(213)
46mi from Shirley · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bring your family and friends to camp at our quiet and very earthy and modest small family farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with chickens, a dog, and a few horses. The property is very spread out and there are 2 outhouses for all sites to use. Your pets are welcome too! Locally there are state parks with beaches, and state forest for trails and lakes, hiking and biking. Or you can just relax and enjoy the serenity!
OUR ADDRESS IS #200 NOT #204
Two parallel driveways THE DRIVEWAY TO THE LEFT FROM THE STREET IS OURS.
Other attractions include local farmers markets, Millers Pond, Hammonassette State Park Beach, Gilette's Castle, with the famous River Ferry crossing the Connecticut River with a vehicle across to East Haddam at end of Rt. 148...
We offer an hot H2O outdoor shower here for the comfort of out clients. It is located on the back of main house in corner. Entrance through gate is marked. Also See map in photos.
We cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be pre-purchased for $12 per bundle on this site, or $10.00 cash here at farm.
Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $5.00 per 1/2 dozen.
Blankets and pillows only are provided, NO LINENS for cabin or trailer sites only.
Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$49
/ night
Lincoln Kirstein
3. Lincoln Kirstein
83%
(29)
39mi from Shirley · 1 site · Tent, RV
Private compound
Close to Merritt Parkway and I95
1 hour from NYC
Hidden off the main road
800 ft long single lane driveway
Quite camp; peaceful with access to town center grocery and gas station
15-20 minutes to metro north train stations
Flat parking for vans and small to medium size rvs
Hiking trails and bike jumps on and right of the property
1-mile trail behind house to town center
Beautiful birds chirping, wildlife, and nature
You will love this spot
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Wildwood State Park
4. Wildwood State Park
78%
(9)
State park 12mi from Shirley · 314 sites
Camp and play on 600 acres of undeveloped forest overlooking the Long Island Sound.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Hammonasset Beach State Park
5. Hammonasset Beach State Park
81%
(8)
State park 36mi from Shirley · 559 sites
Cool down at these sandy beaches or stroll the footpaths through a scenic wildlife preserve.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Zen Paradise
6. Zen Paradise
86%
(7)
40mi from Shirley · 2 sites
Learn more about this land:
Site 1 (Zen Paradise) is a fully fenced-in campsite and no visibility from the house. Fence gates lead to a creek and a forested area. Site 2 (Best Kept Secret) is located in the forested area is completely secluded.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$70
/ night
Romantic Botanical Glamping
7. Romantic Botanical Glamping
48mi from Shirley · 1 site
Pets: Conditionally accepted with owner approval. Must be cat-friendly (we have 3 cats), well-trained, quiet, and not use garden beds as bathrooms. Contact us before bringing pets.
Seasonal Activities: June - strawberries, irises, snowbells; July - wild raspberries, roses, cucumbers, nasturtiums, tomatoes; August - squash, peppers, more flowers; September/October - apples, pears. Roses bloom all summer. 20+ page local activity guide provided.
Property Details: Organically sprayed monthly for ticks/bugs. Rain creates a soothing tent experience. Some amenities (refrigerator, dryer) available by request.
Check-in/out: Early check-in 9am, late checkout until 3pm (if no other guests arriving). Flexible checkout times available - just ask. Pool shared with homeowners, no lifeguards - swim at own risk.
Housekeeping: Use trash receptacles. Extra bags in clear container behind tent chair. Recyclables can be returned by guests (.10 value in CT) or left in buckets by dish cart.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$160
/ night
Riverdale Farm Campsite
8. Riverdale Farm Campsite
38mi from Shirley
Experience the charm of Riverdale Farm Campsites, a unique family vacation destination set on a sprawling 100-acre colonial farm in Connecticut. This hidden gem is perfectly situated between a picturesque country road and the tranquil Hammonasset River, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and families alike.
Our campground features a variety of spacious sites, including wooded areas, waterfront spots, and grassy meadows, ensuring privacy and comfort for every camper. We provide essential amenities such as water, electric, and 3-way hook-ups, with the added convenience of new 50-amp electric service. For those new to camping, we offer on-site rentals that make it easy to dive into the outdoor experience.
At Riverdale Farm Campsites, we pride ourselves on our outstanding recreational facilities, which are unmatched in the region. Our friendly and relaxed atmosphere allows you to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones. We focus on providing top-notch amenities and full services while avoiding the hustle and bustle often found at other campgrounds.
Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Riverdale Farm Campsites. With nearby beaches along Long Island and a wealth of outdoor activities, restaurants, and shops, your vacation promises to be both enjoyable and memorable.
Kettletown State Park
9. Kettletown State Park
100%
(2)
State park 47mi from Shirley · 61 sites
Summers get hot in the northeast. And muggy. We’re sweating just thinking about it. When it’s mid-July and Connecticut is threatening to burst into flames, Kettletown State Park is where people go to cool off.The refreshing waters of the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar are guaranteed to lower your body temperature and restore your energy levels. The rest of the park that isn’t water is heavily wooded, providing lots of welcome shade. Shoot, you could even go for a hike and not worry about overheating. It’s the perfect summer getaway from summer, if that makes sense. Don’t think about it too much, just go.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hither Hills State Park
10. Hither Hills State Park
100%
(13)
State park 47mi from Shirley · 153 sites
This New York park boasts sand dunes and ocean views.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Selden Neck State Park
11. Selden Neck State Park
State park 48mi from Shirley · 4 sites
A 607-acre island park bordered by Selden Creek on the east and the Connecticut River to the west, Selden Neck State Park is about one half mile wide and one and a half miles long. Aside from a few tidal marshes, it is completely blanketed with lush woodland vegetation.Unique for being one of the few places in Connecticut offering boating campsites, visitors can also partake in many traditional camping activities during their visit. The lookout points from the trails are highly recommended and will make you totally understand why the Nature Conservancy dubbed the lower Connecticut River as one of “America’s Last Great Places.”
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Rocky Neck State Park
12. Rocky Neck State Park
100%
(5)
State park 49mi from Shirley · 158 sites
If you were (or have) the little kid who had the toy train setup every holiday season, you’re going to go ballistic over this place. Rocky Neck State Park is home to some of the country’s finest train watching. Kick back on the Long Island Sound, watch the railroad cars roll by and try to guess how many there are until the caboose.Of course, there are a whole lot of other things to do in this beautiful area. The beach here rivals the best in Connecticut, with soft white sand that makes it ideal for swimming. If you get tired of watching trains, you can watch birds instead. Osprey, cranes, herons and mute swans all frequent the marshes. So how about it? All aboard to Rocky Neck!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Gillette Castle State Park
13. Gillette Castle State Park
State park 49mi from Shirley · 1 site
Straddling the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Gillette Castle State Park receives a whopping 300,000 visitors each year. But then again, that’s just kinda what happens when you have a flippin’ medieval castle here. The landmark castle was once a private residence commissioned and designed by actor, director and playwright William Gillette, known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.Besides touring the castle and its museum, the park entertains many traditional recreational opportunities, but also some far less common ones too. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can river camp, and in honor of its history, still hosts many theatrical celebrations. It’s elementary dear reader, why you won’t want to skip over this one.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
89% (586) • 1,442 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Shirley
Peconic River Campgrounds
1. Peconic River Campgrounds
95%
(669)
11mi from Shirley · 24 sites · Tents, RVs
Grassy field. Natural woods. River accessible.
We are located 30 minutes from Long Island, NY.
Feel free to pitch your tent anywhere you like on the property. Choose the grassy meadow or the natural woods filled with trees. Have a campfire and enjoy nature. Bring fishing gear and cast away. Go for a relaxing walk on the 2,000 feet of walkable dikes right on the river. Bring your canoe or kayak and feel free to launch it right on site.
Toilets and shower are available.
Potable water available.
Pet-friendly!
Bring a bike and explore our dirt trails across the street. Or visit the man-made dam on Dam RD just 2 minutes down the road, where you can take a dip in the water. If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, look no further!
It's serene, peaceful, and private. So come experience it for yourself! Nature awaits!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Humble Farm with Simplicity
2. Humble Farm with Simplicity
96%
(213)
46mi from Shirley · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bring your family and friends to camp at our quiet and very earthy and modest small family farm. Located in backwoods horse pastures with chickens, a dog, and a few horses. The property is very spread out and there are 2 outhouses for all sites to use. Your pets are welcome too! Locally there are state parks with beaches, and state forest for trails and lakes, hiking and biking. Or you can just relax and enjoy the serenity!
OUR ADDRESS IS #200 NOT #204
Two parallel driveways THE DRIVEWAY TO THE LEFT FROM THE STREET IS OURS.
Other attractions include local farmers markets, Millers Pond, Hammonassette State Park Beach, Gilette's Castle, with the famous River Ferry crossing the Connecticut River with a vehicle across to East Haddam at end of Rt. 148...
We offer an hot H2O outdoor shower here for the comfort of out clients. It is located on the back of main house in corner. Entrance through gate is marked. Also See map in photos.
We cannot allow any wood for camp fires to be brought in form the outside for environmental reasons. It can be pre-purchased for $12 per bundle on this site, or $10.00 cash here at farm.
Farm Fresh eggs daily when available for $5.00 per 1/2 dozen.
Blankets and pillows only are provided, NO LINENS for cabin or trailer sites only.
Garbage removal is available as well $5 per bag provided.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$49
/ night
Lincoln Kirstein
3. Lincoln Kirstein
83%
(29)
39mi from Shirley · 1 site · Tent, RV
Private compound
Close to Merritt Parkway and I95
1 hour from NYC
Hidden off the main road
800 ft long single lane driveway
Quite camp; peaceful with access to town center grocery and gas station
15-20 minutes to metro north train stations
Flat parking for vans and small to medium size rvs
Hiking trails and bike jumps on and right of the property
1-mile trail behind house to town center
Beautiful birds chirping, wildlife, and nature
You will love this spot
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Wildwood State Park
4. Wildwood State Park
78%
(9)
State park 12mi from Shirley · 314 sites
Camp and play on 600 acres of undeveloped forest overlooking the Long Island Sound.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Hammonasset Beach State Park
5. Hammonasset Beach State Park
81%
(8)
State park 36mi from Shirley · 559 sites
Cool down at these sandy beaches or stroll the footpaths through a scenic wildlife preserve.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
Zen Paradise
6. Zen Paradise
86%
(7)
40mi from Shirley · 2 sites
Learn more about this land:
Site 1 (Zen Paradise) is a fully fenced-in campsite and no visibility from the house. Fence gates lead to a creek and a forested area. Site 2 (Best Kept Secret) is located in the forested area is completely secluded.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
from
$70
/ night
Romantic Botanical Glamping
7. Romantic Botanical Glamping
48mi from Shirley · 1 site
Pets: Conditionally accepted with owner approval. Must be cat-friendly (we have 3 cats), well-trained, quiet, and not use garden beds as bathrooms. Contact us before bringing pets.
Seasonal Activities: June - strawberries, irises, snowbells; July - wild raspberries, roses, cucumbers, nasturtiums, tomatoes; August - squash, peppers, more flowers; September/October - apples, pears. Roses bloom all summer. 20+ page local activity guide provided.
Property Details: Organically sprayed monthly for ticks/bugs. Rain creates a soothing tent experience. Some amenities (refrigerator, dryer) available by request.
Check-in/out: Early check-in 9am, late checkout until 3pm (if no other guests arriving). Flexible checkout times available - just ask. Pool shared with homeowners, no lifeguards - swim at own risk.
Housekeeping: Use trash receptacles. Extra bags in clear container behind tent chair. Recyclables can be returned by guests (.10 value in CT) or left in buckets by dish cart.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$160
/ night
Riverdale Farm Campsite
8. Riverdale Farm Campsite
38mi from Shirley
Experience the charm of Riverdale Farm Campsites, a unique family vacation destination set on a sprawling 100-acre colonial farm in Connecticut. This hidden gem is perfectly situated between a picturesque country road and the tranquil Hammonasset River, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and families alike.
Our campground features a variety of spacious sites, including wooded areas, waterfront spots, and grassy meadows, ensuring privacy and comfort for every camper. We provide essential amenities such as water, electric, and 3-way hook-ups, with the added convenience of new 50-amp electric service. For those new to camping, we offer on-site rentals that make it easy to dive into the outdoor experience.
At Riverdale Farm Campsites, we pride ourselves on our outstanding recreational facilities, which are unmatched in the region. Our friendly and relaxed atmosphere allows you to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones. We focus on providing top-notch amenities and full services while avoiding the hustle and bustle often found at other campgrounds.
Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Riverdale Farm Campsites. With nearby beaches along Long Island and a wealth of outdoor activities, restaurants, and shops, your vacation promises to be both enjoyable and memorable.
Kettletown State Park
9. Kettletown State Park
100%
(2)
State park 47mi from Shirley · 61 sites
Summers get hot in the northeast. And muggy. We’re sweating just thinking about it. When it’s mid-July and Connecticut is threatening to burst into flames, Kettletown State Park is where people go to cool off.The refreshing waters of the Housatonic River and Lake Zoar are guaranteed to lower your body temperature and restore your energy levels. The rest of the park that isn’t water is heavily wooded, providing lots of welcome shade. Shoot, you could even go for a hike and not worry about overheating. It’s the perfect summer getaway from summer, if that makes sense. Don’t think about it too much, just go.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Hither Hills State Park
10. Hither Hills State Park
100%
(13)
State park 47mi from Shirley · 153 sites
This New York park boasts sand dunes and ocean views.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Selden Neck State Park
11. Selden Neck State Park
State park 48mi from Shirley · 4 sites
A 607-acre island park bordered by Selden Creek on the east and the Connecticut River to the west, Selden Neck State Park is about one half mile wide and one and a half miles long. Aside from a few tidal marshes, it is completely blanketed with lush woodland vegetation.Unique for being one of the few places in Connecticut offering boating campsites, visitors can also partake in many traditional camping activities during their visit. The lookout points from the trails are highly recommended and will make you totally understand why the Nature Conservancy dubbed the lower Connecticut River as one of “America’s Last Great Places.”
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Rocky Neck State Park
12. Rocky Neck State Park
100%
(5)
State park 49mi from Shirley · 158 sites
If you were (or have) the little kid who had the toy train setup every holiday season, you’re going to go ballistic over this place. Rocky Neck State Park is home to some of the country’s finest train watching. Kick back on the Long Island Sound, watch the railroad cars roll by and try to guess how many there are until the caboose.Of course, there are a whole lot of other things to do in this beautiful area. The beach here rivals the best in Connecticut, with soft white sand that makes it ideal for swimming. If you get tired of watching trains, you can watch birds instead. Osprey, cranes, herons and mute swans all frequent the marshes. So how about it? All aboard to Rocky Neck!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Gillette Castle State Park
13. Gillette Castle State Park
State park 49mi from Shirley · 1 site
Straddling the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Gillette Castle State Park receives a whopping 300,000 visitors each year. But then again, that’s just kinda what happens when you have a flippin’ medieval castle here. The landmark castle was once a private residence commissioned and designed by actor, director and playwright William Gillette, known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.Besides touring the castle and its museum, the park entertains many traditional recreational opportunities, but also some far less common ones too. It’s one of the few places in the state where you can river camp, and in honor of its history, still hosts many theatrical celebrations. It’s elementary dear reader, why you won’t want to skip over this one.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Anthony
December 2025
Tent
This campground was perfect for me as a first time camper. Clean, nice views, and a plenty of room. Tyler is great, came by and checked in on me, made sure I had fire wood. I can’t wait to come back here and camp again!!
See more
D
Davonte
November 2025
Tent
First time camping and this was a wonderful site! Spacious, clean, and I really appreciated the amenities! Already thinking of coming back again!
See more
J
James
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot! Be warned that there are muddy spots here and there, but beautiful place to camp. Will be back!
See more
Tara
November 2025
Tent
Cool little spot. Cleanest port a potties I’ve ever seen. Lots of chairs and solid picnic tables (been to so many sites with the tables all rickety). Would definitely stay again.
See moreM
Michael
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great location with easy access to all utilities.
Host was great , checked on site daily .
See more
C
Clinton
October 2025
18 ft Class B
Great place! Beautiful spot. There are a couple of spots available, one next to the house and one further down the road on a small pull-off. We stayed by the house and it was great.
See moreM
Michael
October 2025
15 ft campervan
A very nice secluded setting with a great lake view. The sites are spread out so you're not cramped. Convenient to wineries.
See more
K
Kristen
October 2025
Tent
With pets
My son and I appreciated the care they took to help us get settled, we were able to get all our needs met- water, our dog ran free, wood for the fire and a nice bed when I couldn’t get the hammock set up! We will definitely come back in the spring.
See moreV
Vital
October 2025
16 ft car
A lovely spot for simple, straightforward camping of any kind. I like that there's room for RVs, cars, tents, and hammocks. Having water and toilets nearby is another nice feature here. It was a perfect solution for my one night of very comfortable and convenient car camping.
See moreK
Kyung
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The property is so clean and nice to stay and the view is also beautiful with a lake. I would visit there again.
See more
Matt
October 2025
Tent
I love the Peconic River Campground. It's very quiet, peaceful, and the grounds are beautiful. The Peconic River / Forge Pond access from the property is picturesque. I love kayaking there, too. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, and chairs. Tyler comes around daily to see if you need firewood. It's very low key, simple, and the port-a-potties were clean. It's all you need, nothing more, nothing less. I'll be back. I recommend it.
See moreA
ANDREW
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Wonder stay on a beautiful piece of property.
Host was very gracious and met us at the site and was very accommodating. Would definitely stay again!
See more
L
Lucas
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Beautiful campground with water, fire ring and table on site. There is an outdoor shower and porta potty’s as well. Tyler was very nice, periodically does his rounds to check on people and has firewood to sell if you need. I will definitely be back, me and my pup had a great time! Highly recommend!
See more
N
Nelson
October 2025
16 ft car
Great place to camp and relax. Clean ground and potties. 3rd time and will continue enjoying my days and nights camping here.
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N
Nelson
October 2025
16 ft car
Great place and always well maintained.. awesome sunset .
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D
Dan
October 2025
Tent
Awesome spot, lowkey, great views, good star gazing and the host was very helpful, will definitely make a return trip, made my first time solo camping very smooth
See moreS
Steven
October 2025
Tent
Easy to find with Google and written directions. The property is secluded and ideal for camping with close access to local trails. Mary and Victor were very nice and when asked were flexible to let us stay in the converted trailer due to weather. The horses were amazing and friendly to bet! Great experience and definitely will return and recommend.
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M
MICHELLE
October 2025
Tent
With pets
It was our second stay and a Nor’Easter! The grounds were empty but maybe 3 sites occupied.
Tyler is ever vigilant with safety and doing his rounds, got us some extra fire wood and hunkered down! Porta Potties so clean and well maintained. Property clean and quiet.
The storm was quite intense but our experience was not affected. We will always be back!
See moreT
Ti
October 2025
Tent
With kids
It's spacious and clean, exactly what we wanted with a family.
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R
Ray
October 2025
Tent
Tyler’s amazing! Felt very chuffed on my stay. Def saving this spot for longer days. Don’t miss this gem!
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