Whether in a tent or an RV, these five campgrounds in eastern Connecticut are a must-see

Summer can mean many things to different people. While some think of blisteringly hot days, others think of trips to the beach. While some think of long days and cool nights, others think of camping.

Camping can be a serious endeavor, packing supplies and food and going into the woods alone. Others prefer the recreational side of camping; cutting yourself off from everyday life to swim leisurely in a river or pond, and stay in a cabin or RV.

Some people want that summer camp experience for themselves, and others want to share it with their children.

Here are five campsites in eastern Connecticut for you and your family to consider.

Hidden Acres Family Campground, 47 River Road, Preston

Open since 1972, Hidden Acres sits on the Quinebaug River, where fishing and tubing are some of the most popular activities. Other activities range from crafts and volleyball to bingo and sing-alongs. Amenities available to the 180 wooded sites include laundry, showers, and free cable and wifi.

Campground rates range from $64-$99 per day, $404 to $554 per week, $1,170 to $1,570 per month. Rental cabins range from $375 for two nights to $975 for seven nights, and rental trailers range from $475 for two nights to $1,225 for seven nights.

For reservations, call 860-887-9633.

Laurel Lock Campground, 15 Cottage Road, Oakdale

While the land has been family owned since 1900, Laurel Lock Campground started in 1967, named for “the profusion of laurel and hemlock trees on the property.” The 130-site campground features both family and adults-only swimming and beach areas, rec halls, dock slips and a boat launch, and more. Activities include swimming, hayrides, events, and a wide variety of sports.

Site rates are $70-$75 per night, and $4,100 for the season.

Gibson Hill RV Park, 177 Gibson Hill Road, Sterling

Gibson Hill is 55 acres with 122 full-service RV sites, along with 70 tent sites, owner and manager Kai Wesley Kunz said.

The RV park has been open for about 80 years. Kunz took it over two and a half years ago. He’s been transforming it from a worn-out facility, to a modern campsite. Improvements include a repaired pool, a new commercial kitchen, and Wi-Fi service. He’s looking to add a laundromat, convenience store, and food service.

“For awhile, it was an eyesore to the town,” he said. “I wanted to make it a nice place to attract people.”

Gibson Hill stands out due to the on-site management, and food service in the future, which will accommodate a variety of dietary needs.

The RV Park’s website is still under construction, so the best way to book a site is by calling 860-564-9996.

RV rates are $50 a night, $250 a week, $900 a month, or $3300-$4500 for the season. Tent rates are $40 a night, $200 a week, $600 a month, and $2,800 for the season.

Nature’s Campsites, 96 Ekonk Hill Road, Voluntown

Nature’s Campsites have been open since 1972 and is 130 acres with 200 sites. It features rolling hills, the Pachaug River, two small ponds, two pools, and arts and crafts building and more, third generation owner Nathan Lazourack said.

“For outdoor enthusiasts, this is the perfect spot,” he said

Across the street is the Pachaug State Forest, which gives more opportunities for biking and hiking. There’s also a paintball facility, owned by Lazourack’s son, adjacent to the campsite. Since Nature’s Campsites is family-owned, the staff can give it extra attention, compared to a corporate-owned campground.

Stays are $40-$90 per night for two adults and two kids. While some weekends and holidays are sold out, there is still availability for this season. Booking is done on the website, Lazourack said.

Sunfox Campground, 15 Kenyon Road, Lisbon

This is the camp’s 10th year as Sunfox Campground, known as Deer Haven before that. The campground has 86 sites, co-owner Dave Nowakowski said.

Campground features include the swimming pool, the jumping pillow, the adults-only hot tub, a playground, three beach volleyball courts, and daily activities in the summer, including sports, crafts and wagon rides.

Campers at Sunfox predominantly include families with children. Some campers come from far away. One of them is Virginian Ariel Hildreth. Her husband’s parents spend the summer at Sunfox, so they’ll visit with their four children.

“The activities keep them occupied, and everyone’s so nice,” she said.

At this point in the season, only midweek nights are still open. The campground has a special where if campers stay two weeknights, they’ll get a third night free. Rates range from $49-$89 per night. People can reserve by calling 860-376-1081, or by visiting the website.