Hidden Acres Family Campground

- 47 River Rd, Preston, CT 06365

Introduction / Overview

For Connecticut families looking for a local, yet complete, vacation experience, Hidden Acres Family Campground in Preston, CT, stands out as a premier destination. Nestled along the scenic Quinebaug River, this family-owned and operated facility has been welcoming campers since 1972, cultivating a reputation for its spotless grounds, exceptionally clean facilities, and genuine hospitality. The name "Hidden Acres" is a nod to its peaceful, secluded atmosphere, yet its location in Southeastern Connecticut makes it incredibly convenient for residents of the Nutmeg State.

Hidden Acres offers a variety of camping experiences, from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spots and comfortable cabin rentals. The campground is open seasonally, typically from May 1st through Columbus Day, making it the perfect spring, summer, and early fall escape. It balances a mix of seasonal campers—who contribute to its strong, family-friendly community atmosphere—with transient weekend and weekly visitors. Reviews consistently highlight the friendly staff and the meticulously maintained environment, ensuring a relaxing and worry-free stay for everyone, whether you are casting a line into the river or relaxing by the pool.

The core ethos of Hidden Acres is to provide a "quiet family owned facility with a casual and relaxing atmosphere tailored to the family camper," a promise they consistently deliver on. It is a place where children can safely explore, and parents can genuinely unwind, with ample activities for all ages available right on-site.

Location and Accessibility

Hidden Acres Family Campground is strategically located at 47 River Rd, Preston, CT 06365, USA. This placement in New London County is ideal for Connecticut residents, as it places the campground within easy driving distance of many of the state's most popular coastal and cultural attractions.

Situated directly beside the Quinebaug River, the campground offers picturesque riverfront sites and immediate water access. Its location in Preston is highly advantageous for regional exploration. For those traveling from the Hartford or New Haven areas, the drive is reasonable, placing a truly relaxing vacation just a short trip away. Crucially, its proximity to major Connecticut points of interest, such as the renowned Mystic Seaport and Aquarium, is a major draw. Visitors can enjoy the serenity of the woods and river, and then take a convenient 30-minute drive to explore coastal towns and cultural sites. Furthermore, the two major regional casinos, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino, are both a short distance away, offering easy access to entertainment options for adults.

The campground’s slightly "hidden" location ensures a quiet environment, while the well-maintained road network of Southeastern Connecticut guarantees straightforward accessibility, making it a stress-free starting point for your family’s next adventure.

Services Offered

Hidden Acres Family Campground is committed to providing essential amenities that enhance convenience and comfort for all Connecticut campers. The facilities are routinely praised for their cleanliness and accessibility.

The array of services available includes:

• Campsite Utilities: Offers a wide variety of site types, including full hookup sites with 20, 30, and 50-amp electric service, water, and sewer connections. Primitive tent sites are also available.
• Rental Accommodations: Provides cozy cabin rentals and park model rentals, which come equipped with amenities like heat, air conditioning, full baths, kitchen areas, covered porches, and BBQ grills, perfect for those seeking a 'glamping' experience.
• On-Site Dining: Features a snack bar and a small diner (often operating on weekends) that serves a variety of meals, including breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches, which campers praise for quality.
• General Store: A well-stocked general store is available for camping essentials, supplies, firewood, and fishing supplies.
• Connectivity: Complimentary basic amenities such as free cable TV and free WiFi are provided, though WiFi access may be limited to certain areas of the park, such as the office.
• Maintenance and Care: Includes a convenient on-site laundromat, clean public restrooms, and coin-operated hot showers that are consistently noted by guests as being exceptionally clean.
• Waste Management: Offers a free dump station for guests and provides on-site trash pickup service at designated times, with separate bagging required for cans/bottles and other trash.
• Propane: LP Gas is available and metered on-site.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Hidden Acres Family Campground are its blend of natural features and robust recreational programming, ensuring there is always "a little something for everyone."

The notable features and highlights include:

• Quinebaug River Access: The campground runs along the beautiful Quinebaug River, offering picturesque riverfront sites and opportunities for water activities such as tubing and kayaking.
• Swimming Facilities: Features a clean, average-sized swimming pool and a small beach area on the river, perfect for cooling off during the summer months (swimming is at your own risk, as no lifeguards are provided).
• Extensive Activity Schedule: A huge draw for families, the campground organizes numerous planned activities and themed weekends throughout the season, including hayrides, ceramics painting, tie-dye events, bingo, ball games, evening dances, and specialized holiday celebrations.
• Family Entertainment Areas: On-site recreation includes a playground, a ball field, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, a game room/arcade, and bocce.
• Stocked Fishing Pond: Anglers of all ages can enjoy fishing in the state-stocked pond or the river, with a valid license required for those over 16.
• Unique Animal Exhibits: Features an animal pen with goats and free-roaming peacocks, which adds a charming, rustic touch that children especially love.
• Quiet and Peaceful Ambiance: Despite a full schedule of activities, the campground maintains a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, particularly during the designated quiet hours from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM.

Contact Information

Connecticut residents planning their next family vacation or seeking information on seasonal camping opportunities at Hidden Acres Family Campground should use the details below.

Address:

47 River Rd, Preston, CT 06365, USA

Phone:

(860) 887-9633

Reservations for the camping season (May 1st to Columbus Day) begin in mid-February and are best handled by phone call to the office.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Hidden Acres Family Campground is perfectly suited for Connecticut locals because it provides a complete, high-quality family vacation experience right in their backyard. The consistently high praise for its staff and the cleanliness of its facilities—from showers to riverfront sites—means local users can rely on a worry-free, pleasant environment. For busy Connecticut parents, the abundance of on-site and free scheduled activities is a massive benefit, ensuring children are engaged and entertained without the need for constant planning or off-site travel. The campground offers the best of both worlds: a secluded, natural setting along the Quinebaug River for true relaxation, combined with an easy, 30-minute drive to major Connecticut attractions like Mystic, Stonington, and the casinos.

Whether a family is looking to dip their toes into tent camping for a weekend, settle into a cabin rental for a week-long stay, or become part of the community as seasonal campers, Hidden Acres provides the infrastructure, amenities, and friendly atmosphere to make it a perennial favorite for creating lasting Connecticut family memories.

Hidden Acres Family Campground

47 River Rd, Preston, CT 06365, USA