Salt Rock State Campground

- 173 Scotland Rd, Baltic, CT 06330

For Connecticut residents and visitors alike, the search for the ideal outdoor escape often leads to the state's remarkable network of parks and campgrounds. Salt Rock State Campground, nestled in the scenic rural landscape of Eastern Connecticut near the town of Baltic, represents one of the premier destinations for a family-friendly camping experience. Incorporated into the Connecticut State Park system in 2001, this facility is spread across 149 wooded acres that once served as country farmland, offering a blend of natural beauty and modern convenience that is unique among state-run campgrounds.

Salt Rock is not just a place to pitch a tent; it is a full-service recreational haven. It is particularly noteworthy within the Connecticut State Park system for offering amenities that cater extensively to both tent campers and recreational vehicle (RV) users, including the availability of full utility hookups on some sites—a rare feature for a state campground. The park boasts 71 total camping sites, including those dedicated to tents, RVs, and two expansive group campsites designed to accommodate up to 25 people each, making it an excellent choice for large family gatherings or organizational retreats. Its reputation as a clean, well-maintained, and family-oriented campground is regularly reinforced by local users who appreciate the thoughtful layout and quality of the facilities.

Salt Rock State Campground benefits from a serene, rural location in Eastern Connecticut while remaining easily accessible from major population centers across the state. Located near the Sprague/Baltic area, the campground provides a true escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, positioning itself within what the National Park Service has recognized as "The Last Green Valley," a region known for its preserved state lands and pristine environment.

The official address places the campground directly on a main local thoroughfare, but its 149 acres ensure a tranquil setting. The address for navigation is: 173 Scotland Rd, Baltic, CT 06330, USA. This location is conveniently near Route 97, offering relatively quick driving access to larger regional destinations. For campers, the proximity to the historic attractions of Mystic and New London, as well as the entertainment complexes of the region, means that a stay at Salt Rock can easily be combined with day trips for dining, sightseeing, and shopping. The campground's setting against the Shetucket River waterfront further enhances its rural appeal, providing a scenic backdrop for all outdoor activities.

Salt Rock State Campground provides an extensive range of essential and convenience services designed to make a camping trip comfortable and hassle-free, especially for Connecticut residents seeking a high-quality state park experience:

• Variety of Campsites: Offering 71 total sites, including standard tent sites, RV sites, and two group campsites accommodating up to 25 people each.
• Full Utility Hookups: A unique state park feature offering sites with electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer connections, catering perfectly to modern RV and camper needs.
• Exceptional Private Bathhouses: A highlight frequently mentioned in reviews is the modern and clean private bathhouse system. Each unit is essentially a full private bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower, ensuring a comfortable, high-quality, and warm-water experience for all campers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: Available for free use by all registered campers, providing a necessary convenience for RV and trailer owners.
• On-Site Supplies: Availability of essential items like firewood and ice for purchase at the camp office, reducing the need for off-site trips.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Allowing up to two pets per campsite, ensuring that the entire family, including canine companions, can enjoy the Connecticut outdoors.
• Campground Management and Assistance: Professional staff are available to ensure adherence to quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), manage site registration, and provide local assistance.

The campground’s features are centered around water access, family fun, and a quiet setting, making it one of the most attractive camping spots in Eastern Connecticut:

• Direct River Access: The campground boasts over one mile of pristine waterfront along the Shetucket River. There are short, easy trails leading directly to the river, providing perfect spots for relaxation, wading, or simply 'plunking a chair down in the water,' as noted by a reviewer.
• Fishing Opportunities: The Shetucket River is known to be stocked with rainbow and brown trout and broodstock Atlantic salmon, making it a prime location for local anglers (valid permits are required).
• Hiking and Walking Trails: Featuring well-maintained trails, including the Old Rail Line Footpath (approximately two miles long and rated easy), which allows for enjoyable strolls and wildlife viewing across the 149 wooded acres.
• Family Entertainment: Offers a large grassy recreational area, a playground for children, and facilities like fire rings and picnic tables at each site for traditional family fun. The campground has also been known to host family-friendly activities, such as outdoor movie nights.
• Dedicated Group Sites: Two large group campsites are available, perfect for accommodating large family reunions, scout troops, or friend groups with a capacity of up to 25 people per site.
• Accessibility: The campground is handicapped accessible, including designated bathrooms, the camp office, parking, and picnic tables, ensuring the natural beauty of the park is open to all Connecticut residents.

For reservations, inquiries about availability, or specific questions about the campground’s rules and state park passes, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 173 Scotland Rd, Baltic, CT 06330, USA
• Primary Phone: (860) 822-0884
• Mobile Phone: +1 860-822-0884

Salt Rock State Campground is perfectly tailored to the desires of local Connecticut users seeking a high-quality, authentic outdoor experience without having to travel out of state. Its suitability rests on several key factors: the rare availability of full RV hookups in a State Park setting provides modern comfort, while the pristine, one-mile stretch of the Shetucket River waterfront offers genuine natural engagement for fishing, boating, and relaxation.

What truly sets Salt Rock apart, however, is the commitment to a positive resident experience, highlighted by the "sweet family oriented" atmosphere and the exceptional cleanliness of the private bathhouse facilities—a major convenience that significantly elevates the typical state camping experience. For Eastern CT residents, the campground’s strategic location near major state forests and tourist attractions like Mystic and New London allows for easy weekend trips that combine camping with local sightseeing. Whether a local family is looking for a dog-friendly weekend retreat, a group of friends planning a peaceful fishing trip, or an RV enthusiast needing full amenities, Salt Rock State Campground provides a clean, well-maintained, and memorable base for enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Connecticut’s Last Green Valley has to offer. It’s an accessible slice of Eastern CT's unspoiled nature, providing a great value for the local camper.

Salt Rock State Campground

173 Scotland Rd, Baltic, CT 06330, USA