Hide-A-Way-Cove Family Campground

While there are no tall mountains in the state, the vast forests of eastern Connecticut are the playground of hikers and trail runners. Quinebaug Lake State Park is a favorite spot, with several short trails crisscrossing the park and a small lake to paddle around in. If you don’t have a boat of your own, the closest rental shop is just up the road in Killingly.

Ross Pond and Old Furnace State Park are also quite popular and are just east of Interstate 395. These adjacent parks once contained iron furnaces that were built prior to the Revolutionary War, but little remains of them. Today, the three-mile-long Old Furnace Trail is used by hikers and cyclists looking for a quick workout, and the Half Hill Cliff Face is a favorite with local rock climbers.

If you’re looking for a great scenic drive when you get an RV rental near Killingly, Route 146 is a reliable option. Running for twelve miles between Branford and Guilford, it’s an alternative to busy Route 1, which becomes congested with traffic during the summer. It’s a fantastic way to see the salt marshes, forests, and coastal features that are emblematic of Connecticut.

Something you wouldn’t expect to see in southern New England, though, are bison. But your eyes aren’t deceiving you, these lumbering creatures can be found at the bison farm in Brooklyn, just a short west of Killingly. These gentle beasts are incredibly tame and relatively friendly too, you can even pet them if you feel inclined.

Mystic Country is a fascinating region to travel through and one that few people stop to enjoy on their trips between Bean Town and the Big Apple. But it’s an area filled with historical significance, particularly the town of Killingly outside Hide-A-Way Cove. One of its most fascinating stories involves Prudence Crandall, the woman who opened the first school for African American girls back in the 1830s. Her schoolhouse closed not long after, but it has since been converted into a museum, so generations to come can learn of her ambitious attempt at education for all.

Ever since the days of the Revolutionary War, New England has been producing high-quality alcohol. Whether it be wine, beer, cider, or spirits, New England, and in particular, Connecticut, has got it. Travel around Mystic Country, and you’re sure to find a few vineyards, breweries, or distilleries offering tours and tastings for thirsty travelers.

For some, the slower pace and subtle nature of Mystic Country can feel somewhat confining. Fortunately, the city of Providence is only 45 minutes' drive away when you rent a camper near Hide-A-Way Cove Family Campground. The Rhode Island capital really punches above its weight, with fantastic cultural attractions, sports venues, and excellent restaurants to indulge in.

The WaterFire is almost certainly Providence’s most talked about attraction; it’s a bi-monthly bonfire on the water display accompanied by art installations and musical performances. Then there’s the Rhode Island School of Design, one of America’s most famous design schools. The school’s art museum is a sight to behold, with intricate needlework projects, priceless paintings, and top-notch sculptures to peruse. Providence’s Dunkin' Donuts Center plays host to Providence University’s men’s basketball team and the Providence Bruins ice hockey team.