Group kayaking trip along the Connecticut shoreline
Bus Permits and Fees

Connecticut State Parks and Forests are popular destinations for visitors, including tourists, students, church groups, social clubs, school groups, and summer camps.  Those organizing bus trips can plan for a relaxing day enjoying our trails, beaches or recreation areas, or plan to complement their experience at some destinations by reserving a picnic shelter, booking tour tickets or scheduling an interpretive program.  Organizers requesting a program to complement their bus trip should contact the state park directly to reserve group programs.  

If organizing a bus trip to one of our designated swim areas that typically employs lifeguards during the swim season, we recommend that you check with the park before your visit to determine if lifeguards will be on duty on the day of your visit.  

Buses must remain on site at the state park or forest at all times in case of inclement weather or the need for an emergency evacuation.  Drop-offs are not allowed.  

Please scroll down for more information on bus permits, fees, and locations.  

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Mom and son exploring footprints at Dinosaur State Park

Mini Bus - Seating Capacity for 12 to 30 passengers

A mini bus includes any vehicle with seating capacity for 12 to 30 passengers

  • Mini buses are allowed entry at all Connecticut State Parks and Forests
  • Mini bus fees:  
    • CT registered mini bus:  no fee, no permit required
    • Out-of-state registered mini bus:  $60 fee if visiting one of our 26 park locations with fees in place for out-of-state registered vehicles between April 1 - October 31st, no permit required
  • Mini buses do not need a bus permit, however we recommend that organizers notify the park of your plans at least two days prior to the visit

Mid-Size to Full-Size Bus - Seating capacity for more than 30 passengers

A mid-size to full-size bus includes any vehicle with seating capacity for 30 or more passengers

  • Mid-size and full-size buses are allowed only at designated Connecticut State Parks (see listing below)
  • Bus fees:
    • CT-registered bus:  $9 bus permit transaction fee; no additional bus entry fee
    • Out-of-state registered bus:  $9 bus permit transaction fee AND a $150 bus fee if visiting one of our 26 park locations with fees in place for out-of-state registered vehicles between April 1 - October 31st
  • Bus permits are required for each bus at least 14 days in advance of the visit

Reserving a Bus Permit

Bus permits can be reserved up to 11 months prior to the planned arrival date and up to fourteen (14) days before the visit.  Bus permits are issued on a first come/first served basis. A limited number of permits are available each day at the park locations where mid-size and full-size buses are allowed.  A separate permit is required for each bus.  Bus permits are available through a reservation call center at 1-877-668-2267 (1-877-668-CAMP).  Up to ten bus permit reservations can be made per call.  A $9.00 transaction fee applies to each reservation, as well as to any cancellations or changes.  

Bus permits are required for all mid-size and full-size buses during the peak season, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.  Many parks also require bus permits for visits occurring prior to or after the peak season and some parks (including Bluff Point State Park and Putnam Memorial State Park) require bus permits year-round.  If you are planning a visit outside of the peak season, please check with the park directly to determine if a permit will be required and confirm availability.  

Reservation Call Center:  1-877-668-2267
Operating Hours:

  • Peak Season:  May 1 – September 1
    Monday - Wednesday: 8 am - 2:30 pm
    Thursday - Friday: 8 am - 6:30 pm
    Saturday and Sunday: 9 am - 12 pm.
  • Off-Peak Season:  September 2 - April 30
    Monday - Friday: 9 am - 12 pm

State Parks and Recreation Areas Allowing Mid-Size and Full-Size Buses

State Parks and Recreation Areas that allow mid-size and full-size buses are listed below in alphabetical order.  Unless otherwise noted, bus permits are only available on weekdays (Monday - Friday).