Campground Guidelines

• Camping Party: The campsite fee covers six (6) persons, including children. However, a camp registrant may occupy a campsite with all his/her children under 18 years old for the basic campsite fee regardless of the total number of family members. Upon check-in, all campers must be registered to the campsite. Changes and additions to the list of registered campers will not be permitted.
• Camp Visitors: Visitors are allowed to enter state campgrounds from 8:00 a.m. to sunset and may stay until 10:00 p.m. Daily parking rates apply for visitors arriving in out-of-state registered vehicles. Designated parking areas must be used. 
• Equipment: Camping equipment is subject to the approval of the campground supervisor on duty. All equipment must be removed from the campsite at the end of each stay.
• Minors: Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult who accepts responsibility for the camping party.
• Motor Vehicles: No more than two motor vehicles (with proper passes) are permitted on a single campsite. Vehicle passes are nontransferable. The speed limit within campgrounds is ten miles per hour. 
• Occupancy: Occupancy of the camp lot is required within the first 24 hours.  If you are unable to arrive the first night, please telephone the campground. Campers arriving after 10:00 p.m. will be required to set up in a temporary stopover area until the following morning. Transferring or subleasing campsites is strictly forbidden.
• Period of Closure: Campgrounds are closed from January 1 through mid-April to prevent damage during periods of freezing and thawing and to relieve soil compaction. 
• Quiet Hours: These are observed between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Reasonable levels of sound may not be exceeded at any time.
• Recycling: Place your trash and recyclables in the appropriate receptacles provided.
• Unreserved Lots: All lots that are not reserved may be available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for the following campgrounds, where walk-ins are not permitted: Devil’s Hopyard, Pachaug State Forest (Mount Misery and Green Falls), Mashamoquet Brook and Wolf Den.

Cabin Rental Policies

All cabins are 14 feet by 17 feet, have two rooms, and can sleep six. There is a double bed in the front room and two bunk beds in the back room. Cabins do not have kitchens or bathrooms.

• Cabins will not be rented to anyone under the age of 21. Registrant accepts responsibility for all members of the camping party. 
• Cabins can comfortably sleep four people. Maximum camping party is six people. 
• Two (2) vehicles are allowed per cabin site with the exception of Kettletown State Park which allows only one (1) vehicle per cabin site. All extra vehicles must be parked in the visitors parking lot. 
• No open flames (i.e., candles, oil lamps, grills, etc.) are allowed inside the cabins. 
• No cooking or food preparation inside cabin, or on the porch, ramp or decking.  
• No smoking inside the cabins. 
• No pets are allowed inside the cabins in any campgrounds.  
• No hardware or other items shall be affixed to the walls (e.g., clotheslines, pictures). 
• No painting, papering or defacing of cabin interior is allowed. 
• Renters may not remove furniture, brooms, or floor mats from the cabin. 
• No more than one tent and one screened gazebo may be erected on the cabin site.

Reserve a Cabin or Campsite

Reserve a campsite up to 11 months in advance of your arrival date.

• Online: Visit Reserve America
• By Phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)

Cancellations and Refunds

• Reservations may be cancelled via Reserve America up to two days prior to your intended stay.  
• A $9.00 service charge will apply to each cancellation.
• Campers will receive a full refund minus the service charge if they initiate a cancellation at least seven (7) days prior to their check-in date.  
• Cancellations made between seven and two days prior to the check-in date will result in a refund of the original payment minus the charge for one night of camping and the service fee.  
• Refunds are not offered for cancellations initiated less than two days before the camping stay.
• Weather, site conditions, or other natural phenomena are not considered sufficient cause for granting a refund.
• Refund requests related to other extenuating circumstances that occur just prior to, or during, a camp stay must be submitted in writing to the state park or forest campground where the campsite was rented. The campground will verify registration and forward the request to the department for review and consideration.

Backpacking Guidelines

• The backpacking campsites are provided for the true backpacker only and therefore the length of stay at any one location is limited to one night.
• Camp only in designated areas indicated on the map and by signs. Dispersed camping is not permitted. 
• All hikers are requested to stay on the established trails and to respect the rights and property of landowners on and adjacent to the trail.
• Keep the trail and camping areas free of litter. Carry out what you carry in.
• Stay on the trail, which is marked by blue blazes. Double blazes indicate a turn in the trail.
• Travel and camp in groups of less than 10 if possible.
• Human waste should be buried. Move at least 50 feet from the trail and 200 feet from water to do this.
• Pets are not allowed at backpack camping sites.
• Please use backpacking stoves for cooking. If open fires must be used, please build them only in established fire rings and be sure fires are fully extinguished before leaving a campsite. 
• Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult in attendance who accepts responsibility for the camping party. Where the camping party consists of more than ten people, there shall be adult supervision in a ratio of at least one adult to each ten campers under 18.

Apply For a Backpacking Permit

Backpack camping permits are available by reservation only. Send an application form at least two weeks before an intended stay to the address on the application form.

• Download Application Form
• Backpack Camping Index Map

Horse Camping Guidelines

• All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  
• Camping is offered for riders who can provide their own mounts.
• Learn more about horseback riding in Connecticut State Parks.

River Camping Guidelines

• Availability: River campsites are available from May 1 through September 30. The length of stay is limited to one night.  
• Access: Campers must arrive and depart by boat. Vehicle access is not available.
• Facilities: The camps offer primitive, riverside sites with fireplaces and pit toilets. Mooring or docking facilities are not provided. 
• Hours: All visitors to campsites must leave the area by 8:00 p.m.
• Campfires: Use of downed timber for campfires is permitted. Campers may not cut live or standing vegetation.
• Leave no trace: Please take your refuse when you leave; refuse containers are not provided.
• Minors: Visitors under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult in attendance who accepts responsibility for the camping party.

Reserve a River Campsite

Reserve a river campsite up to 11 months in advance of your arrival date.

• Online: Visit Reserve America
• By phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
  
   

Youth Group Camping Qualifications

In order to qualify for Youth Group Camping, your group must be either one of the following:

• Youth Oriented: The group must have a demonstrated interest in social, educational or religious work with youth. "Youth" generally implies age 18 and under.
• Non-profit: the group must be sponsored by or affiliated with a school, church or recognized youth organization. Written proof of IRS non-profit tax exempt status is required when applying for a camping permit.

Youth Group Camping Policies

• The group leader (as named on the application) must be present during the entire stay and will serve as a contact person with park personnel.
• The group must have adult supervision in a ratio of at least one adult per ten campers under 18. The adult supervision ratio must also not exceed four per ten campers, with the exception of cub scouts who may be required to have a higher adult-to-youth ratio.
• Retain all or some of the vehicles in which you arrived for emergency purposes.
• At least one adult advisor should be trained in first-aid and should have a first aid kit suitable for group needs.
• Alcoholic beverages, pets, and electric generators are not permitted in youth group camping areas.
• Areas may be reserved for one, two, or three night stays. Duration of stay cannot exceed four days and three nights without approval of the park or forest supervisor.

Reserve a Youth Group Camp Area

Youth Group Camp areas are available by written application. Applications for a camping permit must be received by the appropriate district office at least fourteen (14) days prior to your camping dates. District offices can advise applicants of site availability but cannot take reservations by phone.

Applications

• Youth Group Camping Application

Send completed applications to the district office address listed for the youth area requested. All areas east of the Connecticut River plus Cockaponset Forest are reserved through the office in Marlborough. Areas west of the Connecticut River are reserved through the office in Harwinton.

Fees: 

• Groups of up to 50 youth may obtain a permit for $33, valid for a stay of up to three consecutive nights. 
• For larger groups, an additional $33 fee will be applied for every additional 50 campers. 
• When returning completed applications, please include payment by check or money order made out to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut."

Refund Policy:

• Groups canceling their reservation must inform the district office at least seven (7) days before a scheduled camping date.  
• Cancellations made less than seven days before a scheduled date are not eligible for a refund, but the trip may be rescheduled within the current camping season if dates are available.
   

STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS

Black Rock State Park

Location:  Route 6, Watertown

• Offers 78 wooded and open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. No pets or alcohol allowed. 
• ALCOHOL AND PETS PROHIBITED. 

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, October 12.  After Labor Day, standard campsites are available for walk-in registration during the week (Sunday-Thursday nights), and advance reservations for Friday and Saturday nights.  Cabins are available for rent Friday and Saturday nights from May 22 through June 14 and daily from June 15 - September 7.  Cabins are closed after Labor Day.

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee 
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee 

Cabin Rates:

• $50/night Rustic Cabins for CT Residents plus Processing Fee and a 15% occupancy tax
• $60/night Rustic Cabins for non-CT residents plus Processing Fee and a 15% occupancy tax
  A refundable $50 security deposit is due at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check.

Devil's Hopyard State Park

Location:  366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam

• Offers 21 wooded sites near scenic waterfall.  Stream fishing. No swimming. No pets allowed.
• Reservations are required; no walk-ins accepted. 
• PETS PROHIBITED.
• The water at Devil's Hopyard State Park is unsafe for drinking; no running water is available.  Please plan to bring your own water when camping or visiting the park.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, April 10 and closes Monday, October 12.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $14/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee 
• $24/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee 

Hammonasset Beach State Park

Location: 1288 Boston Post Road (Route 1), Madison

• William F. Miller Campground. Offers 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, saltwater swimming. Individual fireplaces/firepits not provided but campers may bring their own raised firepit or rent from the camp store.  No pets allowed.
• PETS PROHIBITED.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, October 12.  Cabins are available for rent for a 7 night minimum (Sunday to Sunday only).

Campsite Rates:  

• $20/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $30/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $35/night/campsite w/electric & water hook-up for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $45/night/campsite w/electric & water hook-up for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Cabin Rates:  

• $70/night Rustic Cabins for CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
• $80/night Rustic Cabins for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
  A refundable $50 security deposit is due at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check.

Hopeville Pond State Park

Location:  929 Hopeville Road, Griswold

• Offers 80 wooded sites near pond. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. No pets allowed.
• PETS PROHIBITED.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, April 17 and closes Monday, October 12.  Cabins are available to rent with a three-night minimum.

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee 
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee 
• $27/night/campsite w/electric & water hookup for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $37/night/campsite w/electric & water hookup for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Cabin Rates:  

• $50/night Rustic Cabins for CT Residents plus Processing Fee and a 15% occupancy tax
• $60/night Rustic Cabins for non-CT residents plus Processing Fee and a 15% occupancy tax
  A refundable $50 security deposit is due at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check.

Housatonic Meadows State Park 

Location:  Route 7, Sharon

• Offers 61 sites in rustic setting near Housatonic River. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers. No swimming. No pets or alcohol allowed. 
• ALCOHOL AND PETS PROHIBITED.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, September 7.  Cabins are available for rent Friday and Saturday nights only, and a two night minimum is required.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee 
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee 

Cabin Rates:

• $50/night Rustic Cabins for CT Residents plus Processing Fee and a 15% occupancy tax
• $60/night Rustic Cabins for non-CT residents plus Processing Fee and a 15% occupancy tax
  A refundable $50 security deposit is due at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check.

Kettletown State Park 

The Kettletown State Park Campground will remain closed for the 2026 season due to flood damages sustained during an unprecedented heavy rainfall event in August 2024.

1400 Georges Hill Road, Southbury
Offers 61 partly wooded and open sites. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing. Trailers and RV's may not exceed 28' in length. No pets allowed.

Lake Waramaug State Park

Location:  30 Lake Waramaug Road, New Preston

• Offers 76 wooded and open sites overlooking lake. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing, swimming. No pets or alcohol allowed.
• ALCOHOL AND PETS PROHIBITED.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, October 12.  Cabins are available for rent on Friday and Saturday nights only.  A two-night minimum is required.  Cabins are closed after Labor Day.

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Cabin Rates:

• $50/night Rustic Cabins for CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
• $60/night Rustic Cabins for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
  A refundable $50 security deposit is due at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check.
   

Macedonia Brook State Park

Location:  159 Macedonia Brook Road, Kent

• Offers 51 sites in rustic setting. Stream fishing, excellent hiking.  Swimming is not available.  No pets or alcohol allowed. No bathrooms/showers or running water available. Pit toilets available.
• Reservations are required; no walk-ins accepted. 
• ALCOHOL AND PETS PROHIBITED.  
• Cell phone service not available within the campground.  

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, October 12.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $14/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $24/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Mashamoquet Brook State Park

Mashamoquet Brook Campground

Location:  320 Mashamoquet Road, (Route 44) Pomfret, CT

• Offers 18 wooded sites. Portable toilets. Fishing, hiking available. Swimming not currently available. Drinking water is not available prior to Memorial Day or after Labor Day. No pets allowed.
• Reservations are required; no walk-ins accepted. 
• PETS PROHIBITED.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 1 and closes Monday, October 12.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $14/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $24/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Wolf Den Campground

Location:  147 Wolf Den Drive, Pomfret, CT

• Offers 35 open sites. Bathrooms, showers. Fishing, hiking available.  Swimming not currently available. No pets allowed.
• Reservations are required; no walk-ins accepted. 
• PETS PROHIBITED.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, September 7.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $14/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $24/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee
  Additional $15 charge per night for water/electric trailer hookup (site 20) 

Rocky Neck State Park

Location:  244 West Main Street (Route 156), Niantic

• Offers 160 wooded and open sites.  Concessions, dumping station, bathrooms, showers.  Saltwater fishing and swimming. No pets allowed.
• PETS PROHIBITED.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 15 and closes Friday, September 25.  Cabins are available for rent for a 7 night minimum (Sunday to Sunday only).

Daily Rates:  

• $20/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $30/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Cabin Rates:

• $70/night Rustic Cabins for CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
• $80/night Rustic Cabins for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
  A refundable $50 security deposit is due at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check.

STATE FOREST CAMPGROUNDS

American Legion State Forest

Location:  Midway between Pleasant Valley and Riverton on West River Road

• Offers 30 sites in pine woods. Dumping station, bathrooms, showers, fishing. No swimming. 
• Two pets per site permitted. 
• The campground is located near State lands that are open to hunting.
• Early season is designated as rustic camping only - no bathrooms, showers or running water available.  Portable toilets available.  Water is typically available by May 1st, depending on weather.   
• The bathrooms/showers in the north campground loop may be closed for construction during the 2026 camping season.  Portable toilets will be available.  Campers can also use the bathrooms/showers located in the south campground loop.

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, April 10 and closes Monday, October 12.  Cabins are available for rent daily with a two-night minimum.

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Cabin Rates:  

• $50/night Rustic Cabins for CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
• $60/night Rustic Cabins for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee and 15% occupancy tax
  A refundable $50 security deposit is due at the time of cabin check-in, and is payable by cash or check.

Pachaug State Forest

Green Falls Campground

Location:  Off Route 138, 3 miles east of Voluntown

• Offers 18 wooded sites. Pond fishing, swimming.
• Reservations are required; no walk-ins accepted. 
• Two pets per site permitted.  
• The campgrounds are located near State lands that are open to hunting.
• ALCOHOL PROHIBITED.  

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, April 10 and closes Monday, October 12.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Mt. Misery Campground

Location:  Off route 49, north of Voluntown

• Offers 22 wooded sites. Stream fishing, swimming nearby. 
• Reservations are required; no walk-ins accepted. 
• Two pets per site permitted.
• The campgrounds are located near State lands that are open to hunting.
• ALCOHOL PROHIBITED.  

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, April 10 and closes Monday, October 12.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents plus a Processing Fee
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents plus a Processing Fee

Salt Rock State Forest Campground

Location:  173 Scotland Road (Rte. 97), Baltic, CT

• Offers 71 tent and recreational vehicle (RV) sites. Utilities to some sites, bathrooms, dumping station, showers. Fishing allowed. 
• Two pets per site permitted. 

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, May 8 and closes Monday, October 12.  

Campsite Rates:  

• CT residents:
  • $33/night for a tent site plus a Processing Fee
  • $37/night for a site with electricity and water plus a Processing Fee
  • $40/night for a site with electricity, water, and sewer plus a Processing Fee
• Non-CT residents:
  • $45/night for a tent site plus a Processing Fee
  • $48/night for a site with electricity and water plus a Processing Fee
  • $52/night for a site with electricity, water, and sewer plus a Processing Fee

Extended Stay Campsite Rates

• CT residents:
  • $222/ 7-night week tent sites plus a Processing Fee
  • $249/ 7-night week with electric, and water plus a Processing Fee
  • $270/ 7-night week with electric, water, and sewer plus a Processing Fee
• Non-CT residents:
  • $300/ 7-night week tent sites plus a Processing Fee
  • $330/ 7-night week with electric, and water plus a Processing Fee
  • $352/ 7-night week with electric, water, and sewer plus a Processing Fee

EQUESTRIAN CAMPGROUNDS

The following campgrounds have been designed exclusively for equestrian use.  Camping is offered for riders who can provide their own mounts.  Horse rentals are not available.
 

Natchaug State Forest

Location:  109 Kingsbury Road, Eastford

• Silvermine Horse Camp. Offers 15 wooded sites. Basic facilities only - campers are responsible for cleaning sites and carrying out all trash.  No water available, campers must provide their own water.
• Pet permitted.
• The campground is located on State lands that are open to hunting

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, April 10 and closes Thursday, November 26.  

Campsite Rates:  

• No fee.  Available on a first-come, first-served basis.
   

Pachaug State Forest

Location:  Off Route 49, Voluntown.  41.606° N, 71.866° W

• Frog Hollow Horse Camp. Offers 18 semi-wooded sites. 
• Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not available.  Campsite fees paid on site. 
• Pet permitted.
• The campground is located on State lands that are open to hunting

2026 Season Dates:  Opens Friday, April 10 and closes Monday, October 12.  

Campsite Rates:  

• $17/night/campsite for CT residents 
• $27/night/campsite for non-CT residents