Lake Waramaug State Park
Kent/New Preston, CT
Main (860) 868-2592
Biking
Though just one road passes through the park, the park is a popular starting point for biking around Lake Waramaug. The eight mile circuit follows along the perimeter of the lake, tracing its many curves and offering unobstructed water views and easy pitstops to nearby attractions, like wine tasting at Hopkins Vineyard.
The route follows Lake Waramaug Road and Shore Road, two main roads that are winding and narrow in places, and best for confident cyclists with a thorough understanding of road safety.
Boating
Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and featured in the book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die”, there is perhaps no better vantage point to this treasured lake than from the water itself. Bring your own boat or rent!
CANOE AND KAYAK RENTALS
- Available Memorial Day to Labor Day
- No reservations are necessary — rentals are first-come, first-served
- Please be aware that rental operations close for inclement weather
Rental Hours
- 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (weekdays)
- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (weekends)
Rental Rates
- Single seat kayaks: $15/hour or $80 per day
- Double kayaks and canoes: $20/hour or $100 per day
- Stand up paddleboards: $10/half hour, $15 per hour (no daily rentals)
- Cash only
Rental questions?
Contact Clarke Outdoors
163 Route 7, West Cornwall, CT 06796
(860) 672-6365
Boat Launch
To reach the boat launch: From Route 45, go west on Lake Road to North Shore Road. Boat launch is roughly 100 feet away from the parking area.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Help protect Lake Waramaraug’s pristine waters from invasive plants – inspect your boat for any vegetation before dropping in!
Camping
The Lake Waramaug Campground offers 76 campsites and six rustic cabins in wooded and open settings, many overlooking the adjacent lake. It’s a picturesque spot to watch the sun rise over the water each morning. The camping season begins Memorial Day Weekend and ends Columbus Day.
LAKE WARAMAUG CAMPGROUND
2025 Season: Opens Friday, May 23 and closes Monday, October 13th at noon
Campground Office: (860) 868-0220
Campground Map
76 RV/Tent Sites
- Daily Rate: $17 resident/$27 non-resident plus processing fee
- Wooded and open sites with picnic table, fire ring, and grate
- Six-person maximum per site
- Maximum stay: 14 days
Six Rustic Cabins
- Daily Rate: $50 resident/$60 non-resident – plus processing fee, 15% occupancy tax, and refundable $50 security deposit
- Two-room cabins with double bed and two bunk beds
- Comfortably sleeps four people with space for up to six
- Available to reserve Fridays & Saturdays through Labor Day weekend; two night minimum required
- Closed Sundays - Thursdays
AMENITIES
- Bathhouses with hot showers, dishwashing, and potable water
- Concessions
- Firewood and ice available on site
- Dumping station
- Picnic shelters
RESERVE A CAMPSITE
- Online: Visit Reserve America
- By phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Campground office closes daily at 9:00 p.m. Campers must be on site by 8:45pm to check in.
- No alcohol
- No pets
- Camping in Connecticut State Parks and Forests
Fishing
Dubbed “Waramaug,” by the Wyantenock Tribe, the lake’s name literally translates to “place of good fishing”. And it lives up to its name. The glacial lake is the second largest natural lake in the state – and one of the cleanest – and has some of the best largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing around, especially for larger-sized bass more than 16 inches in length. Keeping the bass company are plentiful schools of perch, sunfish, bullhead, and more. Head to the lake for four seasons of fishing – even when the lake freezes over!
Types of fish: Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, brown bullhead, sunfish
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations.
Nature
Picnicking
Swimming
Though the lake is popular with the leaf peeping set in the fall, it’s an amazing swimming hole for cooling off in the summertime. Set against a backdrop of the lush Litchfield Hills, it’s an idyllic destination to head with your swimsuit and picnic basket in tow.
Mostly surrounded by private homes, the state park beach is the only public access point on this massive 656-acre lake.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day)
- Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information
Winter
Additional Park Info
FREE – In-State Registered Vehicles
$15 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays)
$10 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays)
$112 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass)
Parking
Picnic tables
Restrooms
Picnic Areas
On leash
Campground & Beach
Not permitted
