Black Rock State Park

Watertown, CT

Excellent swimming, hiking, scenic views, and Indian legend all tucked into the rolling hills of the Western Highlands. From the steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock and oak shading sparkling Black Rock Pond to the commanding rock face offering views of Thomaston, Watertown, and Waterbury, Black Rock’s 444 acres offer no shortage of opportunity for adventure, solitude, and family fun.

History
Both fact and legend account for the name "Black Rock." The Mohegan, Paugussett, and Tunxis tribes were the first to explore the park’s lands—arrowheads, stone implements, and other artifacts are still discovered to this day. Around 1657, early settlers to the Naugatuck Valley were given rights to mine graphite lead, or “black rock”. The name persisted and in 1926, Black Rock was given to the people of Connecticut in 1926 through the efforts of Black Rock Forest, Incorporated, a citizen's conservation group interested in woodland preservation.

Views from the Park
Location

2065 Thomaston Rd.
Watertown, CT 06795

Details

Open Daily (8:00 a.m. – Sunset) from Memorial Day to October 1. Weekends only from second Saturday in April to Memorial Day. No Alcohol.

Contact

Main (860) 283-8088

Campground at Black Rock State Park (Instagram@caitlinallyn)
Activities

Camping

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The Black Rock State Campground offers 78 campsites—some wooded, some open—and four rustic cabins within walking distance to the beach, fishing pond, recreation field, and hiking trails. 

Black Rock Campground

2024 Season: Opens Friday, May 24 and closes Monday, October 14 at noon
Campground Map

30 RV/Tent Sites

Daily Rate: 

  • $17 resident/$27 non-resident plus processing fee
  • Open and wooded sites with picnic table, fire ring, and grate
  • Accessible campsites available by reservation
  • Six-person maximum per site
  • Maximum stay: 14 days

Four 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 up to six
  • Available to reserve on Friday & Saturday nights prior to June 16, and daily from June 17 - September 1
  • Two night minimum required

Amenities

  • ADA access
  • Bathhouses with hot showers, dishwashing, and potable water* 
  • Dumping station
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • No electric or water hookups available
  • *Early season is designated as rustic camping only - no bathrooms, showers or running water available. Portable toilets available near campground office.  

Reserve a Campsite

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

Know Before You Go

Fishing

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With its many bubbling streams and shimmering calm waters of Black Rock pond, Black Rock State Park is a favorite for anglers. And as one of Connecticut’s 13 designated trout parks, regularly restocked throughout the spring and fall, Black Rock Pond is a family-friendly destination for even the youngest anglers.

Types of fish: Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout

Know Before You Go

Hiking

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Bisected by the Connecticut Forest and Parks Association’s Mattatuck Trail and home to a network of intersecting trails and footpaths, Black Rock offers something for every hiker, from 30-minute strolls to all-day treks.

Black Rock Loop (Red Blaze to Blue Blaze) 

  • 1.6-mile loop with scenic views 
  • Level of difficulty: Moderate to strenuous 

One of the park’s main attractions, this circuit offers a highlight reel of many of the park’s key features including a jaw dropping view of the park’s namesake black rocks. Starting at the footbridge near the main parking lot, head up an unmarked footpath toward the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail, which brings you up a heart-pumping half-mile climb, then rewards you with a panoramic view of Naugatuck Valley. After the power line corridor, hang right on the red-blazed trail for a more leisurely walk back to the footbridge.

Black Rock Pond Path (Unmarked) 

  • Footpath with pond views
  • Level of difficulty: Easy 

For a closer look at the pond, follow the unmarked footpath that meanders along the banks of the pond. For a shorter hike, head back in the direction you started when you’re ready or keep going to eventually link to the Mattatuck Trail (blue blaze) and Bidwell Hill Road, which travels back to the park.

Know Before You Go

Nature

Other

Picnicking

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Relax beside Black Rock Pond and enjoy a waterside picnic lunch at one of the park's picnic tables or in a pavilion, available to rent in advance.  

Open Air Picnic Shelter Rentals

Swimming

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Know Before You Go

Additional Park Info

Fees

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)
 

Accessibility

Parking

Restrooms

Pets

Picnic Areas/Hiking Trails
Yes, on leash

Beach/Campgrounds 
No pets