Black Rock State Park
Watertown, CTOpen Daily (8:00 a.m. – Sunset) from Memorial Day to October 1. Weekends only from second Saturday in April to Memorial Day. No Alcohol.
Main (860) 283-8088
Camping
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
- No pets
- No alcohol
- Camping in Connecticut State Parks and Forests
Fishing
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
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
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
- 32 x 36-ft. picnic shelter
- Space for 80 people, eight picnic tables, four grills, and access to nearby restrooms and beachfront
- Available: Memorial Day through Columbus Day
- Rental Fee: $150 (plus $9 processing fee)
- Reserve: Visit Reserve America or call 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
- Learn more about our picnic shelter rental polices and reservation details
Swimming
Know Before You Go
- Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day)
- Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information
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
Restrooms
Picnic Areas/Hiking Trails
Yes, on leash
Beach/Campgrounds
No pets