The picnic shelters listed below are available for reservations online through our campground reservation system, Reserve America, or by calling 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) during the following call center hours:  

Reserve America Call Center Hours

May 1 – September 1
Monday - Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Thursday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am - 12:00 p.m.

Off Peak Season (September 2 - April 30)
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Rental fees are included in the listing of picnic shelters below that can be reserved through Reserve America. Fees vary based on size and amenities.
• There is a $9.00 non-refundable reservation fee that applies to all reservations.  
• A $9.00 fee will also apply to cancellations and reservation changes.  
• Rental fees do not include parking fees, which apply for visitors arriving in out-of-state registered vehicles at locations where indicated below, from April 1 to October 31 each year. Under the Passport to the Parks program, there are no parking fees for visitors arriving in Connecticut-registered vehicles. For more information about specific parking fees at each park and how payments are accepted when ticket booths are not open, please visit any of our park detail pages to learn more.
   

• Park regulations prohibit amplified sound and music. This includes DJs, PA systems, sound systems, or use of amps or amplified systems within picnic shelter areas.
• Most picnic shelters do not have electricity. Please see the picnic shelter amenities below, which indicates if electricity is available at each location. Guests may not unplug any vending machines or other equipment on site for unauthorized access to electricity at sites where it is not listed as available. 
• Confetti, rice or other scattering materials in or around a picnic shelter is prohibited.
• Inflatable slides and bounce houses are not permitted. Games and activities that may be disruptive to other park users, e.g., the use of water balloons or slip and slides, are not permitted. 
• Some parks often fill to capacity on weekends during the peak season (Memorial Day to Labor Day). When our parks fill to capacity, additional vehicles (including vehicles of those renting picnic shelters or guests) will not be permitted to enter the park. Visitors and guests are encouraged to arrive to the park early to ensure entry.  
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Black Rock, Burr Pond, Indian Well, Hopeville Pond, Macedonia Brook and Osbornedale State Parks.    
• Beverages in containers larger than one liter are prohibited. Kegs of any size are not allowed in the parks and forests.
• No exchange of money may take place on park or forest property, e.g., renters cannot sell any food, beverages or merchandise on site, or charge admission fees on site for their guests.  
• Each picnic shelter has a maximum capacity, which determines the highest allowable number of guests. Please plan your event accordingly.  
• Our picnic shelter reservations are generally for picnicking and cook out activities only. If there are any questions about the permissibility of other activities, renters must call the park to inquire with the park supervisor prior to the scheduled rental.
• Helium balloons are strongly discouraged, but if used, they must not be released, and must be disposed of properly.
• Renters may use the picnic shelter from 8:00 a.m. to one half-hour before sunset. All areas must be cleaned, all equipment and belongings removed, and all renters and guests must leave prior to sunset.
• Picnic shelters must be left in clean condition with all garbage placed in the appropriate receptacles. Failure to dispose of trash properly may result in an infractions violation issued to the person who reserved the picnic shelter.  
• Tents: With advance approval from the park or forest supervisor, a renter may install a tent, with dimensions no greater than 400 square feet, adjacent to the picnic shelter.
• Cooking Equipment: Food cookers or warmers that may be used at a picnic shelter include: sterno fueled warmers, propane or electric stoves, outdoor gas or charcoal grills, or grills provided by the park or forest. Food and beverages may not be sold on site.

To cancel a reservation, please contact Reserve America at 1-877-668-CAMP (2267). Cancellations may also be completed online at Reserve America. Park staff are not able to process cancellations. All cancellations must be requested and processed through Reserve America.

For cancellations, refund amounts will be determined as follows:

• Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to the reserved date: Reserve America will issue a full refund less the $9.00 non-refundable reservation fee and $9.00 cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made 6 - 29 days prior to the reserved date: Reserve America will issue a refund of $145.00 less $9.00 cancellation fee.
• Cancellations made within 5 days of the reserved date: Not eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued. 
   

The following parks have picnic shelters that may be reserved through Reserve America. Note: All picnic shelters except Wharton Brook State Park are handicapped accessible:

• Black Rock State Park
• Burr Pond State Park
• Chatfield Hollow State Park
• Day Pond State Park
• Dennis Hill State Park
• Devil's Hopyard State Park
• Dinosaur State Park
• Hammonasset Beach State Park
• Hopeville Pond State Park
• Indian Well State Park
• Macedonia Brook State Park
• Osbornedale State Park
• Penwood State Park
• People's State Forest
• Quaddick State Park
• Rocky Neck State Park
• Sleeping Giant State Park
• Southford Falls State Park  - closed for the 2024 season
• Stratton Brook State Park
• Wharton Brook State Park