CT State Parks and Forests Main Page Park Location 244 West Main Street (Route 156) East Lyme (Directions) Park Contact Information Rocky Neck State Park P.O. Box 676 Niantic, CT 06357 (860) 739-5471 {Link to Purchase a State Park Season Pass}   {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} ACCESSIBILITY This park offers: {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} Bathrooms {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} Parking {Symbol for Handicapped Accessibility} Picnic Tables HOURS: The park is open from 8 am to sunset. WATER QUALITY: Current information on swimming water quality. PETS: Pets on a leash are permitted in picnic areas and on hiking trails.  Pets are not allowed in the  campground or on the beach. STATE PARKS CONTACT INFORMATION: Email: dep.stateparks@ct.gov  Telephone: (860) 424-3200 (866) 287-2757 (Toll Free in CT) Fax: (860) 424-4070

{The Pavillion at Rocky Neck} Rocky Neck State Park East Lyme The large stone pavilion, diverse trail systems, and gently sloping beach make this park ideal for families.  Try crabbing or fishing.  Look for hawks, cranes, and herons.  Rocky Neck provides something for all members of the family. Activities Facilities Geology Directions Map History Activities {Camping} Camping {Picnicking} Picnicking {Hiking} Hiking {Pond Fishing} Saltwater Fishing {Interpretive Programs} Interpretive Programs {Swimming} Saltwater Swimming Camping Rocky Neck Campground offers 160 sites in both open and wooded settings.  The camping season begins in May and ends September 30. More Information Facilities Bathrooms, Food Concession, Pavilion, Picnic Tables Pavilion Rental Information Note to Swimmers:  Please read the Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information before entering the park {Rocky Neck State Park} Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme Geology The Geology of Rocky Neck State Park Directions Exit 72 off I-95: Follow the turnpike connector south to Route 156.  Turn left and take Route 156 east for 1/4 mile to the park. The park street address is 244 West Main Street (Route 156). Fees   Information on Season Passes From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day there are separate weekend/holiday and weekday parking fees. On weekends from April 17 through May 23 and again from September 11 through September 26, the weekday rate for parking will be in effect. There is also a camping fee at Rocky Neck State Park. More Information Map Camping Map (280 K) Hiking Map (501 K) History Located on Long Island Sound in the town of East Lyme, 710-acre Rocky Neck is a popular recreation spot. The public now enjoys use of the park because of a few farsighted conservationists who secured the land in 1931, using their personal funds until the State Legislature authorized its purchase. Rocky Neck's varied terrain offers something for everyone. Clear waters and the stone-free beach with expanses of white sand make it ideal for swimming. Picnickers find the large stone pavilion useful and unique. In the 1930's, relief agencies constructed the curved masonry building of native materials and crafted supporting pillars with wood cut from each of the state parks and forests. Diverse trails within the park provide easy and interesting walks to the scenic salt marsh and to such points of interest as Baker's Cave, Tony's Nose and Shipyard. Family camping within walking distance of saltwater bathing is also popular at Rocky Neck with 160 wooded and open campsites offering weekenders and vacationers attractive overnight accommodations. Bounded on the west by a tidal river and to the east by a broad salt marsh, Rocky Neck was known to both Indians and colonists as a place of abundant fish and wildlife. Today, high spring tides allow schools of alewives (herring) to swim into Bride Brook toward inland spawning grounds. The osprey, or fish hawk, is a frequent early summer visitor. In the fall, cranes, herons and mute swans wade among cattails and rose mallow. Seasonal changes provide opportunities to fish for mackerel, striped bass, blackfish and flounder. Other Nearby State Recreation Areas Include: Bluff Point State Park and Coastal Reserve, Groton Location: Route 117 Exit from I-95. Right onto Route 1, left on Depot Road, continue under railroad overpass to parking area. Activities:  Biking, Hiking, Saltwater Fishing Charge: None {Rocky Neck State Park} Rocky Neck State Park Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam Location: 3 miles north of the intersection of Route 82 and Route 156 Activities: Camping, Hiking, Picnicking, Stream Fishing Charge: None for picnic area. Campsite fee Haley Farm State Park, Groton  Location: Follow Route 215 south to Brook Street in Groton Activities: Biking, Birding, Hiking Charge: None Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison Location: 1 mile south of Exit 62 from I-95 Activities: Camping, Nature Center Programs, Picnicking, Saltwater Swimming, and Fishing Charge: Daily, in season, campsite fee Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford Location: 4 miles south of New London on Route 213 Activities:  Formal Gardens, Mansion Tours, Picnicking, Saltwater Fishing Charge: Daily, in season Related Links Connecticut Tourism Information Fishing Information {Link to Top of Page}