Off-Season Camping  The official State Park and Forest camping season extends through October 1. However, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection provides additional camping opportunities at selected facilities around the state from October 2 - December 31.

These designated off-season camping areas are listed in the Off-Season Campground Directory.

Please note that the campgrounds may be closed early or temporarily due to unsatisfactory natural conditions. In the event of snow, access to individual campsites may be limited to walk-in only.

To prevent damage during periods of freezing and thawing, and to relieve soil compaction, all campgrounds are closed from January 1 to April 16, 2012.

Off-Season Campground Directory - 2012

State Park Off-Season Camping Areas

Hammonasset Beach State Park Route 1, Madison Dumping station, flush toilets and showers, reservations needed $20.00/night, campsite for Connecticut residents, $30.00 for non-residents Campground Office (203) 245-1817 Park Office (203) 245-2785 Campground closes October 9

Housatonic Meadows State Park Route 7, Cornwall Bridge Dumping station, flush toilets, showers through October 9th Alcohol-free campground.  Please do not bring alcoholic beverages. $17.00/night/campsite for Connecticut residents, $27.00 for non-residents Campground Office (860) 672-6772 Park Office (860) 927-3238 Campground closes October 8

Salt Rock State Campground 120 Scotland Road (Route 97), Baltic Utilities to some sites, dumping station, flush toilets, showers Two pets/site permitted Nightly Rates:

$33/night for a tent site for Connecticut residents, $45 for non-residents $37/night for a site with electricity and water for Connecticut residents $48 for non-residents $40/night for a site with electricity, water, and sewer for Connecticut residents, $52 for non-residents

Campground Office (860) 822-0884 Campground closes October 8

State Forest Off-Season Camping Areas

Note - Hunting is a fall activity in the state forests.  As a safety precaution, wear bright clothing such as a fluorescent orange vest or hat for activities outside of the campgrounds.  Hunting is not permitted on Sundays.

American Legion State Forest (Austin F. Hawes Campground) West River Road, Pleasant Valley Dumping station, flush toilets, showers, reservations needed The campground is located near State lands that are open to hunting $17.00/night/campsite for Connecticut residents, $27.00 for non-residents Campground Office (860) 379-0922 Forest Headquarters (860) 379-2469 Campground closes October 8

Pachaug State Forest Mt. Misery Campground, Route 49, Voluntown Pit toilets The campground is located near State lands that are open to hunting $14.00/night/campsitefor Connecticut residents, $24.00 for non-residents  No fee from October 12 through December 31. Forest Headquarters (860) 376-4075 Campground closes January 2, 2013

Off-Season Camping Information

Policies for off-season camping remain the same as regular season camping unless noted here.  Please see the Campground Information Page for other policies.

Alcoholic Beverages

Beer in containers larger than one (1) liter is prohibited. State law limits the possession of alcoholic beverages to individuals 21 years or older. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the Housatonic Meadows or Macedonia Brook State Park Campgrounds.

Camp Visitors

Visitors are allowed to enter state campgrounds from 8:00 a.m. to sunset and may stay until 10:00 p.m. Daily parking rates apply.  Designated parking areas must be used.

Equipment

Camping equipment is subject to the approval of the supervisor in charge. All equipment must be removed from the campsite at the end of each stay.

Length of Stay

At campgrounds open after October 1, campers may stay a maximum of 7 nights with an absence of at least 3 nights required before returning.

Motor Vehicles

No more than two motor vehicles (with proper passes) are permitted on a single campsite.

Site Selection

All sites are issued on a first-come, first-served basis except at Hammonasset Beach State Park and American Legion State Forest, where sites need to be reserved through Columbus Day Weekend.

Weapons

During the off-season only, authorization may be obtained from the Park and Forest Supervisor for the possession of hunting firearms or archery equipment in selected campgrounds. Where permitted, all such equipment should be secured and cased while in the campground.

If you have questions or need additional information on Connecticut State Parks and Forests, please contact the State Parks Division by e-mail at deep.stateparks@ct.gov or by phone at 860-424-3200.

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