River Camping  Four public camps along the Connecticut River at Hurd, Gillette Castle, River Highlands and Selden Neck State Parks offer primitive, riverside sites with fireplaces and pit toilets for individuals traveling on the river.

The river campsites are available from May 1 through September 30.  The length of stay is limited to one night. Use of river campsites at River Highlands, Hurd and Gillette Castle is restricted to canoers and kayakers only.

Select a State Park on the above map to view the detailed camping area map.

Access

Campers must arrive and depart by boat. Vehicle access is not available.

Camping Permit - Gillette Castle, Hurd and Selden Neck State Parks

Reservations for river campsites at Gillette Castle, Hurd and Selden Neck State Parks can be made after January 14th for stays between May 1st and September 30th by mailing a written request at least two weeks before an intended stay to:

Supervisor Gillette Castle State Park 67 River Road East Haddam, CT 06423 Request should include:

Camp area Camping date Name and address of adult leader Names of campers in group Type of boat Payment in full by check or money order to: "Treasurer, State of Connecticut" A daytime phone number

A validated permit will be returned to you by mail. For information on campsite availability and cancellation policy, call (860) 526-2336.

Camping Permit - River Highlands State Park

Reservations for river campsites at River Highlands State Park can be made by calling (860)485-0226 after January 14th for stays between May 1st and September 30th or by mailing a written request at least two weeks before an intended stay to:

River Camping Western District Headquarters 230 Plymouth Road Harwinton, CT  06791 Fax: (860) 485-1638

Requests should include: Camp area Camping date Name and address of adult leader Names of campers in group Type of boat Payment in full by check or money order to: "Treasurer, State of Connecticut

A validated permit will be returned to you by mail. For information on campsite availability and cancellation policy, call (860) 485-0226.

Capacities

Gillette Castle - 20 campers

Hurd - 12 campers

River Highlands -   6 campers on each site

Selden Neck

Cedars - 20 campers Hogback - 6 campers Springledge - 8 campers Quarry Knob - 12 campers

Facilities

The camps offer primitive, riverside sites with fireplaces and pit toilets. Please note: Fires are prohibited at the Gillette camp.  Mooring or docking facilities are not provided. Campers at Hurd and Gillette Castle State Parks should plan on breaking camp by 9:00 a.m.

Fee

$5.00 / person / night.

Guidelines

Please respect the rights of others using the campground. Responsible behavior is expected from both children and adults. All visitors to campsites must leave the area by 8 p.m. Open ground fires are not allowed. Please use existing pits. Fires are prohibited at the Gillette camp Use of downed timber for campfires is permitted. Campers may not cut live or standing vegetation. Please take your refuse when you leave; refuse containers are not provided.

Minors

Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult in attendance who accepts responsibility for the camping party.

Notice To Campers

The Selden Neck Campground is located near State lands that are also open to hunting . The season for goose opens immediately after Labor Day and archery season for deer opens in mid-September.  Hunting is not permitted on Sunday. If you are camping when hunting is permitted, please note the following precautions:

Wear bright clothing such as a fluorescent orange vest or hat.  Avoid brown, tan, gray or white. If you see someone hunting, call out to them to identify your location. Let someone know where you are going, and when you will return.

Pets

No pets permitted at the campgrounds.

River Information

For guidebook information see: AMC River Guide for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island

Appalachian Mountain Club Books P.O. Box 298 Gorham, New Hampshire 03581-0298 1-800-262-4455

Content last updated August 2012

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