There are few places in Connecticut that are truly isolated. But at this remote campsite on the Connecticut River, you will feel like you are a million miles from home. You can only access this private island by boat, but it is worth giving up your car and taking a paddle downstream to enjoy this secluded spot. When it comes to camping in Connecticut, it doesn’t get a whole lot more epic than Selden Neck State Park.

Selden Neck State Park is located on a 528-acre island in the Connecticut River. It is the state's largest island and many don't know it exists.
Google Maps
Until 1854, Selden Neck was just a piece of land jutting out into the Connecticut River. Flooding during that year allowed Selden Creek to create its own path cutting through the land and separating Selden Neck from the mainland. This creek continues to run today bordering a heavily wooded island that used to be a farm and stone quarry. The island is about 1 1/2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide.
The campsites on Selden Neck are only accessible by boat, kayaks and canoes being the vessel of choice to arrive. The nearest drop-in point is at the Hadlyme ferry landing in East Haddam where you'll have to paddle 3/4 of a mile downstream to reach the island.
Flickr/David Smith
Stick close to the shore to avoid the wakes of larger boats and once you arrive you'll find small sand beaches to come ashore.
Google Images/Ji Zhao
There are four different secluded campsites on the island - Cedars, Hogback, Springledge, and Quarry Knob are scattered throughout the park.
Flickr/David Smith

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The remote campsite is primitive. There is no electricity, showers, or flush toilets. You will be able to enjoy a fire pit and picnic table. The park requires that you bring in all of your own supplies and carry out all of your own trash.
Google Images/Eli Doggart
The sacrifices you'll make in amenities are gains you will make in other ways. The island has an incredible network of hiking trails, beautiful river views, and a peaceful solitude not found in other places.
Google Images/Eli Doggart
Reservations must be made in advance to use these campsites on the island through the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. For information on reservations, visit the CT.gov website.
Google Images/Eli Doggart
The river campsites and their beautiful scenery are only available from May 1st - September 30th. The length of stay is limited to just one night, but surely it will be one night of camping that you are bound to remember for a lifetime.
Google Images/Justin Hughes
Seldon Island State Park is located in Lyme, CT. For more information on this remote campsite, visit the Connecticut DEEP website.

And just for fun, here’s an amazing timelapse of a stellar sunset over Selden Neck:

Would you consider spending the night at this remote campsite on the Connecticut River? Have you ever visited Selden Neck State Park? Who is going to join you in this awesome camping experience? Let us know in the comments section!

Another unforgettable outdoor adventure that you might want to take is llama hiking through the forests of Connecticut.

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Selden Neck State Park

Tori Jane | April 18, 2023
  1. Where can I go camping at Selden Neck State Park?

Selden Neck State Park is special for a big reason: it’s accessible only by boat, making it quite literally a very exclusive camping destination. It’s 607 acres of gorgeous, almost untouched landscape, and the fact that it requires a boat to access makes it extra awesome, we think. There are camping options, though, for those who never want to leave (same) and some of these include:  

  • Cedars Site has 20 campsites.  
  • Hogback Site has six campsites.  
  • Springledge Site has eight campsites.  
  • Quarry Knob Site has 12 campsites.  

Learn more about the campgrounds at Selden Neck State Park.   

  1. What are some other options for Connecticut River camping? 

Of course, the Selden Neck State Park options aren’t the only ones when it comes to Connecticut river camping. Other options are ones such as:  

  • Gillette Castle has 20 campsites. Gillette Castle State Park is an absolutely amazing riverside paradise, and we highly recommend it.  
  • Hurd Campsite has 12 sites. Hurd State Park is another must-see on everyone’s Connecticut Bucket List! 
  • River Highlands allows six campers on each site. River Highlands State Park is home to easily some of the most beautiful landscapes in the state.  

Learn more about some of Connecticut’s most beautiful riverside campgrounds.   

  1. What are some things to do on or near Selden Island CT? 

Selden Neck State Park takes up the entirety of Selden Island, so technically it’s all there is to do! But that’s not a bad thing, as there are plenty of things at Selden Neck in CT to do, see, and experience, like:  

  • Camping – As said above, this is an amazing place to go camping in Connecticut.  
  • Hiking – There are several hiking trails that weave all over the island, and each one is worth a try!  
  • Hunting – With a permit, of course.  
  • Fishing – Some of the best fishing in the state comes from an island; go figure!  

Learn more about Selden Island in CT. 

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