Believe it or not, summer will be here before you know it. Now is the best time to start dreaming about how you’ll spend those sunny days and warm nights. For those camping enthusiasts, there are plenty of places in Connecticut to pitch your tent. Some campgrounds feel like a miniature resort with loads of amenities (and people). But if you’re looking for a rustic, more private getaway, check out these gorgeous riverside campgrounds that are only accessible by boat.
Connecticut State Parks offer four public riverside campgrounds. They are small private camps permitting 20 campers at the most. Open from May 1st - September 30th, these spots make a perfect escape for the family or a small group of friends.
All four parks are located right on the Connecticut River. Camp with a view at River Highlands State Park, Hurd State Park, Gillette Castle State Park, and Selden Neck State Park. The primitive sites have fireplaces, pit toilets, and stunning river views.
Paddle your way to these campsites, they are only accessible by boat. You'll have to pack light because there is no vehicle access, bring only what you can fit in your canoe or kayak. You can reserve each campsite for only one night. Make a four-day mini trip by journeying down the river and staying one night at each of the four parks.
The 177-acre forested park is a beautiful mixed woodland with 150-foot bluffs overlooking the river at either end of the park. The remote campsite is a great spot to really enjoy nature and the outdoors.
Hurd State Park in East Hampton was one of the first state parks in Connecticut. Since 1914 it has grown from 150 acres of land to nearly 1000 acres of preserved space.
At Hurd State Park, the riverside campsite can accommodate 12 campers. Enjoy a relaxing night along the river but at this park, you must break camp by 9 a.m.
The popular Gillette Castle State Park is known for its towering stone castle and is one of the most visited parks in the state. Fewer people realize you can camp on the riverfront. There is space for 20 campers at this famous locale.
This primitive campsite offers pit toilets but fires are prohibited. Campers must leave the riverfront sites by 9 a.m. All of the campsites are carry in - carry out facilities, no trash receptacles are on site.
Selden Neck State Park is the southernmost river campsite and occupies its own island. The park offers four campsites: Cedars accommodating 20 campers, Hogback with space for six campers, Springledge accommodates eight campers, and Quarry Knob with space for 12 campers.
Pitch your tent and enjoy a picnic dinner before building a cozy fire. This campground is a little slice of rustic heaven on the river.
Not only are these state campsites on the river an awesome place to escape for an overnight stay, but they are also affordable too. Book the campsite for just $5 per person. Sites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America. Learn all of the details by checking out this page on the CT DEEP website.
Do you know someone that would love staying at these riverside campgrounds? If you’re still looking for a rustic overnight experience but a tent isn’t appealing, check out this wonderful log cabin campground.
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