Whether you’re looking to hike, camp, mountain bike, bird watch, or all of the above, you can’t do better than Connecticut’s state parks. You might want to take a weekend getaway this autumn to watch the leaves start to change colors. Whatever the reason, getting out into nature is great for your mood, energy, sleeping habits, and heart. These state parks are all within minutes of our Garden Communities Connecticut homes.
Camping Under the Stars
Can you feel the crisp night air, smell the campfire, and taste the s’mores yet? With fall around the corner, it’s just about time for optimal camping weather. If you’re looking for places to camp within Connecticut’s state parks, we’ve got some great options for you:
- Watertown, CT
- 439 acres
- Biking
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Sports fields
- Pond and stream fishing
- Swimming
- Camping
- Scenic views
- East Haddam, CT
- 1,000 acres
- Bicycling
- Hiking
- Birding
- Picnicking
- Stream fishing
- Camping
- Southbury, CT
- 605 acres
- Hiking
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Freshwater fishing
- Pomfret, CT
- 1,000 acres
- Hiking
- Stream fishing
- Swimming
- Picnicking
- Camping
Historical State Parks
Looking to get a little education and history from your state park visit? Connecticut, being one of the original 13 colonies, has a wealth of historical places to visit within their state parks. We’ll help you narrow it down:
- Simsbury, CT
- 574 acres
- 5-minute drive from Aspen Green
- Scenic vista
- Observation tower
- Museum
- Historical site
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
- Groton, CT
- 17 acres
- Cell phone tour
- Historic monument
- Guided tours
- Water taxi to Fort Trumbull State Park
- New London, CT
- 16 acres
- Interactive exhibits
- Guided tours
- Walking trail
- Fishing
- Water taxi to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park
- East Haddam, CT
- 184 acres
- River camping
- Guided tours
- Private tours
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Good to Know!
Did you know that if you have a Connecticut-registered vehicle you can park for free at all of Connecticut’s state parks and forests? It’s true! If you’re from out-of-state, don’t worry; the parking fee is minimal for most of these parks.
Be sure to check the rules and hours of operation of the parks before going. Most state parks have their own rules and hours that are specific to each park. And leave no trace!