Press Releases
03/31/2021
DEEP Expanding Non-Resident Fee Collection at Certain State Parks
Remote Non-Resident Parking Fee Collection Resumes and Expands to More Parks April 1, In-Person Non-Resident Fee Collection Resumes at Several Parks Memorial Day Weekend
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), building off of a successful pilot program launched last fall, is expanding its remote non-resident parking fee system to more state parks beginning Thursday, and will resume in-person non-resident parking fee collection at several state parks beginning Memorial Day Weekend.
The remote non-resident parking fee system, piloted at a small number of state parks last fall, requires visitors with out-of-state registered vehicles to purchase a parking pass remotely through Reserve America, our vendor, using a smart-phone and a credit card. This system will be implemented at our shoreline state parks (Harkness Memorial, Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Silver Sands and Sherwood Island State Parks) and several of our inland state parks.
Signage is being added at those parks so that visitors are aware of the obligation, and to provide directions on how to purchase a parking pass. DEEP will continue to educate out-of-state visitors about the operation of this system, and failure to pay the required fee can result in the issuance of a $75 infraction fine. Visitors with out-of-state vehicles that are frequent visitors might also consider purchasing a parking season pass, which permits unlimited parking at any state park for the entire season. The cost of the season pass is $112.00.
Anyone in a Connecticut-registered vehicle can still park free of charge at all CT State Parks and Forests year-round through the Passport to the Parks program.
In 2020, due to COVID-19 prevention measures and staffing limitations, DEEP largely did not collect non-resident parking fees, except at three of the four shoreline state beaches, and at the few parks where we piloted our remote non-resident parking fee system.
Details of out-of-state parking fee collection for 2021 are as follows:
Shoreline State Parks – Harkness Memorial, Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Silver Sands and Sherwood Island State Parks
April 1 to May 28
Remote, online out-of-state parking fee collection begins through Reserve America on April 1. Immediately prior to that date, installation of signage will take place at each park. The remote system fee will be required for visitors with out-of-state plates, 7 days/week, from 8 a.m. until sunset.
May 29 to September 6
From Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend (5/29) through Labor Day Monday (9/6), the ticket booths at these parks will be operated by staff to collect parking fees, 7 days/week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (late day fee after 4 p.m.). Removal of signs and payment kiosks will occur on the afternoon of Friday, May 28th, and the remote, online system will be shut off for the summer months at these parks.
September 7 to October 31
Remote out-of-state parking fee collection resumes on the Tuesday after Labor Day until the end of October. Signage and kiosks re-installed on the afternoon of Labor Day and remote payment system re-activated. The remote system fee will be required for visitors with out-of-state plates, 7 days/week, from 8 a.m. until sunset during this period.
November 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022
No parking fee charged to anyone during this period.
Parking fee charged at Shoreline State Parks (plus $2 processing fee):
$22 weekends and holidays; $15 weekdays; $7 after 4 p.m. – at all shoreline parks except Harkness
$15 weekends and holidays; $10 weekdays; $7 after 4 p.m. – Harkness Memorial
Inland State Parks – Bluff Point, Chatfield Hollow, Gardner Lake, Gay City, Hopeville Pond, Kent Falls, Pattaconk, Peoples, Quaddick, Sleeping Giant, Stratton Brook, Talcott Mountain, Wadsworth Falls State Parks, (excluding Bigelow Hollow State Park – see details below)
April 1 to May 28
Remote, online out-of-state parking fee collection begins through Reserve America on April 1. Immediately prior to that date, installation of signage will take place at each park. The remote system fee will be required for visitors with out-of-state plates, 7 days/week, from 8 a.m. until sunset.
May 29 to September 6
From Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend (5/29) through Labor Day Monday (9/6), the ticket booths at these parks will be operated by staff to collect parking fees, 7 days/week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weekends and holidays only in some locations). Remote payment system will remain active throughout this period to provide back-up if booth is closed, or visitors arrive after 4 p.m., and also as a payment method for visitors who only have credit cards, and no cash to pay at ticket booth.
Gardner Lake and Bluff Point State Parks do not have ticket booths, and will rely on the remote purchase system during this period.
September 7 to October 31
Remote out-of-state parking fee collection resumes on the Tuesday after Labor Day until the end of October. Signage and kiosks re-installed on the afternoon of Labor Day. The remote system fee will be required for visitors with out-of-state plates, 7 days/week, from 8 a.m. until sunset during this period.
November 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022
No parking fee charged to anyone during this period.
Parking fee at Inland State Parks (plus $2 processing fee):
$22 weekends and holidays; $15 weekdays; $7 after 4 pm – all shoreline parks except Harkness
$15 weekends and holidays; $10 weekdays; $7 after 4 pm – Harkness Memorial
Bigelow Hollow State Park:
April 1 to October 31
Remote, online out-of-state parking fee collection begins through Reserve America on April 1. Immediately prior to that date, installation of signage will take place at each park. The remote system fee will be required for visitors with out-of-state plates, 7 days/week, from 8 a.m. until sunset. Park staff will be present in the ticket booth between Memorial Day and Labor Day to provide guidance to visitors regarding the remote payment system, and to answer questions, and otherwise assist the public.
November 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022
No parking fee charged to anyone during this period.
Parking fee at Bigelow Hollow State Park (plus $2 processing fee):
$15 weekends and holidays; $10 weekdays
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DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
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