Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

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.

Map

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.  For information on overnight parking at State Boat Launches, please see FAQs Boat Launches.

Camping Permit

Reservations for river campsites at Gillette Castle, Hurd, River Highlands and Selden Neck State Parks can be made via Reserve America.  Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance of arrival date.

Campsite Capacities

Gillette Castle:  20 campers

Hurd: 12 campers

River Highlands: 6 campers on each site

Selden Neck offers 4 sites:
Cedars site - 20 campers
Hogback site - 6 campers
Springledge site - 8 campers
Quarry Knob site - 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 hunting symbol. 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

Map of Connecticut River

 

Content last updated August 2022