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

Youth Group Camping at Goodwin Forest
Conservation Education Center

The Goodwin Conservation Center provides camping to youth groups such as scouts, home school groups, environmental clubs, and Envirothon teams. Eligible groups must meet specific requirements and complete an application.

The Goodwin Pines Youth Group Campsite includes a fire pit with benches, a 20' X 40' pavilion with 6 picnic tables, a 16' X 20' pole building, and a white pine canopy for 10 – 12 tents. It is within close vicinity of the Goodwin Conservation Center. The camp has outhouses but does not provide running water, electricity, public phone or trash cans.  A Goodwin Youth Camping brochure details additional features of the site.

Forestry, wildlife and environmental educators at the Goodwin Center are available by appointment to help teach your group in a variety of flexible formats, including work on scout merit badges and/or building education around service projects that fit your time schedule.  Call (860) 455-9534 to make arrangements.

If you would like to reserve the site for your group, please complete the written application and contact the DEEP's Eastern District Headquarters at (860) 295-9523.

Youth Group Camping Application

Youth Group Camping Instructions

Content Last Updated February 2020