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

Press Releases

DEEP News Release Header

03/29/2022

DEEP Resumes Non-Resident Fee Collection at Certain State Parks

Remote Non-Resident Parking Fee Collection Resumes on April 1 at Some State Parks

(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), is resuming its remote non-resident parking fee system at some state parks beginning Friday, April 1st, 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 year, 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.

 

For more information aboutout-of-state parking fee collectionfor 2022, including locations and parking fee amounts, go here.

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110