03/28/2025
DEEP Prepares for Spring Season at State Parks Resumes Fee Collection for Out-of-State Vehicles
Designated State Parks and Forests to Resume Remote Parking Fee Collection April 1; Ticket Sales Begin for Gillette Castle Tours April 1; Select Campgrounds set to Open April 11; Seasonal Recruiting Ongoing – Apply for Jobs Now!
(HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is preparing for the Spring season at State Parks and Forests. Visitation starts to increase in the Spring as warmer temperatures and sunnier skies arrive.
“Spring is a beautiful time of year in Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests, and we are working hard to ensure that facilities are staffed and ready to welcome the influx of visitors we expect to see during the next several months,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Thanks to Passport to the Parks, Connecticut’s incredible State Parks and Forests are free to enter for those driving a Connecticut-registered vehicle. We charge out-of-state parking fees to ensure non-residents also contribute to Passport to the Parks. This consistent, predictable funding source allows us to ensure our parks are staffed and ready to welcome millions of visitors each season.”
Fee Collection for Visitors Arriving in Out-of-State Vehicles Resumes April 1
DEEP will resume its remote parking payment collection system for out-of-state registered vehicles beginning April 1, 2025. Fees are in place at designated State Park and Forest locations from April 1 through October 31 annually. Prior to Memorial Day weekend, when most State Park ticket booths open for the season, visitors arriving in vehicles with out-of-state license plates are obligated to pay their parking fees online at Reserve America upon arrival at these designated State Parks and Forests.
For the frequent out-of-state visitor, season pass windshield stickers are available to allow unlimited entry into all State Parks and Forests that have parking fees in place. Season passes are valid for the calendar year for one non-commercial vehicle and are non-transferrable. Season passes are available to purchase for $112 at several locations across the state and online at the DEEP Store (passes purchased online include a $2.50 shipping and handling fee).
Residents and visitors arriving in Connecticut-registered vehicles still can park free of charge at all Connecticut State Parks and Forests year-round due to the Passport to the Parks program.
Gillette Castle Tour Ticket Sales Begin April 1
Tours of Gillette Castle at Gillette Castle State Park located at 67 River Road in East Haddam are available daily during the peak season from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day and on weekends and holidays after Labor Day through Columbus Day. They are offered every 15 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Ticket sales will begin April 1, 2025, and it is strongly recommended to reserve tickets in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, due to the limited amount of daily tour tickets.
Visiting the park is free; fees only apply for those wishing to view the inside of the castle by taking a tour. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, including the bed of William Gillette’s Railroad. The 200-acre park offers several picnic areas to enjoy a nice meal with scenic views. The Visitor Center and the Seventh Sister Souvenir Shop generally are open to the public when the castle is open for tours.
Gillette Castle is the former estate of the late actor, William Gillette (1853-1937), best known for his popular portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. The castle and surrounding property were sold to the State of Connecticut in 1943, and it officially opened as a State Park in 1944.
Early Camping Season Begins April 11 at Designated State Park and Forest Campgrounds
Several State Park and Forest campgrounds will open for the 2025 season on Friday, April 11, providing opportunities for those who want to enjoy camping in Connecticut this Spring. Visitors should be aware that running water is not available at campgrounds during the early camping season prior to Memorial Day, and portable toilets will be available instead.
DEEP’s website provides a full list of Connecticut State Park and Forest campground locations, fees, and opening dates for the 2025 season.
Seasonal Recruiting Ongoing – Apply Now to Work Outside In a State Park!
DEEP continues to recruit for hundreds of seasonal positions at State Parks and boat launches across the state.
"Seasonal jobs with our State Parks and Boating Divisions offer a unique opportunity to work in a scenic and enjoyable environment while learning valuable leadership skills that can be easily transferred to any career path,” Commissioner Dykes said. “These jobs are a top choice for those seeking growth opportunities, while still wanting to have a fun summer job."
Apply now for Lifeguard positions and many other jobs in State Parks, Boating, Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife.
Find a job close to you by viewing this map of seasonal jobs across the state.
Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park System is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental centers, and nature centers that provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of, the state’s historic, cultural and natural resources. Connecticut has 110 state parks and 32 state forests attracting around 17 million visitors each year, generating over $1 billion in economic activity for the state and supporting 9,000 private sector jobs. For more information, please visit Connecticut State Parks.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110