Access for Persons with Disabilities
The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is working to ensure that all visitors have access to the many outdoor recreational opportunities available at Connecticut State Parks and Forests.
Accessible parking and picnic tables can be found at all park and forest recreation areas. Public buildings at most state parks are also accessible. The conversion process is continuing with upgraded facilities currently in design for Hopeville Pond, Mashamoquet Brook, Quaddick, and Sleeping Giant State Parks; and Pachaug and Shenipsit State Forests. In 1996, Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury was the first to have a total retrofit making all park facilities (parking, trails, restrooms, picnic areas, beach) accessible. In 2024, ten all-terrain wheelchairs were purchased and placed at five state park and forest locations, available by reservation only for visitors with mobility impairments.
Accessible Restrooms Accessible Camping Accessible Swimming/Beach Surf Chairs Accessible Fishing Platforms
Accessible Boat Launches Accessible Trail All-Terrain Wheelchairs
Accessible Restrooms
The majority of state parks provide accessible restroom facilities. Additionally, many of the bathhouse facilities at state campgrounds have an individual, unisex bath addition on the buildings. The unisex bathroom enables a child or an adult to get assistance from any parent or partner. Campgrounds with this amenity include:
- American Legion State Forest, Pleasant Valley
- Black Rock State Park, Thomaston
- Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
- Housatonic Meadows State Park, Cornwall Bridge
- Kettletown State Park, Southbury
- Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
- Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
Accessible Camping
Hammonasset Beach has six campsites that are designated for use by individuals with disabilities. The sites are in close proximity to restroom facilities, have electrical outlets and can be reserved. To make reservations call Reserve America toll free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) during the following hours:
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am - 12 pm.
Monday - Friday: 9 am - 12 pm
Accessible Swimming/Beach Surf Chairs
Five parks, Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Silver Sands and Squantz Pond have a limited number of beach wheelchairs available for visitors. The chairs are available to use free of charge, but a drivers license may be requested at the time of use. Beach wheelchairs are available on a ‘first come/first served’ basis.
Accessible Fishing Platforms
Freshwater
- Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch - Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union
- Connecticut River - Haddam Meadows State Park, Haddam
- Day Pond State Park, Colchester
- Devils Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
- Pattaconk Lake - Pattaconk Recreation Area, Cockaponset State Forest, Haddam
- Schreeder Pond - Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth
- Squantz Pond State Park near the boat launch, New Fairfield
- Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury
- Fort Trumbull State Park, New London
The Connecticut Angler's Guide lists additional accessible fishing sites.
Accessible Boat Launches
Baldwin Bridge Boat Launch
Bantam Lake Boat Launch
Barn Island Boat Launch
Bashan Lake Boat Launch
Bayberry Lane Boat Launch
Branford River Boat launch
Lattins Cove Boat Launch (Candlewood Lake)
Coventry Lake Boat Launch
Dooley Pond Boat Launch
Glasgo Pond Boat Launch
Haddam Meadows Boat Launch (Connecticut River)
Hatch Pond Boat Launch
Lake Housatonic Boat Launch
Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch
Lake of Isles Boat Launch
Lake Zoar Boat Launch
Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch
Niantic River Boat Launch
Thames River Boat Launch
For details, please visit the Boat Launch Map
Accessible Trail
The Saugatuck Universal Access Trail in Redding is wheelchair accessible. Visitors will be rewarded with views of the Saugatuck Reservoir from the trail's overlook platform.
Accessibility at Specific Parks
Check individual park listings for information on the accessible facilities and activities that can be found at that park.
All-Terrain Wheelchairs
As of October 2024, ten all-terrain wheelchairs will be available in designated State Park and Forest locations, available to users with mobility impairments free of charge. Visitors will be able make reservations to use the all-terrain wheelchairs after completing a short video training.
The all-terrain wheelchairs are currently available, with advance reservations, at the five park locations listed below. There are no reservation fees. The chair operator, which may be the user themselves, or a designated caretaker who can use secondary controls, is required to provide a driver's license or other form of state identification at the time of use. Both the user and operator will also need to complete a waiver on the day of their reservation.
- Dinosaur State Park, Rocky Hill
- Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
- Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
- Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
- Topsmead State Forest, Litchfield
Please visit the All-Terrain Wheelchairs page for additional information and reservation instructions.
Content last updated October 2024
If you have questions or need additional information on Connecticut State Parks and Forests, please contact the State Parks Division by e-mail at deep.stateparks@ct.gov or by phone at 860-424-3200.