Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Youth Group Camping

CT Map with Youth Group Camping Areas

Youth Group Camping Areas are available in 19 locations in parks and forests across the state and are available to qualifying youth groups.  Youth Group Camping Areas are generally set away from main public use areas, giving group leaders maximum control over their group's camping experience.  This program is designed to encourage Connecticut youth to learn about nature and the camping experience.

 

Eligibility     Policies     Reservations    Refunds     Locations

Eligibility

In order to qualify for this program, eligible youth groups must be:

  • Youth-Oriented:  the group must have a demonstrated interest in social, educational or religious work with youth. "Youth" generally implies age 18 and under; AND
  • Non-Profit:  the group must be sponsored by or affiliated with a school, church, civic youth organization or government agency.  Written proof of IRS non-profit tax-exempt status is required when applying for a camping permit.  Groups not having tax-exempt, non-profit status with the IRS do not qualify.  

Groups who do not meet the above qualifications may be interested in camping at our group campsites at Salt Rock Campground, or in our other public campgrounds, provided that the group and all occupants are able to follow all rules and regulations regarding occupancy, site maximums, etc.  

Policies

All groups utilizing the youth group camping program must abide by the following guidelines: 

  • The group leader (as named on the application) must be present during the entire stay and will serve as a contact person with park personnel.
  • The group must have adult supervision in a ratio of at least one adult per ten campers under 18.
  • The adult supervision ratio must also not exceed four per ten campers, with the exception of cub scouts who may be required to have a higher adult to youth ratio.
  • Supervision ratios must be maintained at all times during the stay.
  • Adult leaders must retain all or some of the vehicles in which you arrived for emergency or evacuation purposes. 
  • At least one adult leader should be trained in first aid and should have a first aid kit suitable for group needs.
  • Alcoholic beverages, pets and electric generators are not permitted in youth group camping areas.
  • Areas may be reserved for one, two or three night stays.  Duration of stay cannot exceed 4 days and 3 nights without approval of the Park or Forest supervisor. 

Important Notice to Campers Regarding Hunting:  Some Youth Group Camping Areas are located on or near State lands that are also open to hunting.  These areas are designated below by the hunting symbol symbol.  When camping in these areas, we recommend that your group wear bright clothing (i.e. fluorescent orange vests or hats) if participating in activities outside of the campsite, consider using a bell on bikes or other equipment, and call out if you see someone hunting, to identify your location.  When leaving the campsite, individuals should also avoid wearing brown, tan, gray, or white clothing, and always make sure to let someone know where they are going and when they will return.  Hunting may occur year-round, however, the peak season in Connecticut begins the third Saturday in October and runs through December.  Hunting is not permitted on Sundays. 

 

Reservations

Groups interested in participating in the youth group camping program for the first time should first contact our district offices to determine eligibility. District office contact information is listed below for each camping area.  

Reservations are currently available by written application only. District offices can advise applicants of site availability but cannot take reservations by phone.

Completed applications must be mailed or emailed to the District Office address listed for the youth camping area requested. All areas east of the Connecticut River plus Cockaponset Forest are reserved through our Eastern District office in Marlborough. Reservation requests for areas west of the Connecticut River must be reserved through our Western District office in Harwinton.  Applications must be received by the appropriate District office at least fourteen (14) days prior to your camping dates.

A fee applies for use of all youth group areas. Groups of up to 50 youth may obtain a permit for $33. Each permit is valid for a camping stay of up to three consecutive nights. Permits for larger groups will be issued with a $33 fee applying for every additional 50 campers.  When returning completed applications, please include payment by check or money order made out to "Treasurer, State of Connecticut".

Maps, parking instructions and other important information specific to the area of your camping trip (if applicable) will be sent to the group leader named on the application, along with the approved camping permit.   


Youth Group Camping Application (PDF Form)


For all areas east of the Connecticut River plus Cockaponset Forest: 

Eastern District Office
209 Hebron Road
Marlborough, CT 06447
Contact: 860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

For all areas west of the Connecticut River: 

Western District Office
2065 Thomaston Road
Watertown, CT 06795
Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

Refunds

Groups canceling their reservation must inform the appropriate District Office at least 7 days before a scheduled camping stay in order to be eligible for a refund.  Cancellations made less than 7 days before a scheduled camping stay are not eligible for a refund, but the trip may be rescheduled within the current camping season, if there is availability.  

 

Youth Group Camping Area Locations

Youth Group Camping Areas are divided by the geographical location of the state they are in.  All areas east of the Connecticut River plus Cockaponset Forest are reserved through our Eastern District office in Marlborough.   Reservation requests for areas west of the Connecticut River must be reserved through our Western District office in Harwinton.  

Please note the season dates listed below indicate the general availability of these sites.  Season dates may be adjusted as needed based on staffing or maintenance needs, and occasionally sites are closed due to hazards or other conditions.  

Additionally, as many of these areas are in remote locations, the availability of water may change throughout the season.

Eastern District Youth Camping Areas

hunting symbol Cockaponset State Forest  
Location:  Haddam
Site Details/Capacity:  Four sites available, each site accommodates up to 20 campers and 1 vehicle.  Fireplaces, pit toilets.  Groups must bring in their own firewood; no wood is available on site, and the harvesting of firewood is not allowed.  No concessions nearby.  Gates must be closed behind vehicles and remain closed at all times.  Groups must carry out all trash.
Nearby Activities:  Swimming, fishing, and boating – NO open fields
Important Information: Hunting is permitted in this area.  Water is not available; groups must provide their own water.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes last weekend in February of following calendar year.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact:  860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

Devil's Hopyard State Park
Location:  East Haddam
Site Details/Capacity:  Two sites available; Site 1 accommodates up to 50 campers and Site 2 accommodates up to 30 campers.  5 picnic tables, fire rings, wood and pit toilets.
Nearby Activities:  Fishing, hiking – NO open fields
Important Information:  Water is not available at this site; groups must provide their own water.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes last weekend in February of following calendar year.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact: 860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

Gay City State Park
Location:  Hebron
Site Details/Capacity:  One site available; accommodates a maximum of 50 campers.  Firepits, composting toilet, water available from approximately mid-May through mid-October.  
Nearby Activities:  Swimming, hiking, fishing and field recreation
Important Information:  When water is not available, groups must provide their own water.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes October 31st.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact:  860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

Goodwin State Forest 
Location: Hampton
Site Details/Capacity:  One campsite available (Goodwin Pines Youth Campsite), accommodates a maximum of 40 people.  Pavilion with 6 tables, fire pit with benches, pit toilets. 
Nearby Activities:  Fishing, hiking, nature trails, canoeing/kayaking, and youth/scout friendly educational activities and guided hikes may be available through Goodwin Conservation Center.  
Important Information:  Water is not available at this campsite; groups must provide their own water.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes the last weekend in November.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact: 860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov Hurd State Park
Location: East Hampton
Site Details/Capacity:  One site available, accommodates a maximum of 40 campers.  4 picnic tables, 1 pit toilet.
Nearby Activities:  Hiking, fishing, canoeing/kayaking on the CT River and recreational field.
Important Information:  Water is not available at this campsite; groups must provide their own water. 
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes October 31st.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact:  860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

Mashamoquet Brook State Park -  
Location:  Pomfret 
Site Details/Capacity:  One site available (Averill Area - Indian Chair area remains closed at this time), accommodates a maximum of 50 campers.  Pit toilets, fireplace available.  
Nearby Activities:  Fishing, hiking, nature trails, open field, swimming (10-minute walk)
Important Information:  Water is located 1/2 mile from site.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes the last weekend in November.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact: 860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

hunting symbolNye-Holman State Forest
Location: Tolland
Site Details/Capacity:  One site available that can accommodate a maximum of 50 campers. 1 shelter, 2 picnic tables, 3 firepits, wood, 1 pit toilet which is scheduled for removal, at which time this site will be listed as a primitive campsite.  
Nearby Activities:  Hiking, Archery range
Important Information:  Hunting is permitted in this area.  Water is not available at this campsite; groups must provide their own water.  There is no snow removal in this area.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes the last weekend in February of the following calendar year.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact:  860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.govNye-Holman State Forest - Youth Group Camping Area

hunting symbol Pachaug State Forest - CCC Area
Location:  Voluntown
Site Details/Capacity:  Two sites available; each site has a capacity of 100 campers, OR, if both sites are reserved together, a total of up to 300 campers can be accommodated. Drinking water is available year-round via two standpipes, 15 picnic tables, 4 composting toilets,11 metal fire rings and 1 standup grill.  
Nearby Activities:  Hiking, stream fishing and field recreation
Important Information:  Hunting is permitted in this area.  Parking is available for up to 60 cars.  Wood is available for purchase at the gas station in the center of town.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd Saturday in April and closes the last weekend in February of following calendar year.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact: 860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

hunting symbol Quaddick State Park - Currently closed until further notice
Location: Thompson
Site Details/Capacity:  One site available, can accommodate a maximum of 20 campers.  3 picnic tables, 3 fire rings, 1 out house, and potable water with hand pump.  
Nearby Activities:  Fishing, Canoeing
Important Information:  Parking is available for 4 vehicles only.  Hunting is permitted in this area.
Season Dates: currently closed.

Reservations:  Eastern District Office, 209 Hebron Road, Marlborough, CT 06447.  Contact:  860-424-4116 or deep.eastdistrict@ct.gov

hunting symbol Shenipsit State Forest - Kellogg Lot

This site is currently closed.   

 

Western District Youth Camping Areas

hunting symbol American Legion State Forest
Location:Barkhamsted
Site Details/Capacity:  Three campsites are available.  Sites 1 & 3 can accommodate approximately 35 campers each, and Site 2 can accommodate approximately 50 campers.  Each site has a pit toilet, firepit and picnic table.  
Nearby Activities:  Hiking, fishing, picnicking and tubing in the river.  Life preservers must be worn while tubing.  Open fields are available in the Peoples Forest recreation area for daytime use.
Important Information:  Water hand pumps on site do not work. Year-round water is available at the Peoples State Forest Maintenance Building on East River Road, or seasonally, at the Austin Hawes Campground.  Parking is available near the camping area, and a short walk from vehicles is required.  Cell phone service may be limited in this area depending on provider.  Hunting is allowed at American Legion State Forest during spring, fall and winter.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd weekend in April and closes December 15th.

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795. Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

Kettletown State Park
Location: Southbury
Site Details/Capacity:  Three campsites are available. Sites 1, 2 and 3 each accommodate approximately 60 campers.  Swimming is prohibited in Lake Zoar due to poor water quality.  
Nearby Activities:  Open field for games, fishing in streams or in Lake Zoar, nature trails, hiking on the Pomperaug Trail (blue-blazed), picnicking. 
Important Information:  Water located on North end of beach bathrooms may not be available depending on time of year and other conditions – Groups are advised to provide own water.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd weekend in April and closes end of September (closed weekdays after Labor Day)

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795. Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

Macedonia Brook State Park
Location:  Kent
Site Details/Capacity:  One campsite is available which accommodates approximately 35 campers.  Parking is available for 5 cars near the camping areas.  A short walk is necessary to reach the sites.  Vehicles are not allowed at the sites, so all equipment/supplies must be carried in.  Water pump is available approximately 300 feet south of the parking area. 
Nearby Activities:  Brook fishing, hiking (12 miles of trails within the park boundaries with several vistas)
Important Information:  Water is tested annually, but groups are advised to boil water before using, or provide their own water.  There is no cell phone service in this area.  An emergency 911 phone is located at the camp office approximately 1.5 miles south of the youth group area.    
Season Dates:  Opens May 1st and closes after Labor Day weekend.

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795.  Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov 

Mohawk State Forest
Location:  Cornwall
Site Details/Capacity:  Six campsites are available.  Site 1 accommodates approximately 24 campers, Sites 2, 3, & 4 accommodate approximately 16 campers each, and Sites 5 & 6 accommodate approximately 20 campers each.  (Backpacking sites are also available.)
Nearby Activities:  Fishing in Mohawk Pond, Black Spruce Bog Nature Trails, Various Scenic Lookouts, Hiking – Mohawk Trail and Mattatuck Trail (blue-blazed)
Important Information:  Water is not available at this campsite; groups must provide their own water.  No vehicles are allowed in the camping area – parking is available at HQ and a short walk is necessary to get to the campsites.  Winter campers should be aware that the access road and parking lot may not be plowed.  
Season Dates:  Open year round

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795. Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

hunting symbol Naugatuck State Forest
Location:  Hamden (Mt. Sanford Block)
Site Details/Capacity:  One primitive campsite (Cromie Area) is available that accommodates approximately 40 campers.  
Nearby Activities:  Hiking – Quinnipiac Trail (blue-blazed) runs through Naugatuck State Forest and offers outstanding views.  
Important Information:  This is a primitive site; there are no toilet facilities or water available. Groups must provide their own water.  Vehicles must be parked at the end of Downs Road, and a ¾ mile hike in to the campsite up a dirt road is required.  Hunting is permitted in the surrounding areas during spring, fall and winter.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd weekend in April and closed in March.

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795.  Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

hunting symbol Peoples State Forest
Location:  Barkhamsted
Site Details/Capacity:  Three campsites are available. The James Stocking Area accommodates approximately 35 campers, Big Spring Area and Ullmann Grove Area each accommodate approximately 50+ campers.  Each site has a pit toilet, firepit and picnic table.  
Nearby Activities:  Hiking, fishing, picnicking and tubing in the river.  Life preservers must be worn while tubing.  Open fields are available in the Peoples Forest recreation area for daytime use.
Important Information:  Water hand pumps on site do not work. Year-round water is available at the Peoples State Forest Maintenance Building on East River Road, or seasonally, at the Austin Hawes Campground.  Parking is available at the camping area, but groups should bring as few cars as possible as this reduces the available space for camping.  Cell phone service may be limited in this area depending on provider.  Hunting is allowed at Peoples State Forest during spring, fall and winter.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd weekend in April and closes December 15th.

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795. Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

Putnam Memorial State Park
Location:  Redding
Site Details/Capacity:  Three campsites are available.  Site 1 accommodates approximately 50 campers, Sites 2 & 3 each accommodate approximately 100+ campers.
Nearby Activities:  Fishing, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, nearby Collis P. Huntington State Park.
Important Information:  Water is available via green hand pump at camping area entrance.  Parking is limited in the camping area; carpooling is encouraged.  Groups with 50+ campers are encouraged to bring in their own portable toilets, and leaders should contact park supervisor to discuss placement.  
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd weekend in April and closes on Veteran’s Day

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795.  Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

Sleeping Giant State Park
Location:  Hamden
Site Details/Capacity:  One primitive campsite (Cascade Area) is available that accommodates approximately 40 campers.  
Nearby Activities:  Fishing in the Mill River (trout park – limited to two fish per day), Hiking – 30 miles of hiking trails.
Important Information:  This is a primitive campsite; no toilet facilities or water is available. Groups must provide their own water.  Refills are available the park headquarters.  Availability of water in the Cascade Brook is seasonal and it is not a potable water source.   Parking is available for 3-4 cars only, at the Cascade Gorge parking lot.  A ¼ mile hike is required to get from the parking area to the campsite. 
Season Dates:  Open year round

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795. Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

hunting symbol Tunxis State Forest - Ski Cabin
Location:  East Hartland
Site Details/Capacity:  One site available – the Ski Cabin. The cabin can accommodate approximately 15 campers, and the additional tent area can accommodate approximately 25 campers.  (Backpacking sites are also available.)  Pit toilet, firepit and picnic table.
Nearby Activities:  Hiking on blue-blazed Tunxis Trail, cross country skiing, snowshoeing 
Important Information:  Water is not available at this campsite; groups must provide their own water.  Hunting is permitted in this area.
Season Dates:  Opens 3rd weekend in April, closed for month of March annually.

Reservations:  Western District Office, 2065 Thomaston Road, Watertown, CT 06795.  Contact: 860-485-0226 or tamera.procko@ct.gov

   

Content last updated August 2024