3.508 reviewsSelect a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
The river campsites ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
No Pets
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$5/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
The river campsites ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
No Pets
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c/o Gillette Castle State Park 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, 06423, United States
Canoe or kayak tourers looking for a cheap overnight stop along the Connecticut River will find this fits neatly into a multi-day float. Fall is the best window: mid-50s to low-70s days, peak foliage by mid-October, and fewer boats on the water than summer.
No vehicle access, no fire rings, no pets, and a 9 AM vacate rule make this a poor fit for anyone wanting a relaxed car-camping setup. If paddling to your site isn't part of the plan, this place simply isn't reachable.
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Fall delivers the best paddling and camping conditions. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-50s to low 70s, with nights dropping to 35–50°F. Mid-to-late October brings peak foliage along the river, creating strong reflections on the water for photography. Crowds thin out compared to summer except on prime leaf-peeping weekends. Summer works for swimming and relaxation, though paddling traffic increases. Winter freezes make access difficult, though milder spells allow determined paddlers through.
Fall called best paddling/camping with mid-to-late Oct peak foliage along the river.
Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.
Use of river campsites at River Highlands, Hurd and Gillette Castle is restricted to canoers and kayakers only. Campers must arrive and depart by boat. Vehicle access is not available. Mooring or docking facilities are not provided. Campers at Hurd and Gillette Castle State Parks should plan on breaking camp by 9:00 a.m.
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