Hurd State Park River Camping

4.67

8 reviews

c/o Gillette Castle State Park 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, 06423, United States

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Fall Camping Connecticut#2 Forest Camping Connecticut#3 Summer Camping Connecticut

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Connecticut State Park System site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Connecticut State Park System site

Official Website

Get Directions

Hurd State Park River Camping

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are $5 per person per night. All campers must be registered and arrive by kayak or canoe. There are no additional fees specified.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

8605262336null

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

5 Google reviews

"User reviews generally highlight the unique appeal of Hurd State Park River Camping as a destination for boaters and nature enthusiasts. Campers appreciate the ease of access for small watercraft and the variety of trails for hiking and biking."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

c/o Gillette Castle State Park 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, 06423, United States

Hurd State Park River Camping

c/o Gillette Castle State Park 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, 06423, United States

Driving directionsThis campsite is designated for access from the river only—campers must arrive by kayak or canoe. From the North and West: Take Route 691 or 9 to Route 66 to Route 151. Hurd State Park is on Route 151. From the South: Take Route 9N to exit 7, to Route 82, over the bridge, to Route 151. Hurd State Park is on Route 151. From the East: Take Route 2 West to Route 16. Follow Route 16 W to Coblat, then onto Route 151. Hurd State Park is on Route 151.

Access is only available via the river, requiring arrival by canoe or kayak. Vehicle access and overnight parking are not permitted, emphasizing its primitive and remote nature.

Nearby places

East Haddam, Connecticut (approximate distance null due to lack of detailed metrics).

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies information is null.

Best Time to Camp at Hurd State Park River Camping

Experience the Connecticut River valley through all its seasonal moods. Spring brings fresh greenery and perfect paddling conditions, while summer transforms the campground into a sun-dappled oasis ideal for swimming and riverside relaxation. Autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating spectacular views from your waterfront campsite. Winter's freezing temperatures quiet the landscape, though dedicated paddlers can still access the sites during milder spells. Throughout the year, favorable camping windows emerge with clear skies and gentle breezes, making each visit a unique adventure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is described as sun-dappled and good for paddling; reviews favorable but few.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn likely excellent for foliage along river; scenic views and trails remain appealing.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted for fresh greenery and ideal paddling conditions in the source text.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Year-round access implied but paddling and camping in winter are limited and not documented.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null; no specific peak season dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round access is implied, but no specific open/closed dates are given.
Current Alerts: Null; no active alerts provided.

About Hurd State Park River Camping

Escape to a hidden riverside sanctuary at Hurd State Park River Camping, where the only way in is by paddling the gentle waters of the Connecticut River. This secluded primitive campground offers adventurous souls a true back-to-nature experience, with campsites nestled along the riverbank accessible only by canoe or kayak. Wake to misty mornings over the water and fall asleep to the symphony of flowing currents and rustling leaves in this peaceful waterfront retreat.

Hurd State Park River Camping offers primitive campsites accessible only by watercraft. These sites are specifically tailored for paddlers seeking a rustic and minimally developed camping experience.

Historical SignificanceStep into Connecticut's geological past at this riverside haven, where remarkable split rock formations tell the story of the state's industrial heritage. These striking outcroppings reveal gleaming veins of feldspar, the mineral that once drove a thriving mining industry throughout Connecticut. As you explore the campground, you'll discover these natural monuments that served as both landmarks for river travelers and sources of valuable minerals that helped build early American communities.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the Connecticut River valley through all its seasonal moods. Spring brings fresh greenery and perfect paddling conditions, while summer transforms the campground into a sun-dappled oasis ideal for swimming and riverside relaxation. Autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating spectacular views from your waterfront campsite. Winter's freezing temperatures quiet the landscape, though dedicated paddlers can still access the sites during milder spells. Throughout the year, favorable camping windows emerge with clear skies and gentle breezes, making each visit a unique adventure.

ElevationThe campground rests at river level, where the Connecticut River carves its ancient path through the landscape, creating an intimate connection between campers and the waterway that has shaped this region for millennia.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine riverside wilderness where towering trees frame views of the Connecticut River's graceful curves. The campground's crown jewels are its dramatic split rock formations, their surfaces streaked with glittering feldspar veins that catch the light like natural prisms. These geological wonders stand as sentinels along the shore, creating intimate camping alcoves and perfect spots for contemplating the river's timeless flow. The untouched natural landscape provides habitat for diverse wildlife and offers endless opportunities for nature photography and quiet observation.

Geological RegionSituated along the Connecticut River's scenic corridor, this campground showcases the region's fascinating geological story through its distinctive split rock formations. These natural sculptures, adorned with prominent feldspar veins, serve as windows into Connecticut's mining past when these minerals were extensively extracted throughout the state. The river valley setting creates a unique microclimate where ancient bedrock meets flowing water, forming the perfect backdrop for an authentic wilderness camping experience that connects visitors with both the natural and industrial heritage of the Connecticut River Valley.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

9:00 AM

Check-out

9:00 AM

Stay Limit

Campers must break camp and vacate the site by 9 AM daily, even for consecutive-day reservations.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The fee is structured per person
no maximum per-site guest limit is specified.

Groups

No designated group camping areas are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNull; no detailed layout information provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservation information is not explicitly provided; it is implied that reservations are required.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all campers must arrive by canoe or kayak and be registered.

Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is provided in the materials.

AccessibilityAccess is limited to campers arriving by canoe or kayak. There is no vehicle access, and overnight parking is not allowed.

Site SizeSites are primitive and designed for small groups arriving by watercraft.

PrivacyNo information is provided about campsite privacy.

Recommended SitesNull; no recommendations are available.

Amenities available

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Hurd State Park River Camping offers recreational opportunities that complement its river-centric design. Campers can enjoy hiking trails, scenic views, and open spaces for leisure activities. The park is particularly known for its boating and kayaking access along the Connecticut River.

HikingHurd State Park features a network of hiking trails, including loops accessible via the AllTrails app. These trails provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying scenic views of the river. User reviews highlight the variety and beauty of these trails, with one camper noting: "I followed the AllTrails app and it led me in a loop which was very cool."

BikingCycling is possible on the park's trails, according to user reviews.

BoatingThis campground is specifically designed for boaters, with access limited to those arriving by canoe or kayak. As one user review notes, "Easy small craft access. Great place for lunch when you're out on the river or an overnight camp."

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include limited emergency access due to the remote nature of the campground.

Active AlertsNull; no active alerts provided.

Fire PolicyGround fires are prohibited. Fire pits are not provided, but pedestal grills are available.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null; no specific quiet hours provided.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station contact (8605262336) and Direct Line (8605262336). Specific emergency facilities like hospitals or police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo details regarding trash and recycling facilities are provided. Campers must remove all personal belongings and camping equipment by 9am daily.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly adjacent to the Connecticut River.

Camp HostNull; no host information is provided.

Weather at Hurd State Park River Camping

Reviews

4.7

8 reviews

Top-Rated

Hurd State Park River Camping is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight the unique appeal of Hurd State Park River Camping as a destination for boaters and nature enthusiasts. Campers appreciate the ease of access for small watercraft and the variety of trails for hiking and biking.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Easy small craft access. Great place for lunch when you're out on the river or an overnight camp." (User review) - "There are so many different trails here that you can walk or bicycle. My dog did...

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Utilize the AllTrails app for navigating hiking loops. - Ideal for those camping via canoe or kayak.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal-specific trends are noted in the reviews.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Easy small craft access. Great place for lunch when you're out on the river or an overnight camp." - "There are so many different trails here that you can walk or bicycle. My dog did love checking...

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No site-specific reviews are mentioned.

Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are provided.

Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at camping sites, and this policy is enforced.

Based on 8 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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