River Highlands State Park River Campground

Star0
5 reviews
c/o Sleeping Giant State Park 200 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut, 06518, United States
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Quick Facts

167 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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River Highlands State Park River Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Reservation fees are not explicitly mentioned.
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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Reserve America
Provider
2032875658
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

169 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshiking

"User reviews indicate a mixed experience, with praise for the park's natural beauty and activities but criticism of the campsite's lack of privacy, mosquito swarms, and minimal facilities."

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Campground Map

c/o Sleeping Giant State Park 200 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut, 06518, United States

River Highlands State Park River Campground

c/o Sleeping Giant State Park 200 Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut, 06518, United States

Driving directionsCampsites are accessible by water.
The campground can only be accessed by water, which limits traditional road access. It is not connected to paved or unpaved roads directly.
Nearby supplies
Hamden, Connecticut (general supplies and services)

Best Time to Camp at River Highlands State Park River Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Mosquito swarms are especially problematic in summer, per reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely offers fewer insects and strong foliage viewing on mixed woodlands and bluffs.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely offers pleasant trails and fewer insects than summer; reviews imply better seasons.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

No winter activity info; low elevation and lack of facilities limit winter recreation appeal.

Planning Tips

    About River Highlands State Park River Campground

    Perched dramatically above the mighty Connecticut River, River Highlands State Park offers campers an extraordinary basecamp where ancient geological wonders meet pristine wilderness. Here, towering bluffs soar 150 feet above the water, providing breathtaking vantage points, while mysterious features like the famous 'blowhole' - a natural geological curiosity carved by millennia of wind and water - add an element of adventure to every stay. Winding woodland trails beckon explorers through this remarkable landscape where every turn reveals another stunning river vista or hidden natural treasure.
    The River Highlands State Park River Campground offers a natural, primitive camping experience intended for canoers or kayakers, with basic facilities available. The absence of modern amenities or RV facilities caters to those seeking a rustic camping environment.
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    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    River Highlands State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and opportunities for riverside camping. It is especially noted for the mixed woodlands and unique geological features such as the 'blowhole.' However, some users report extreme mosquito activity during summer months.
    HikingThe park features many trails, including wooden bridges, streams, and paths along the 150-foot-high bluffs. Reviewers highlight the yellow-blazed ravine trail as a favorite for both hiking and mountain biking.
    BikingMountain biking is a popular activity, with reviewers highlighting the 'flowy single track' trails. The yellow-blazed ravine trail is noted as a favorite for bikers.
    BoatingThe campground is accessible only by water, suggesting that canoeing or kayaking is common.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPotential flooding in lowlands near the river. No potable water available, and mosquito swarms can be severe according to user reviews.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at River Highlands State Park River Campground

    Reviews

    0.0
    5 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    River Highlands State Park River Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews indicate a mixed experience, with praise for the park's natural beauty and activities but criticism of the campsite's lack of privacy, mosquito swarms, and minimal facilities.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 5 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Users appreciate the park's scenic views, the unique blowhole geological feature, and the variety of trails for hiking and biking. One user noted, 'Really neat camping site right off of the CT river.'
    Based on 5 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Common issues include the lack of privacy at campsites ('The trails run right through both camp sites and are very busy'), extreme mosquito activity ('Have never seen mosquito swarms like that in my...
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    Based on 5 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers suggest checking Connecticut River conditions due to potential flooding in the lowlands and bringing bug spray to combat the severe mosquito presence.
    Based on 5 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Mosquito activity is particularly problematic in the summer. Fall or spring may offer fewer insects and a more comfortable experience, although no specific data confirms this.
    Based on 5 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    - 'The park itself is good. I would not get a camp site there, the trails run right through both camp sites and are very busy.' - 'Have never seen mosquito swarms like that in my life, and I spend...
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    Based on 5 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No site-specific information such as site numbers or their respective conditions is available.
    Based on 5 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No user reviews specifically address the accessibility features for people with disabilities.
    Based on 5 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pets are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
    Based on 5 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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