Kettletown State Park

3.99

71 reviews

1400 Georges Hill Road, Southbury, Connecticut, 06488, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

436 ft

Price

$25 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Length of stay and c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Connecticut State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

436 ft

Price

$25 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

61 campsites

Season

Length of stay and c...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Connecticut State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Kettletown State Park

$25.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Non-resident fees are 60% higher than resident fees. Refunds are not available for misunderstanding terms.

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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What Campers Say

3.99

Mixed Reviews

Based on 71 reviews

521 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showersspacioushikingsites

"User reviews for Kettletown State Park are mixed. Positive highlights include the natural beauty of the park, spacious cabins, and accessible hiking trails. Common complaints focus on the cleanliness of the bathrooms, the small size and poor layout of some campsites, and noise disturbances from neighboring campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1400 Georges Hill Road, Southbury, Connecticut, 06488, United States

Kettletown State Park

1400 Georges Hill Road, Southbury, Connecticut, 06488, United States

Driving directionsOff Interstate 84: Take Exit 15. Go south onto CT Route 67. Take a right at the first traffic light onto Kettletown Road. Continue for approximately 3 miles on Kettletown Road. Take a right onto George's Hill Road. The park is located on the left, approximately 0.6 miles down.

Access from Interstate 84 is convenient, but some user reviews mention tight roads for trailers.

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles, visitors can find fishing supplies, horseback riding, laundry facilities, and restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Kettletown State Park

Experience the full spectrum of New England's captivating seasons at Kettletown. Summer transforms the park into a sun-drenched paradise where warm breezes carry the scent of pine and wildflowers, perfect for swimming and lakeside relaxation. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter brings its own magic, with frost-kissed mornings and crystalline air that makes every breath feel refreshing. Spring awakens the landscape with vibrant greens and the return of songbirds, while humidity levels shift throughout the year from crisp, dry days to those classic muggy Connecticut afternoons that make a dip in the lake irresistible.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm season offers boating and paddling but algae and no-swimming complaints reduce appeal.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall emphasized for hiking and leaf-peeping; reviewers praise autumn scenery.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring good for hiking and scenery; some seasonal water/algae issues may persist.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter activities not described; park likely quiet with limited winter-specific offerings.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Dates not explicitly provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Length of stay and camping rules are perennial, but swimming closures are seasonal.
Current Alerts: Swimming in Lake Zoar is closed due to algae blooms during certain seasons.

About Kettletown State Park

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Lake Zoar, Kettletown State Park beckons with 61 thoughtfully positioned campsites that blend seamlessly into Connecticut's natural beauty. Whether you prefer the camaraderie of open meadow camping or the serene privacy of wooded sites, this beloved waterfront destination serves as your gateway to endless outdoor adventures. Here, days unfold with morning mist rising from the lake, afternoons spent on scenic trails, and evenings filled with the gentle lapping of water against the shore.

The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and rental cabins. Primitive camping is also available, catering to those seeking a more rustic experience.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in centuries of human history. Long before European settlers arrived, the Pootatuck Indians of the Algonquin nation called these lands home, living in harmony with the forests and waterways. The park's intriguing name stems from a legendary 1750s transaction that changed the course of local history—when colonial settlers acquired this precious land in exchange for a simple brass kettle. Today, as you explore the trails and shoreline, you're walking in the footsteps of generations who have cherished this special place where cultures met and stories were born.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's captivating seasons at Kettletown. Summer transforms the park into a sun-drenched paradise where warm breezes carry the scent of pine and wildflowers, perfect for swimming and lakeside relaxation. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests burst into a tapestry of gold and crimson. Winter brings its own magic, with frost-kissed mornings and crystalline air that makes every breath feel refreshing. Spring awakens the landscape with vibrant greens and the return of songbirds, while humidity levels shift throughout the year from crisp, dry days to those classic muggy Connecticut afternoons that make a dip in the lake irresistible.

ElevationThe park's gently rolling terrain creates diverse microclimates and scenic vantage points throughout the property, offering varying perspectives of Lake Zoar and the surrounding Connecticut countryside.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where water meets forest in perfect harmony. Lake Zoar stretches before you like a liquid highway, its calm waters reflecting the ever-changing sky and inviting endless exploration by kayak, canoe, or fishing rod. Ancient hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral overhead, their canopy sheltering miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems. Keep your camera ready—this thriving habitat supports an impressive cast of wildlife characters, from majestic black bears ambling through the underbrush to white-tailed deer grazing at dawn, while playful raccoons and distinctive skunks add their own charm to the wilderness tableau.

Geological RegionStraddling the picturesque towns of Southbury and Oxford, Kettletown State Park graces the shores of Lake Zoar, an engineering marvel that transformed the mighty Housatonic River into a recreational wonderland. This man-made reservoir, carved into Connecticut's ancient bedrock, creates a unique ecosystem where river heritage meets lake leisure, offering visitors the best of both aquatic worlds in one stunning destination.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

The maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive days followed by a 5-day break.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests allowed per site not explicitly mentioned.

Groups

Details about group sites are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of open and wooded sites. Some larger sites are subdivided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Connecticut's official state park platform.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-ins are not explicitly discouraged but are likely limited due to reservable sites.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds are not available for misunderstandings of terms. Cancellation rules were not detailed explicitly.

AccessibilityNo specific details about accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites are described as varying in size, with some being spacious while others are cramped. Specific sites such as Site 11 are noted for being beautiful and spacious.

PrivacyPrivacy levels differ, with some campsites described as semi-private while others are close together. Reviews mention that sites in the lower loop lack privacy.

Total Campsites61 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers recommend choosing spacious sites and avoiding sloped or tightly packed areas.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Kettletown State Park supports a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. Users frequently mention the well-maintained hiking trails and fishing areas. However, swimming is prohibited due to high algae levels in Lake Zoar.

HikingThe park features well-marked trails of varying difficulty levels. Popular trails include those near the scout camping area. Some users noted the need for better signage to locate trailheads.

FishingFishing is allowed, with 'big fish' noted in Lake Zoar. A proper Connecticut license is required.

BikingRoad and mountain biking are supported. Trails are described as decent, though not commonly used.

BoatingBoating is available with access to Lake Zoar. Some users warn about heavy motorized boat traffic, which might deter non-motorized water sports.

Wildlife viewingWildlife such as black bears and deer is frequently seen. Campers are advised to store food and trash securely to avoid attracting animals.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears and other wildlife are present. Poison ivy is frequently reported in reviews.

Active AlertsSwimming in Lake Zoar is closed due to algae blooms during certain seasons.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted but must be restricted to designated fire rings. Bringing firewood from outside Connecticut is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are accessible in Southbury, Connecticut, which is the nearest city.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling facilities are available within the park. No specific information about trash facilities is provided.

Water FeaturesLake Zoar is adjacent to the campground, providing opportunities for fishing and boating.

Camp HostRangers are mentioned as helpful in some reviews, but staff interactions are mixed.

Weather at Kettletown State Park

Reviews

4.0

71 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Kettletown State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Kettletown State Park are mixed. Positive highlights include the natural beauty of the park, spacious cabins, and accessible hiking trails. Common complaints focus on the cleanliness of the bathrooms, the small size and poor layout of some campsites, and noise disturbances from neighboring campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 71 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects often mentioned include well-marked hiking trails, the beauty and spaciousness of certain campsites, and the availability of heated showers.

Based on 71 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include dirty and poorly stocked bathrooms, small and cramped campsites, lack of swimming due to algae, and noise issues from loud neighbors.

Based on 71 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of soap and toiletries due to poorly stocked restrooms. For a better experience, choose spacious sites like Site 11.

Based on 71 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer sees complaints about algae and lack of swimming, while fall reviews emphasize hiking and leaf-peeping. Winter activities are not mentioned.

Based on 71 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were atrocious. The men's room had no soap, and most stalls were out of toilet paper.' - Zandra Monge 2. 'Showers are heated, and the fire rings and picnic tables are a big help.' -...

Based on 71 reviews