Camp Cedarcrest

Camp Cedarcrest is a hidden gem located in the peaceful town of Orange, Connecticut. Spanning 43 pristine wooded acres along the Wepawaug River, this campground offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Unlike typical commercial campgrounds that cater primarily to individual RV travelers, Camp Cedarcrest is specifically designed to host groups, including schools, churches, corporate retreats, and private celebrations. For Connecticut residents, it provides a local escape that feels miles away from the urban environment of nearby New Haven, despite being located just minutes from major transit routes like Route 15 and Route 34.

Managed by the Inter-Service Clubs Committee of New Haven, Inc., a non-profit organization established in 1924, the camp carries a rich history of serving the community. Its primary mission is to provide an enlightening outdoor experience for youth, but it has also become a sought-after destination for "fairytale" weddings and large-scale events. The property is characterized by its lush canopy, rocky knolls, and the calming presence of the Wepawaug River, which winds through the center of the camp. Whether you are planning a weekend-long wedding celebration with a bonfire singalong or a structured educational retreat, Camp Cedarcrest provides the space and facilities to create an unforgettable outdoor experience.

The campground is situated at 886 Mapledale Road, Orange, CT 06477. Its location is ideal for local users in the Connecticut region who want the feeling of the deep woods without a long drive to the northern parts of the state. Accessibility is a priority at the facility; the camp features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a dedicated accessible parking lot, and ADA-compliant restrooms to ensure all guests can participate in activities comfortably. The site is easily reached via the Merritt Parkway, making it a convenient meeting point for groups coming from Fairfield or New Haven counties. Despite its proximity to a busy bi-way, the interior of the park remains remarkably quiet and secluded.

• Overnight accommodations including 17 rustic cabins equipped with bunk beds and electricity.
• Extensive tent camping sites capable of accommodating up to 600 campers for large rallies.
• A spacious dining hall and "Mess Hall" featuring an industrial-grade kitchen for group meal preparation.
• A unique stone amphitheater built in 1944, perfect for ceremonies, theater, or community campfires.
• Large, modernized bathhouses with hot and cold running water and clean shower facilities.
• Picnic pavilions with electricity and charcoal grills, suitable for groups of up to 200 people.
• Recreational sports facilities including basketball courts, soccer fields, and a bocce court.
• Professional event support from the on-site manager to help plan logistics and safety.

The features and highlights of Camp Cedarcrest revolve around its natural landscape and versatile infrastructure. The property is a hub for local biodiversity, featuring majestic hemlock forests and rocky outcroppings that date back 200 million years. For families and youth groups, the camp offers several kid-friendly hiking trails that connect to the broader Orange Triangle Trail system. These trails allow visitors to explore the Wepawaug Conservation Area and the Kowal Nature Preserve directly from the campground. The presence of both small natural waterfalls and a larger man-made dam on the river provides excellent opportunities for trout fishing and photography.

• Stone Amphitheater: A fairytale-like setting for outdoor wedding ceremonies and performances.
• Wepawaug River Access: Scenic waterfront views with opportunities for fishing and short canoe trips.
• Orange Triangle Trail: Direct access to miles of hiking paths through rocky knolls and young forests.
• Arts & Crafts Center: A dedicated building for creative workshops and small group meetings.
• Flexible Event Spaces: Indoor and outdoor options including a 20x40 foot wooden tent deck.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: Safe open fields for games like kickball and soccer, plus easy nature walks.
• On-Site Parking: Ample space for large groups, including accessibility-focused parking areas.
• Credit Card Acceptance: Modern payment processing for camping fees and facility rentals.

For more information on booking the facility for your next group event or to inquire about seasonal availability, you can reach the camp office at (203) 799-2150. The physical address for GPS navigation is 886 Mapledale Rd, Orange, CT 06477, USA. Because the camp operates primarily on a rental basis for organizations and private events, it is highly recommended to call in advance to schedule a tour of the grounds. The property manager, Jacob, is noted by past visitors for being phenomenal to work with, providing the necessary support while allowing groups the space to enjoy their events privately.

What makes Camp Cedarcrest worth choosing is its ability to offer a completely immersive nature experience without sacrificing basic comforts. It is one of the few places in Southern Connecticut where a large group can rent out an entire 43-acre facility for a private weekend. The combination of clean, large bathrooms, comfortable cabins with real mattresses, and unique structures like the 1944 stone amphitheater sets it apart from more traditional, crowded public campgrounds. It is worth choosing for anyone who wants a "blank canvas" for their event—whether that is a rustic wedding, a scout jamboree, or a corporate team-building retreat. By choosing Camp Cedarcrest, you are also supporting a non-profit mission that has been dedicated to youth development and outdoor education in the New Haven area for over a century.