Gillette Castle State Park River Campground

For Connecticut outdoor enthusiasts looking for a truly unique way to experience the majesty of the Lower Connecticut River Valley, the Gillette Castle State Park River Campground offers an adventure unlike any other in the state. Nestled at the base of the iconic "Seventh Sister" hill, right beneath the stone battlements of William Gillette’s famous mansion, this campground is a key stop along the Connecticut River Paddler's Trail. It is a place where the history of the Gilded Age meets the rugged beauty of the New England wilderness, providing a serene—yet adventurous—escape for those who prefer to travel by water.

Unlike traditional drive-in campgrounds that often bustle with car traffic and RV generators, the River Campground at Gillette Castle is dedicated exclusively to those arriving by paddle craft. This commitment to a "primitive" experience ensures that the site remains a tranquil sanctuary for canoers and kayakers. From the perspective of a local Nutmegger, it is one of the state's best-kept secrets, offering a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars in the shadow of a medieval-style fortress while listening to the gentle lap of the river against the shore. It is a location that rewards the effort of the journey with unparalleled views and a deep connection to the state's theatrical and natural heritage.

Location and Accessibility

Gillette Castle State Park River Campground is located at 89B Ferry Rd, Lyme, CT 06371, USA. While the main park grounds straddle the border of East Haddam and Lyme, the specific river camping area is situated right on the banks of the Connecticut River. This location is strategically placed for long-distance paddlers moving between the upper reaches of the river and the Long Island Sound.

• Access is strictly by boat (canoe or kayak only). There is no vehicle access to the campsite, and overnight parking in the main park lots for campers is prohibited.
• The site is part of a chain of river camps that includes Hurd State Park and Selden Neck, making it an ideal leg of a multi-day paddling trip.
• The campground features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot within the main park area for daytime visitors, though the river-level campsite itself is primitive.
• The historic Chester-Hadlyme Ferry operates nearby from April through November, adding to the nautical charm of the location.
• For those visiting the castle or trails by land during the day, the park is easily reached via Route 148 or Route 82.

Services Offered

The services at Gillette Castle State Park River Campground are designed to support a "Leave No Trace" philosophy while providing the basic necessities for an overnight river stay. Because the site is designated as primitive, the focus is on essential infrastructure rather than luxury amenities. Services include:

• Designated tent sites located on a flat, wooded area near the riverbank.
• Access to composting pit toilets which are available for camper use.
• Running water and public restrooms located within the main park grounds (accessible via a hike up from the river).
• On-site parking for day-use visitors and those touring the castle.
• Seasonal food concessions and a gift shop located near the Visitor Center for daytime supplies.
• A formal reservation system through Reserve America to ensure your spot is secured before you launch.

Features and Highlights

The highlights of staying at the Gillette Castle River Campground extend far beyond the campsite itself. Residents of Connecticut value this park for its eccentric architecture and the ingenious spirit of its creator, William Gillette. Key features include:

• Historic Castle Tours: Campers can hike up the hillside during the day to tour the 24-room mansion, famous for its hand-carved woodwork and trick locks.
• Narrow-Gauge Railroad Trails: Miles of hiking trails follow the original bed of Gillette’s miniature railroad, including stone bridges and a 75-foot tunnel.
• Panoramic River Vistas: The park offers some of the highest and most dramatic views of the Connecticut River from the "Seventh Sister" overlooks.
• Aunt Polly Wreckage: At low tide, paddlers can see the remains of the Aunt Polly, William Gillette’s houseboat, which is one of the state's few underwater preserves.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area is a prime spot for spotting bald eagles, ospreys, and other river-dwelling wildlife.
• Kid-Friendly Environment: The combination of a "real" castle and easy-to-navigate trails makes this a fantastic destination for families with children.

Contact Information

For those planning a river expedition or looking to tour the castle grounds, the park staff can be reached via the following contact information:

• Address: 89B Ferry Rd, Lyme, CT 06371, USA
• Phone: (860) 526-2336
• Reservations: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) or via the Reserve America website.

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Gillette Castle State Park River Campground is a choice for an authentic Connecticut experience. For the local resident, it represents a way to see one of our state’s most famous landmarks from a completely different perspective—from the water looking up. While the park can be busy during the day with tourists visiting the castle, the river campsite offers a sense of seclusion and "paddler camaraderie" that you won't find at more traditional campgrounds. The low $5 per person nightly fee makes it one of the most affordable ways to enjoy a world-class view.

It is also worth choosing for the sheer historical immersion. Walking the same paths that celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Albert Einstein once tread, then retiring to a quiet riverside tent site, creates a unique connection to the past. While visitors should be prepared for the typical sounds of a working river—including passing boats and the occasional local noise—the opportunity to wake up at the foot of a castle as the morning mist rises off the water is truly priceless. For those who love the water and the history of the Nutmeg State, a night at Gillette Castle River Campground is a bucket-list must.

Would you like me to help you check the current ferry schedule for your trip or perhaps provide a list of essential gear for a Connecticut River paddling excursion?