Hurd State Park River Camp

For Connecticut residents and travelers looking for an authentic, back-to-nature experience, Hurd State Park River Camp in East Hampton offers a rare and adventurous opportunity. Established in 1914 as the second state park in the Connecticut system, Hurd State Park is a jewel of the central Connecticut landscape. The River Camp is specifically designed for those navigating the waters of the Connecticut River by canoe or kayak. Unlike typical roadside camping, this site provides a secluded haven where the sound of the flowing river and the rustling leaves replace the noise of traffic, offering a true "off-the-grid" escape in one of the state's most historic parks.

The park itself spans nearly 1,000 acres of diverse terrain, including granite ledges, lush forests, and scenic riverbanks. While the main park area is popular for hiking and mountain biking, the River Camp remains a hidden gem for the paddling community. It is part of a select group of state parks that facilitate the Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail, allowing travelers to journey down the river and find a safe, legal, and beautiful place to rest for the night. This primitive camping experience is deeply rooted in the state's conservation efforts, encouraging low-impact recreation and a profound respect for the local ecosystem.

Hurd State Park River Camp is located in East Hampton, CT 06424, USA, specifically on the east bank of the Connecticut River. Accessibility for this specific campground is its most unique feature: it is a boat-in, boat-out facility only. There is no vehicle access to the river campsite, and overnight parking at the main park for the purpose of accessing the river camp is not permitted. Campers must arrive and depart by paddle craft—specifically canoes or kayaks—as motorboats are not permitted for river camping at this location.

For day visitors or those arriving to drop off gear before launching elsewhere, the main park entrance is located on Route 151 in East Hampton. From the north and west, visitors typically take Route 66 to Route 151. From the south, the route involves taking Route 9 to Exit 7, then following Route 82 over the East Haddam Bridge to Route 151. The park provides wheelchair-accessible parking lots at the main gate and near the pavilion area for day-use activities, though the river camp itself remains a rugged, walk-in or boat-in primitive site that requires a certain level of physical preparedness and specialized transport.

• Primitive riverside tent sites specifically designated for travelers arriving by canoe or kayak.
• Dedicated RV electric hookups are located in specific areas of the broader park infrastructure for those with appropriate permits (though not at the riverside camp itself).
• Basic sanitation facilities including a pit toilet or privy located a short distance from the camping area.
• On-site picnic tables and pedestal grills at each site, providing a designated space for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Hiking and mountain biking trail access with well-marked paths that connect the riverside to the upper bluffs of the park.
• On-site parking available at the main park entrance for day-use visitors and trail enthusiasts.
• Fishing access along the riverbanks, allowing campers to cast a line directly from their site.
• Winter recreation services including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when gates re-open for the snowy season.

The highlights of Hurd State Park River Camp are centered on its unparalleled views and the tranquility of the Connecticut River Valley. The park is famous for its landmark "split rock," a towering formation that provides a dramatic backdrop to the river. Key features include:

• Breathtaking panoramic views of the Connecticut River, especially vibrant during the sunrise and sunset hours.
• A expansive network of trails suitable for hiking and bicycling, often followed by users on the AllTrails app to navigate scenic loops.
• A dedicated fire ring with a cooking grill at the river camp, designed for safe and controlled campfires (subject to local fire conditions).
• Kid-friendly environment where younger campers can explore the river's edge, look for frogs, or enjoy the wide-open grassy areas of the main park.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs in the park, making it a great spot for those who travel with their leashed companions.
• Ample space at the riverside site to accommodate multiple tents or shelters, making it suitable for small groups of up to 12 people.
• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including eagles, ospreys, and other river-dwelling species.
• Proximity to other historic landmarks in the East Hampton and Haddam area, such as Gillette Castle and the East Haddam Bridge.

To plan your stay at Hurd State Park River Camp, it is essential to coordinate through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) or the ReserveAmerica platform. The site is seasonal, typically opening in May and closing in September.

Address: East Hampton, CT 06424, USA (Entrance via Route 151)

Reservation Phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)

Park Information Phone: (860) 295-9523

Hurd State Park River Camp is worth choosing if you are looking for a "true" camping experience that tests your skills and rewards you with absolute peace. For the local Connecticut paddler, it is a rite of passage to spend a night on the banks of the river that defines our state's geography. It is worth choosing because it offers a sense of seclusion that is increasingly hard to find in Southern New England. Unlike commercial campgrounds with high-density sites and constant activity, Hurd provides an intimate connection with the river. You wake up to the mist on the water and fall asleep to the gentle current.

Additionally, the site is worth choosing for its convenience to the Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail. For those attempting multi-day trips down the river, the presence of a managed, safe, and legal campsite with a privy and fire ring is invaluable. The $5 per person fee makes it one of the most affordable ways to experience the beauty of East Hampton. Whether you are seeking a solo contemplative retreat or a rugged group adventure, Hurd State Park River Camp delivers a high-value outdoor experience that honors the natural heritage of the Connecticut River. Just remember to bring a camp saw for foraging firewood and a sense of adventure for the boat-in journey.

Would you like me to help you find a map of the Connecticut River Paddler’s Trail to help you plan your kayak route to Hurd State Park?