How much does camping cost at Black Rock State Park?

Camping fees at Black Rock State Park range from $14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Black Rock State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Black Rock State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Black Rock State Park before I book?

Yes! Black Rock State Park has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Black Rock State Park?

Black Rock State Park is open Open year-round; details for seasonal operation are not provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Black Rock State Park?

Yes, Black Rock State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Black Rock State Park?

Fire policies at Black Rock State Park: Bringing firewood from other states is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Black Rock State Park have?

Black Rock State Park has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Black Rock State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Black Rock State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Black Rock State Park?

Black Rock State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Black Rock State Park?

Popular activities at Black Rock State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Black Rock State Park

0 review

2085 Thomaston Rd, WATERTOWN, Connecticut, 06795, United States

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping Connecticut

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

387 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

387 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Official Website

Get Directions

Black Rock State Park

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$17/night CT residents $27/night/non-CT residents $50/night rustic cabins for residents $60/night rustic cabins for non-CT residents Plus Reservation...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

8602838088

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Campground Map

2085 Thomaston Rd, WATERTOWN, Connecticut, 06795, United States

Black Rock State Park

2085 Thomaston Rd, WATERTOWN, Connecticut, 06795, United States

Nearby supplies

Camping supplies, hospital, ice, and other essentials are within 10 miles.

Weather at Black Rock State Park

Best Time to Camp at Black Rock State Park

Fall is prime season here. Mid-September through October brings daytime highs between 45 and 65°F, with low insect pressure and strong foliage color on the mixed hardwoods. Trails are dry and ideal for hiking and photography. Warm-water fish feed actively before winter. Swimming ends by mid to late September. Weekends draw moderate crowds. Weekdays stay quiet.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is described as prime: foliage, dry trails and mild daytime temps.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; details for seasonal operation are not provided.

About Black Rock State Park

Black Rock State Park sits on 439 acres in Connecticut's Western Highlands, offering 75 campsites and four rustic cabins. The park centers on Black Rock Pond, with a swimming area, fishing spots, and hiking trails through steep wooded terrain. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Fees run $14 per night. Modern bathhouses provide hot showers and flush toilets.

Black Rock State Park Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites without hookups, and rustic cabins. Group camping and glamping services are not mentioned.

Historical Significance

Graphite mining began here in 1657, making this one of the earliest mineral extraction sites in colonial Connecticut. The park itself was established in 1926 through a private land donation. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the trails, structures, and amenities during the 1930s. Many of those Depression-era features remain in use today.

Weather and SeasonsFall is prime season here. Mid-September through October brings daytime highs between 45 and 65°F, with low insect pressure and strong foliage color on the mixed hardwoods. Trails are dry and ideal for hiking and photography. Warm-water fish feed actively before winter. Swimming ends by mid to late September. Weekends draw moderate crowds. Weekdays stay quiet.

Natural Features and SceneryTucked into the scenic rolling hills of Connecticut's Western Highlands, the 444-acre park features steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock, and oak trees surrounding Black Rock Pond. A commanding rock face known as Black Rock provides dramatic scenery.[1][2][3][6][7]

Geological RegionDiscover the rugged beauty of Connecticut's Western Highlands, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic contrasts. The park takes its name from the distinctive dark graphite deposits that have marked these hills since colonial times, first mined in 1657. Today, these steep wooded ledges create a natural playground, their faces clothed in evergreen pines and hemlocks mixed with deciduous oaks. This unique geological heritage not only shaped the land's industrial past but continues to define its character, offering visitors a chance to explore terrain where human history and geological time intersect in fascinating ways.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of the Naugatuck Valley are available from hiking trails, specifically the Mattatuck Trail.

Lodging & AccommodationsIn addition to 75 campsites, the campground offers four rustic cabin sites. Details such as cabin sizes or furnishings are not provided.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground hosts interpretive programs, such as guided hikes and educational sessions about forest heroes and local wildlife. Additional programs may be available, and visitors are encouraged to check the DEEP’s Calendar of Events.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM
cabins at 2:00 PM. No check-ins allowed after 10:00 PM.

Check-out

12:00 noon

Stay Limit

The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guests must list their names during registration
specifics on guest limits are not stated.

Groups

Details about group camping such as capacity or facilities are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are within walking distance of the beach and pond. Standard spacing. No further layout details available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection resources.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampers will not be allowed to check-in after 10:00 PM.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds not available for misunderstanding of terms. Specific deadlines are not provided.

AccessibilityCampground facilities include ADA-accessible restrooms and pathways. Specific details about the extent of accessibility are not provided.

Site SizeStandard campsite sizes are mentioned, but no further specifics on dimensions are available.

PrivacyPrivacy aspects of campsites are not mentioned in the source materials.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Best Campsites78 sites split between wooded and open field settings; some tent-only, accessible sites available, max RV length 35 feet with pull-through and back-in options. Campers should select preferred wooded or open sites carefully when booking.[1][5]

Need help booking Black Rock State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Black Rock State Park Campground provides a variety of amenities, including 75 campsites and 4 rustic cabin sites. Campers have access to fire rings, picnic tables, two bathhouses with showers and flush toilets, and a dump station. Potable water is available on-site, and firewood can be purchased locally. However, the campground lacks electric and water hook-ups. Official descriptions emphasize the park’s scenic surroundings.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Black Rock State Park Campground offers a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing, among other activities. The park features the scenic Mattatuck Trail and a designated Trout Park, which enhances the fishing experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts“Black bears, deer, skunks, raccoons, and other wildlife share this space with you. Please plan to store all food, hygiene items, and trash appropriately.”

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Black Rock State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are not provided, so no summary of sentiments can be generated.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Clean facilities with hot showers, well-maintained bathrooms, family-friendly with mix of tent/RV/cabin sites, scenic pond and trails, swimming beach.[1][4]

Common Concerns

No user complaints are available for analysis.

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews specific to individual campsites or areas are mentioned.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Early season (mid-April to Memorial Day) is rustic only with portable toilets, no showers or running water. No pets or alcohol allowed. Firewood available from park store or local stores. Hot showers...

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends in user experiences are not present.

Camper Quotes

No direct quotes from users are available.

Accessibility Features

User feedback on accessibility features is not provided.

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews address the pet policy or experiences of pet owners.

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers, hikers, and families who want a clean, affordable base camp near Watertown. The Mattatuck Trail runs right through, cabins book fast, and $17/night for CT residents is hard to beat for a site with flush toilets and hot showers.

Skip if

Arriving before Memorial Day means portable toilets and no showers, full amenities don't come online until then. No pets allowed, no electric hookups anywhere, and no alcohol on-site, so plan accordingly.

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Lake Waramaug State Park

30 LAKE WARAMAUG ROAD, NEW PRESTON, Connecticut, 06757, United States

Lake Waramaug State Park sits in Connecticut's Litchfield County at 748 feet elevation, with 76 campsites spread along the lake's shore. The campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and cabin lodging ranging from $17 to $50 per night. Sites are large enough for tents and RVs, but privacy is limited. Reviews consistently mention the lack of trees or barriers between neighbors.