Devil&Apos;S Hopyard
00 review366 HOPYARD ROAD, EAST HADDAM, Connecticut, 06423, United States
Devil&Apos;S Hopyard
$7.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Campsite fees are significantly lower than other campgrounds in Connecticut, such as Hammonassett. The maximum fee indicated is $14 per night with a minimum of $7.
About this campground
Nestled in Connecticut's scenic woodlands, Devil's Hopyard Campground offers an intimate escape with just 21 well-appointed campsites. Each site comes equipped with pedestal cooking grills, while shared picnic shelters and tables create perfect gathering spots for families and friends. Modern outhouses ensure comfort during your stay. The crown jewel of this 940-acre park is the spectacular Chapman Falls, where hiking trails wind through hemlock forests to reveal breathtaking vistas. Seasoned campers praise this destination as a "hidden gem" that delivers exceptional value—offering the same natural splendor as premium coastal campgrounds like Hammonassett at half the price.
Devil's Hopyard Campground provides primitive camping options intended for self-sufficient campers.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in New England folklore when you visit Devil's Hopyard, a name that has sparked imaginations since the park's establishment in 1919. Local legend weaves tales of a settler named Dibble whose name morphed into "Devil" over time, while more colorful stories tell of the Devil himself attempting to leap across the falls, leaving mysterious marks in the ancient stone. These 940 acres of protected wilderness have served as a backdrop for Connecticut storytelling for over a century, where myth and nature intertwine beneath the hemlock canopy.
Weather and SeasonsConnecticut's ever-changing seasons paint Devil's Hopyard in different palettes throughout the year. During peak camping weeks, visitors enjoy comfortable temperatures ideal for outdoor adventures, with dry air that makes hiking particularly pleasant. The interplay of sunshine and drifting clouds creates dramatic lighting perfect for photography, especially when capturing the mist rising from Chapman Falls on cool mornings.
ElevationThe campground's varied terrain creates a dynamic landscape perfect for exploration, with trails that wind through different elevations to reveal the park's diverse ecosystems and stunning viewpoints.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine hemlock forest where ancient trees create a natural cathedral overhead. A crystal-clear stream meanders through the campground, its cool waters providing a soothing soundtrack to picnic areas shaded by towering evergreens. The undisputed star attraction is Chapman Falls, where water plunges dramatically 60 feet over ancient schist rock faces, creating a misty microclimate that nurtures ferns and mosses. This natural amphitheater offers photographers and nature lovers an ever-changing display as light and water dance together throughout the day.
Geological RegionDevil's Hopyard sits atop a fascinating geological canvas of Scotland Schist, an ancient metamorphic rock that tells a story millions of years in the making. This distinctive bedrock creates the dramatic backdrop for Chapman Falls and has been sculpted by centuries of flowing water into remarkable pothole formations—smooth, circular depressions that look like nature's own art installation. The interplay between the resistant schist and persistent water has carved a landscape of ledges, pools, and cascades, all sheltered beneath a protective canopy of hemlocks that thrive in the cool, moist environment created by the falls and streams.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific mention of accessibility features in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as having 'no privacy' and 'no space between' them, according to user reviews.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate 'no privacy' due to the layout of the sites in a single strip with little spacing between them.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Great views" and a picnic table with grill attachment are highlights according to reviews. Users recommend bringing water due to lack of potable supply.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers or descriptions are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days. Following each stay, a mandatory five-day interim period is required for all camping party members.
Groups
No information is available about designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutUser reviews mention "1 strip of camping spots" with no privacy. The campground layout appears compact.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from mid-April through September 30th.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground offers 21 sites, but no specific details about walk-up availability or fill patterns are provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly stated in the source.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Devil's Hopyard State Park offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, bird watching, freshwater fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Hiking is prominently featured, with trails through the scenic park landscape. Specific trail difficulties or lengths are not detailed.Fishing
The Eight Mile River within the park is noted as an 'excellent source of brook trout,' attracting fishing enthusiasts.Biking
Mountain biking is listed among the recreational activities available within the park.Wildlife viewing
The park is noted for its bird watching opportunities, described as 'some of the finest birding in the state.'Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are offered, including opportunities to 'take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more,' as advertised on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website. Program schedules are available online.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not mentioned in the provided sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized or motorized water sports are not mentioned in the authoritative materials or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally or at other state campgrounds, as bringing firewood from other states is prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsThe water within the park is unsafe for drinking, and campers must bring their own water. There are no showers or potable water spigots.
Active alertsNo active alerts or advisories are noted.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 72%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Greater than 10 miles away, hospital facilities are available. Contact numbers: Direct Line (8605262336) and Ranger Station (8605262336).
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-April through September 30th.
Trash and recyclingThere is a recycling center within the facility, but no additional details are provided about trash and recycling services.
Proximity to water featuresChapman Falls and streams within the park are key water features.
Common complaintsUser reviews cite lack of privacy and amenities, uneven terrain, and absence of potable water or showers as significant issues.
HostThere is no camp office or host presence mentioned in the authoritative source.
Campground Map
366 HOPYARD ROAD, EAST HADDAM, Connecticut, 06423, United States
Driving directionsFrom CT Route 9: Take Exit 7, turn left at the end of the exit ramp onto CT Route 154 north. Take a right at the first traffic light, and follow the signs. From Interstate 395: Take Exit 80 west. Take a right onto CT Route 82 west. Take a right onto Hopyard Road, and follow the signs. From I-91S: Take Exit 22. Take Route 9S, Exit 10. Take Route 9AS to Tylerville. Take Route 82E over the CT River for about 3 miles. At the stop sign, take a right, and then take an immediate left. Follow that road for approximately 8 miles, then follow the signs to the park.
The campground is accessible via paved roads and major highways, with clear signage provided along the routes. There are no indications of seasonal closures or challenging terrain explicitly stated in the source.Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles, availability of firewood, grocery stores, laundry facilities, and toilet services is noted. Campers must bring their own drinking water as there are no water spigots within the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Devil&Apos;S Hopyard has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the park's scenic beauty and affordability, while others criticize the lack of basic amenities and privacy.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include: 'Hidden gem,' 'starts earlier than a lot of places,' 'almost half the price... of Hammonassett,' and the availability of fire pits with grill attachments and picnic tables.
Common Concerns
Primary complaints involve the lack of privacy ('no space between'), absence of running water or showers, and the uneven terrain of campsites ('not a single one is flat').
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to 'bring your own water' and take note of the limited facilities, such as outhouses and no showers. Also, be prepared for the lack of privacy and amenities.
Seasonal Insights
The campground opens earlier in the season than many other sites in the region, which some users highlight as a benefit. No specific seasonal challenges are addressed in user reviews.
Camper Quotes
1. "I love it here. Hidden gem." 2. "The camping season starts earlier than a lot of places in CT." 3. "It’s also half the price of campgrounds like Hammonassett." 4. "There’s maybe 25 camping spots...
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Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer noted that the campsites are arranged in a single strip, with 'no privacy' and 'no space between.'
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not addressed in the reviews.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are prohibited at this campground, and no specific reviews related to pets were found.
Last updated August 10, 2025