Hurd State Park River Camping
00 reviewc/o Gillette Castle State Park 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, 06423, United States
Hurd State Park River Camping
$5.00 - $5.00 / 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
Fees are $5 per person per night. All campers must be registered and arrive by kayak or canoe. There are no additional fees specified.
About this campground
Escape to a hidden riverside sanctuary at Hurd State Park River Camping, where the only way in is by paddling the gentle waters of the Connecticut River. This secluded primitive campground offers adventurous souls a true back-to-nature experience, with campsites nestled along the riverbank accessible only by canoe or kayak. Wake to misty mornings over the water and fall asleep to the symphony of flowing currents and rustling leaves in this peaceful waterfront retreat.
Hurd State Park River Camping offers primitive campsites accessible only by watercraft. These sites are specifically tailored for paddlers seeking a rustic and minimally developed camping experience.
Historical SignificanceStep into Connecticut's geological past at this riverside haven, where remarkable split rock formations tell the story of the state's industrial heritage. These striking outcroppings reveal gleaming veins of feldspar, the mineral that once drove a thriving mining industry throughout Connecticut. As you explore the campground, you'll discover these natural monuments that served as both landmarks for river travelers and sources of valuable minerals that helped build early American communities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Connecticut River valley through all its seasonal moods. Spring brings fresh greenery and perfect paddling conditions, while summer transforms the campground into a sun-dappled oasis ideal for swimming and riverside relaxation. Autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating spectacular views from your waterfront campsite. Winter's freezing temperatures quiet the landscape, though dedicated paddlers can still access the sites during milder spells. Throughout the year, favorable camping windows emerge with clear skies and gentle breezes, making each visit a unique adventure.
ElevationThe campground rests at river level, where the Connecticut River carves its ancient path through the landscape, creating an intimate connection between campers and the waterway that has shaped this region for millennia.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine riverside wilderness where towering trees frame views of the Connecticut River's graceful curves. The campground's crown jewels are its dramatic split rock formations, their surfaces streaked with glittering feldspar veins that catch the light like natural prisms. These geological wonders stand as sentinels along the shore, creating intimate camping alcoves and perfect spots for contemplating the river's timeless flow. The untouched natural landscape provides habitat for diverse wildlife and offers endless opportunities for nature photography and quiet observation.
Geological RegionSituated along the Connecticut River's scenic corridor, this campground showcases the region's fascinating geological story through its distinctive split rock formations. These natural sculptures, adorned with prominent feldspar veins, serve as windows into Connecticut's mining past when these minerals were extensively extracted throughout the state. The river valley setting creates a unique microclimate where ancient bedrock meets flowing water, forming the perfect backdrop for an authentic wilderness camping experience that connects visitors with both the natural and industrial heritage of the Connecticut River Valley.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess is limited to campers arriving by canoe or kayak. There is no vehicle access, and overnight parking is not allowed.
Sites SizeSites are primitive and designed for small groups arriving by watercraft.
Sites PrivacyNo information is provided about campsite privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull; no recommendations are available.
Best CampsitesNull; specific campsite recommendations are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
9:00 AM
Check-out
9:00 AM
Stay Limit
Campers must break camp and vacate the site by 9 AM daily, even for consecutive-day reservations.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- The fee is structured per person
- no maximum per-site guest limit is specified.
Groups
No designated group camping areas are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNull; no detailed layout information provided.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round access is implied, but no specific open/closed dates are given.
Reservation PlatformsReservation information is not explicitly provided; it is implied that reservations are required.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all campers must arrive by canoe or kayak and be registered.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is provided in the materials.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Hurd State Park River Camping offers recreational opportunities that complement its river-centric design. Campers can enjoy hiking trails, scenic views, and open spaces for leisure activities. The park is particularly known for its boating and kayaking access along the Connecticut River.
Hiking
Hurd State Park features a network of hiking trails, including loops accessible via the AllTrails app. These trails provide opportunities for walking, cycling, and enjoying scenic views of the river. User reviews highlight the variety and beauty of these trails, with one camper noting: "I followed the AllTrails app and it led me in a loop which was very cool."Biking
Cycling is possible on the park's trails, according to user reviews.Boating
This campground is specifically designed for boaters, with access limited to those arriving by canoe or kayak. As one user review notes, "Easy small craft access. Great place for lunch when you're out on the river or an overnight camp."Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are described in the source materials.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are the primary water sports supported at this site.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Ground fires are prohibited. Fire pits are not provided, but pedestal grills are available.
- Quiet hours are Null; no specific quiet hours provided.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include limited emergency access due to the remote nature of the campground.
Active alertsNull; no active alerts provided.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Ranger Station contact (8605262336) and Direct Line (8605262336). Specific emergency facilities like hospitals or police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull; no specific peak season dates provided.
Trash and recyclingNo details regarding trash and recycling facilities are provided. Campers must remove all personal belongings and camping equipment by 9am daily.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to the Connecticut River.
Common complaintsUser reviews do not highlight complaints, but the primitive nature and strict regulations may be challenging for some campers.
HostNull; no host information is provided.
Campground Map
c/o Gillette Castle State Park 67 River Road, East Haddam, Connecticut, 06423, United States
Driving directionsThis campsite is designated for access from the river only—campers must arrive by kayak or canoe. From the North and West: Take Route 691 or 9 to Route 66 to Route 151. Hurd State Park is on Route 151. From the South: Take Route 9N to exit 7, to Route 82, over the bridge, to Route 151. Hurd State Park is on Route 151. From the East: Take Route 2 West to Route 16. Follow Route 16 W to Coblat, then onto Route 151. Hurd State Park is on Route 151.
Access is only available via the river, requiring arrival by canoe or kayak. Vehicle access and overnight parking are not permitted, emphasizing its primitive and remote nature.Nearby places
East Haddam, Connecticut (approximate distance null due to lack of detailed metrics).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies information is null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Hurd State Park River Camping has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the unique appeal of Hurd State Park River Camping as a destination for boaters and nature enthusiasts. Campers appreciate the ease of access for small watercraft and the variety of trails for hiking and biking.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- "Easy small craft access. Great place for lunch when you're out on the river or an overnight camp." (User review) - "There are so many different trails here that you can walk or bicycle. My dog did...
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Common Concerns
No specific complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Utilize the AllTrails app for navigating hiking loops. - Ideal for those camping via canoe or kayak.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal-specific trends are noted in the reviews.
Camper Quotes
- "Easy small craft access. Great place for lunch when you're out on the river or an overnight camp." - "There are so many different trails here that you can walk or bicycle. My dog did love checking...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are mentioned.
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at camping sites, and this policy is enforced.
Last updated August 10, 2025