Governor Lamont And DEEP Kick Off Summer Activity Season and America’s 250th Anniversary
Historic Parks, Outdoor Recreation, and Continued Investments Connect Visitors With Connecticut’s Role in the Nation’s Founding
(HARTFORD, CT) – As Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start of summer and the United States prepares to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) are inviting residents and visitors to explore Connecticut’s state parks, beaches, forests, trails, waterways, and historic sites that connect outdoor recreation with the state’s role in the American story.
From shoreline destinations and scenic campgrounds to historic forts and cultural landmarks, Connecticut’s state parks offer opportunities for recreation, reflection, and remembrance during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Connecticut’s network of 110 state parks, 32 state forests, and 117 state boat launches welcomes more than 15 million visitors annually and remains central to the state’s outdoor recreation economy and quality of life.
“Connecticut’s state parks and historic sites give residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the natural beauty, history, and shared heritage which defines our state,” Governor Lamont said. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and honor Memorial Day, we encourage everyone to explore these public lands—and reflect on our nation’s history and enjoy the many recreational opportunities Connecticut has to offer.”
“Many of Connecticut’s state parks played a key role in shaping our country, and we hope you’ll add a few of them to your itinerary this summer,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “Thanks to the Passport to the Parks program, the parks are free to enter with a Connecticut license plate, making it easier for residents to choose to spend a day in a park or pop in for a quick spontaneous visit. And, thanks to a historic investment by the Lamont administration and the state legislature to restore our parks infrastructure, the parks are in great shape and ready to receive visitors this summer and for years to come. We hope everyone has a fun and safe summer.”
Celebrating America’s 250th through Connecticut’s state parks
This summer season coincides with the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration, offering a meaningful opportunity for visitors to experience places that reflect Connecticut’s contributions to American history.
Several Connecticut State Parks preserve landscapes and historic sites connected to the nation’s past, including Fort Trumbull State Park in New London. Located along the Thames River, Fort Trumbull has served as a strategic defensive site since the Revolutionary War and played a role in multiple periods of American military history. Today, visitors can explore restored fortifications, museum exhibits, and scenic grounds overlooking the waterfront.
Other state parks and historic destinations, including Gillette Castle State Park, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, and Putnam Memorial State Park, offer visitors opportunities to connect recreation, education, and history throughout the summer season.
As part of Connecticut’s participation in America’s 250th commemoration, DEEP encourages residents and visitors to incorporate historic parks and cultural destinations into their summer travel plans while enjoying the state’s outdoor recreation opportunities. The annual Sky’s the Limit Hiking Challenge is a great way for park visitors to have a self-guided experience across many historically and culturally rich state parks and forests this year. Find out more about the challenge at .
Continued investments in Connecticut State Parks
Recognizing the importance of state parks and forests to residents, tourism, and local communities, the Lamont administration has made a historic commitment of nearly $140 million through the Restore Connecticut State Parks initiative to address long-standing infrastructure needs across the state park system. To see an ongoing list of the many projects that have been completed and are underway across the state, visit the initiative’s website at portal.ct.gov/deep/state-parks/restore-ct-state-parks.
Park visitors will continue to see improvements throughout the system this summer, including the newly built Welcome Center at Sleeping Giant State Park, enhanced lighting at the Bolton Notch State Park/Hop River State Park Trail tunnel, and a new covered bridge at Chatfield Hollow State Park. At Austin F. Hawes Memorial Campground, work is moving forward on two new bathhouse facilities to improve the camping experience for visitors. Fort Trumbull has also benefited from the Restore Connecticut State Parks initiative, including the recent replacement of the historic blockhouse’s 1800s-era roof and repairs to the parking lot, with additional projects scheduled in the near future.
Expanding access to the outdoors
DEEP continues to improve accessibility and visitor experiences across Connecticut’s state parks through programs and partnerships designed to make outdoor recreation more available to all residents and visitors.
The Passport to the Parks program continues to provide Connecticut residents with free parking access at state parks, forests, beaches, trails, and historic sites when visiting in a Connecticut-registered vehicle. The program has created one of the most easily accessible park systems in the Northeast and has helped reduce traffic delays at popular destinations while supporting park operations, seasonal staffing, and ongoing maintenance throughout the state park system.
Visitors with mobility challenges are now able to reserve all-terrain wheelchairs free of charge at seven Connecticut State Park and Forest locations: Gillette Castle, Dinosaur, Rocky Neck, Harkness Memorial, Stratton Brook, Topsmead, and Wadsworth Falls State Parks. Reservation information is available online at .
Through DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, the state is also expanding partnerships that enhance visitor amenities and recreation opportunities statewide. New paddlecraft rental services will soon launch at additional state park locations following a competitive request for proposals process. Additional concession opportunities are also being developed at Gillette Castle State Park and Lake Waramaug State Park.
Visitors can also use to discover destinations across Connecticut by activity, including hiking, biking, swimming, camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The site also highlights nearby restaurants, lodging, and attractions to help visitors make the most of their trips.
Camping, beaches, and lifeguards
Connecticut State Parks continue to be a popular destination for camping and outdoor recreation throughout the summer season. All state park and forest campgrounds are fully booked for Memorial Day Weekend, although reservations remain available for later in the summer.
Camping reservations can be made online at or by calling 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).
Lifeguard coverage will begin Memorial Day weekend at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Rocky Neck State Park, Silver Sands State Park, Indian Well State Park, and Black Rock State Park. Additional swimming locations are expected to be guarded as staffing levels increase throughout June.
DEEP’s Water Quality Monitoring Program will continue testing designated swim areas throughout the summer season, with water quality updates available online at .
Plan ahead before visiting
DEEP encourages visitors to check park conditions and capacity updates before traveling to state parks and boat launches, particularly during weekends and holidays. Visitors are reminded that many locations such as Scantic River State Park, Bigelow Hollow State Park and Gardner Lake State Park reach capacity early in the day.
Capacity closures and operational updates are routinely posted on social media through and . As parks reach capacity, visitors are urged to consider visiting other less popular locations with similar amenities by checking the parks website at .
Visitors arriving to state parks in out-of-state registered vehicles should be prepared to pay a parking fee or consider purchasing a season pass.
Parking can be reserved at Squantz Pond State Park on holidays and weekends. During the peak summer season, parking at Squantz Pond is limited to 250 vehicles. Once capacity is reached, the park is closed and will remain closed for the rest of the day. Walk-ins are prohibited when the park is closed for capacity. There is no alternative parking, and cars parking or unloading on local roads and parking lots will be ticketed and/or towed. Visitors may reserve a parking pass for weekends and holidays during the peak season up to 14 days in advance. To reserve a parking pass, please visit and search the keywords “Squantz Pond.”
Water and boating safety
DEEP manages 117 state boat launches across Connecticut on ponds, lakes, rivers, and Long Island Sound, and all are free to use. Information and directions to these facilities can be found online at portal.ct.gov/deep/boating/boating-and-paddling.
While all state boat launches are accessible throughout the year, DEEP reminds boaters that late spring water temperatures remain colder than the air and can pose substantial dangers to unprepared boaters. To prevent serious consequences from an unexpected cold-water immersion, boaters should exercise caution by using proper equipment, practicing safe techniques, and avoiding dangerous situations.
Some helpful tips for those planning to go boating:
Always wear your life jacket: DEEP recommends all boaters wear a personal floatation device (PFD) year-round. However, Connecticut law requires anyone in a kayak, canoe, rowboat, or stand-up paddleboard to wear a properly fitting PFD from October 1 through May 31. If a boater ends up in the water, a life jacket will keep them afloat and make them more visible, significantly improving their chances of survival.
Never paddle alone: If a boater ends up in the water, a partner can help you get back into the boat or reach shore safely.
Paddlers should dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Water temperatures can vary greatly around the state during the spring, but all are still below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold water immersion increases the risk of cold-water shock and involuntary gasp reflex, which is a leading cause of drowning.
File a float plan: Draft a float plan that includes your boating location, expected time of departure and return, and who to call in case of emergency. Give the float plan to someone at home and be sure to call them once you are back ashore safely.
Maintain a proper lookout: Higher water levels in the spring can dislodge items like docks, pilings, and trees and leave them floating in rivers and into Long Island Sound. Boaters should be especially vigilant early in the season to look for and avoid this floating debris.
Seasonal employment opportunities
Seasonal employment opportunities remain available at Connecticut State Parks this summer, including positions for lifeguards, park rangers, maintenance staff, and other seasonal operations roles, particularly in northwestern Connecticut. Information on available positions can be found at workoutside.ct.gov.
Help protect Connecticut State Parks
DEEP encourages all visitors to help preserve Connecticut’s public lands by properly disposing of trash, respecting natural resources, and leaving parks cleaner than they found them.
“Connecticut’s state parks belong to all of us,” Connecticut State Parks Director Brian Wilson said. “By taking care of these shared spaces today, we help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from them for years to come.”
About Connecticut State Parks
Since its establishment in 1913, the Connecticut State Park system has provided residents and visitors with access to natural, cultural, and historic resources through a statewide network of parks, forests, beaches, trails, and environmental education centers designed to inspire recreation, stewardship, and discovery.
The official Connecticut State Parks website, , offers an easy way to discover new destinations for your next adventure. Select “Explore our Parks” to search parks by activity. One helpful feature is the “While You’re Here” section, which provides a list of local food, lodging, and other attractions nearby to make the most of your visit.
Show your support
Love your Connecticut State Parks? Pick up a t-shirt or poster of your favorite park featuring an original DEEP design at . Any proceeds generated support the Passport to the Parks program.
