The Top 10 State Parks in Connecticut

Connecticut is full of parks that showcase beautiful New England scenery. Each park is unique and offers its own history and visual attractions. Looking for caves, remnants of old establishments, or the best place to go horseback riding? Connecticut state parks have it all! Whether you’re living in the city or a rural community, there won’t be a lack of green space. NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 state parks for you to visit.

Here are the 10 top state parks to enjoy in Connecticut:

1. Sleeping Giant State Park

Google rating: 4.9

Sleeping Giant State Park ranks as the best state park in Connecticut. Named for the unique topography that makes it look like, well, a sleeping giant, the park is located about 11 miles north of New Haven. The hilly terrain provides an invigorating hiking experience with beautiful views to boot; take your pick from more than 30 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to difficult. Other amenities and attractions include stream fishing, picnic shelters, a lookout tower, and campgrounds.

2. Harkness Memorial State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Harkness Memorial State Park is located near Waterford, along the state’s southern coast. The park includes a mansion that once served as the summer home for Edward and Mary Harkness; when they passed away, they left their property to the state. Harkness Memorial State Park includes 300 acres of land, including multiple gardens each with their own theme. Visitors can tour the mansion on a seasonal basis, and the park itself is open year-round. Enjoy fresh air and beautiful waterside views of the Long Island Sound.

3. Chatfield Hollow State Park

Google rating: 4.8

If you’re looking for a state park with plenty of trees, look no further than Chatfield Hollow State Park. Located just northwest of Killingworth, the state park lies within an array of trees. Folks can enjoy swimming in a pond with white pine trees all around, hosting a picnic and grilling out, and fishing for trout in the pond. While hiking the trails, be on the lookout for old building foundations and a restored waterwheel similar to one once used to power a gristmill on Chatfield Hollow Brook. 

4. Collis P. Huntington State Park

Google rating: 4.8

Collis P. Huntington State Park sprawls across more than 1,000 acres of land just northeast of Redding. Charming statues of bears and wolves sit at the park entrance, welcoming you into the park. The Collis P. Huntington State Park features horseback riding and archery-only deer hunting, which is seasonal. The park also offers a variety of hiking trails, whether you prefer walking through the woodlands or strolling through open spaces. Swimming is not allowed, but fishing is (with a state license).

5. Gillette Castle State Park

Google rating: 4.7

Gillette Castle State Park is the creation of renowned stage actor William Gillette, who built the fortress to resemble a medieval castle. The interior includes built-in couches, stone pillars, and wood carvings. You can tour the castle on a seasonal basis, and the park grounds are open year-round. The park also includes hiking trails and novelties such as a vegetable cellar and goldfish pond. While you can’t stay in the mansion itself, camping is available along the adjacent Connecticut River.

6. Devil’s Hopyard State Park

Google rating: 4.7

The origin of Devil’s Hopyard State Park’s name is widely disputed, but there’s no arguing that it’s a great place to visit. Known for its unique, pothole-like rock formations, Devil’s Hopyard State Park spans 860 acres of land and includes trails dedicated to hiking and cycling. Campers have their choice of 21 different campsites, and visitors can enjoy stream fishing, picnicking, and observing wildlife, as the park is known as one of the best places to birdwatch in the state.

7. Campbell Falls State Park

Google rating: 4.7

Campbell Falls State Park is located a mere four miles north of Norfolk and includes a 50-foot waterfall, giving the park a rugged beauty and its name. Unlike other parks on the list, Campbell Falls State Park is a natural reserve and does not have designated facilities like picnic benches or a visitor center. So if you’re looking to truly become one with nature and leave the modern world behind, Campbell Falls State Park is your ticket to paradise. Enjoy stretching your legs along the hiking trails or going fishing in the streams.

8. Housatonic Meadows State Park

Google rating: 4.7

Housatonic Meadows State Park is located in northwestern Connecticut along the Housatonic River. The clear waters of the river make fishing an enjoyable sport; only catch-and-release fly-fishing is allowed in this park, so be sure to release the fishy friends you catch! If you prefer to camp, you have 61 designated sites to choose from, with the beautiful river as your backdrop. Other activities include picnicking and canoeing, which make for an excellent day trip with the family.

9. Selden Neck State Park

Google rating: 4.7

Located on an island, Selden Neck State Park is only accessible by water. The park spans 607 acres and lacks roads and inhabitants, allowing you to become deeply in touch with nature. Go hiking through the woodlands and marshes where you can admire wildlife and even discover the remains of an old farmstead that used to exist on the land. Four designated camping spots are available for folks who want to spend the night. Lookout posts are located along the elevated trails, giving you the best view of the Connecticut River and surrounding wildlands. 

10. Rocky Neck State Park

Google rating: 4.6

Rocky Neck State Park is another coastal park along Long Island Sound. Relax on the sandy beach and enjoy the soothing sound of the waves, or have lunch at one of the designated picnic sites. The ocean provides opportunities for swimming and fishing, as well. If you prefer to hike, hit the trails through the salt marshes and keep an eye out for local wildlife such as ospreys. The park also offers 160 campsites, in both wooden and open areas.

All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, Google ratings, and the number of Google reviews.