Places to hike and camp near me

Backpack Camping

Backpack campsites can be found along several Blue Blazed Hiking Trails. A separate handout map is available for each site. Backpack camping is only allowed on these sites, and dispersed camping is not permitted. The Blue Trails, developed and maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, are located on both public and private lands and their continuance is dependent in many cases upon the goodwill of landowners.

• All hikers are requested to stay on the established trails and to respect the rights and property of landowners on and adjacent to the trail.
• The backpacking campsites are provided for the true backpacker only and therefore the length of stay at any one location is limited to one night.
• The campsites are available year round, barring unusual or severe weather conditions.

Facilities

The backpack camping areas offer primitive campsites with few facilities. Although several have Adirondack-type lean-to's of limited capacity, campers are advised to bring their own tents. Also, drinking water is not provided except at approved state park and forest wells.

Maps

Pachaug State Forest Trail Campsites:

Natchaug State Forest Trail Campsites:

Nipmuck State Forest Trail Campsites:

Tunxis State Forest Trail:

Mohawk Trail:

Camping Permits

Backpack camping permits are available by reservation only.  Send an application form at least two weeks before an intended stay to the address indicated on the form.

Use Guidelines

• Backpackers are requested to use backpacking stoves for cooking. If open fires must be used, please build only in established fire rings and be sure fires are fully extinguished before leaving campsites.
• Camp only in designated areas indicated on the map and by signs.
• Keep the trail and camping areas free of litter. Carry out what you carry in.
• Stay on the trail which is marked by blue blazes. Double blazes indicate a turn in the trail.
• Travel and camp in groups of less than 10 if possible.
• Human waste should be buried. Move at least 50 feet from the trail and 200 feet from water to do this.
• Pets are not allowed at backpack camping sites.
• Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult in attendance who accepts responsibility for the camping party. Where the camping party consists of more than 10 people, there shall be adult supervision in a ratio of at least one adult to each ten campers under 18.

Notice To Campers

Camping areas are located on State lands that are also open to hunting. Hunting may occur year-round, however, the peak season in Connecticut begins the third Saturday in October and runs through December.  Hunting is not permitted on Sunday. 

If you are camping in an area where hunting is permitted, please note the following precautions:

• Wear bright clothing such as a fluorescent orange vest or hat.  Avoid brown, tan, gray or white.
• If you see someone hunting, call out to them to identify your location.
• Let someone know where you are going, and when you will return.

Content last updated June 2021

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