Notice: Bathrooms are not available at this campground until Memorial Day. Portable toilets are available prior to Memorial Day.
After Labor Day, campsites are available for advance reservations on Friday and Saturday nights, and are available to walk-ins on Sunday - Thursday nights. Cabins are not available after Labor Day. The campground closes for the season on Columbus Day.

Black Rock State Park, CT

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Description

Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands, 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock and oak trees provide the setting for Black Rock Pond. The name Black Rock is derived from the local graphite deposits which the early settlers of the Naugatuck Valley were allowed to mine by the resident Indians around 1657. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the Western Highlands while hiking the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail which connects the park to the woodland sections of the Mattatuck State Forest.

Alerts and Important Information

ALCOHOL is PROHIBITED at Black Rock. No pets allowed in campground.

ALCOHOL AND PETS ARE PROHIBITED AT THIS CAMPGROUND
THE PRIMARY occupant of the campsite:
(1) Must be present to check in and register for the campsite.
(2) Must be 18 years of age or older (21 for cabins)
(3) Must present valid government issued photo identification.
(4) Must provide valid vehicle registration and if necessary the camper registration.
(5) Must list the first and last names of camping party as only the names listed are allowed to occupy the campsite.
CHECK-OUT time is 12 noon. Check-in time is 1:00 PM (2:00 PM for cabins). Campers will not be allowed to check-in after 10:00 PM.
CAMP VISITORS are allowed to enter state campgrounds from 8:00 AM until sunset, and may stay until 10:00 PM. Daily Parking rates may apply. Visitors must use designated parking areas.
FIREWOOD - In an effort to protect Connecticut's forests from the introduction and spread of destructive insect pests, bringing firewood into State of CT campgrounds and state parks from other states is strictly prohibited. As an alternative, firewood can be purchased locally.
LENGTH OF STAY - The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days. If you have a 14 day reservation, after that reservation, all members of your camping party and your camping equipment must vacate the park for 5 days before you can reserve a site again.
PRIOR TO finishing a reservation transaction, the Internet customer is asked to Agree to all the terms given. Refunds are not available for misunderstanding of terms.
BLACK BEARS, deer, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife share this space with you; please plan to store all food, hygiene items and trash in appropriate containers or in your vehicle.

FIREWORKS of any kind, including sparklers, are prohibited in CT State Parks.

ADDITIONAL information can be found through the following links:
Connecticut State Parks and Forests News and Info
Friends of CT State Parks
Camping in CT State Parks

EXPLORE the natural and cultural histories of Connecticut State Parks and Forests through interpretation! Interpretive events are listed on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website listed below. Take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more! Perform a "Keyword" search for this park/forest and then join a program. Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff. For additional information please call the DEEP Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200 or follow the below link to the DEEP's Calendar of Events:
Calendar of Events

Notes

CT Cancellation Policy

There is a $9.00 fee to cancel your reservation.

If you cancel 2-7 days prior to your arrival date, you will also be charged one night's use fee.

Note: Neither the park nor the call center can cancel a reservation within 2 days of arrival.

Dissatisfaction due to reasons of weather, site conditions or other natural phenomena will not be considered sufficient cause for granting a refund.
Note: If you feel you have an exception to the cancellation policy, please submit your request in writing to the state park or forest campground where the campsite was rented. Your request should include details about why you feel an exception should be granted. The campground will verify registration and forward the request to the Department for review and consideration.

Pavilion Reservations:

If cancelling 0-6 days prior to arrival, there is no refund.

If cancelling 7-29 days prior to arrival, there is a $9.00 cancel fee, a $25.00 service fee and the non-refundable reservation fee of $9.00

If cancelling 30+ days prior to arrival, there is a $9.00 cancel fee and the non-refundable reservation fee of $9.00.

Note: Refunds will be sent by the State of Connecticut in check form within 6-8 weeks.

Thank you!

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Overview

Description

Geography:

Black Rock was given to the people of Connecticut in 1926, through the efforts of Black Rock Forest Inc., a citizen's conservation group interested in woodland preservation. Development of access roads and facilities later became part of the Civilian Conservation Corps' economic recovery program in the 1930's, following World War I.

Recreation:

Black Rock is a designated Trout Park, so one important activity at the park is stream and pond fishing. Other activities include hiking, picnicking, swimming, and field sports. Excellent hiking is available on the Mattatuck Trail, from the Grey Stone section of Waterbury to the Wigwam Reservoir in Morris. This trail offers a scenic view of the Naugatuck Valley, highlighting Black Rock. There are many side trails, where one can see Black Rock Lake, Black Rock Pond, mature forests, and meadows. Hikes can last from 30 minutes to all day.

Facilities:

Black Rock Campground offers 75 campsites within walking distance to the beach and fishing pond. Four rustic cabin sites are also available. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. There are two full bath houses with showers and flush toilets. A dumping station is available for use, however electric and water hook-ups are not available. In addition to camping, Black Rock offers swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Nearby Attractions:

Nearby State parks include Burr Pond State Park, in Torrington and Mt. Tom State Park and Topsmead State Forest, both in Litchfield.

Services and Amenities

Services & Amenities:

Within Park

ADA Accessible
Bird Watching
Dump Station
Firewood
Fishing
Fishing - Freshwater
Flush Toilet
Hiking
Nature Trail
Parking
Photography

Playing Fields
Public Drinking Water Taps
Ranger Station
Recycling Center
Restroom
Scenic Overlook
Showers
Swimming
Toilet, Flush
Water Drinking
Wildlife Viewing

Within 10 Miles

Camping Supplies
Canoeing - Lake/Pond

Hospital
Ice

Getting There

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.65, -73.09
41°39'0"N, 73°5'24"W

- From Route 8 north, take Exit 38. - Turn left at the end of the exit ramp to the first traffic light. - Turn left at the second traffic light onto US Route 6 west. - Park entrance is 3/4 mile ahead, on the right.

Contact Information