NOTICE: Amplified music, bounce houses and other play equipment are NOT ALLOWED. Please call the park directly, before making a reservation, if you have questions regarding other rules and regulations. Additional information can also be found at: https://portal.ct.gov/deep

Sleeping Giant Picnic Shelter, CT

Description
Two miles of mountaintop resembling a large man lying in repose, the "sleeping giant" is a popular feature of the south central Connecticut skyline. Sleeping Giant State Park offers unparalleled hiking, as well as other activities. A 1 1/2 mile scenic trail leads to the stone observation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel, which provides an excellent view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area.
Status: Open through Thu Dec 31 2026   Season Dates
Max Reservation Window:   View all
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Sleeping Giant Picnic Shelter
PICNIC SHELTER
50 Accessible site
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed - no Near Water - no
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** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
Description

Two miles of mountaintop resembling a large man lying in repose, the "sleeping giant" is a popular feature of the south central Connecticut skyline. Sleeping Giant State Park offers unparalleled hiking, as well as other activities. A 1 1/2 mile scenic trail leads to the stone observation tower on the peak of Mt. Carmel, which provides an excellent view of Long Island Sound and the New Haven area.

Geography:

Sleeping Giant State Park is located in south central Connecticut.

Recreation:

Sleeping Giant State Park is a designated Trout Park, making stream fishing popular. Hike to Scenic Vista Lookout Tower, or enjoy the nature trail and have a picnic.

Facilities:

Youth Group Camping is available at Sleeping Giant State Park. Park facilities include restrooms, picnic shelters, and picnic tables.

Nearby Attractions:

Nearby parks include West Rock Ridge State Park and Wharton Brook State Park.

Thu Jun 18 2026 - Sun May 16 2027

Reservations must be made 2 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.


Season Schedule

Park Season
Start
End
Peak
Tue Apr 14 2026
Sat Oct 31 2026
Walk In
Sun Nov 01 2026
Thu Dec 31 2026
Within Park
  • Ada Accessible Picnic Area
  • Ada Accessible Restroom
  • Bird Watching
  • Covered Group Structure
  • Fireplace
  • Fishing
  • Flush Toilet
  • Gatehouse
  • Grills
  • Hiking
  • Hiking Trails
  • Historic Sites
  • Overlook
  • Park Attendant
  • Parking
  • Paved Ada Accessible Site
  • Paved Roads
  • Pavilion
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Tables
  • Picnicking
  • Potable Water
  • Pressurized Water
  • Restroom
  • Scenery
  • Trails
Within 10 Miles
  • Beach
  • Convenience Store
  • Fishing Supplies
  • Golf
  • Golf Course
  • Grocery Store
  • Hospital
  • Ice Machine
  • Laundry
  • Lodge
  • Post Office
  • Restaurant
  • Snack Bar
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.42167, -72.90167
41°25'18"N, 72°54'6"W

From I-91: Take Exit 10. Get onto the Route 40 connector, and stay on it until it ends. At the light, take a right onto Route 10N, and drive 1½ miles. Turn right onto Mt. Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left, across from Quinnipiac University. From Wilbur Cross Parkway: Take Exit 61. Go north onto Whitney Avenue for 3 miles, and take a right onto Mt. Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left, across from Quinnipiac University. From I-84 to Cheshire: Take Route 70S onto Route 10 south, and drive 5 miles. Turn left at the light onto Mt. Carmel Avenue. The park entrance is on the left, across from Quinnipiac University.
Mailing Address:
Sleeping Giant Picnic Shelter
200 MOUNT CARMEL AVE.
HAMDEN  CT  06518
Phone Number:
Information:  (203)287-5658
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