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

Wharton Brook Picnic Shelter, CT

Description
In 1918-1920, Wharton Brook Picnic Shelter was known as a traveler's wayside; motorists could stop to have their cars serviced and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch. Parks like this were the forerunners of today's rest stops. However, Wharton Brook State Park is no highway rest stop; it is, instead, a lovely, natural setting for a family picnic, great fishing, and refreshing swimming.
Status: Open through Wed Nov 11 2026   Season Dates
Max Reservation Window:   View all
Book a Campsite at Wharton Brook Picnic Shelter, CT
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3 site(s) found
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     Available online       Unavailable online  
3 site(s) found
Campsite Search Results: 1-3 of 3 Previous | Next
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Wharton Brook Picnic Shelters
PICNIC SHELTER
36
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed - no Near Water - no
Wharton Brook Picnic Shelters
PICNIC SHELTER
36
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed - no Near Water - no
Wharton Brook Picnic Shelters
PICNIC SHELTER
36
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed - no Near Water - no
Campsite Search Results: 1-3 of 3 Previous | Next
** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
Description

In 1918-1920, Wharton Brook Picnic Shelter was known as a traveler's wayside; motorists could stop to have their cars serviced and enjoy a quiet picnic lunch. Parks like this were the forerunners of today's rest stops. However, Wharton Brook State Park is no highway rest stop; it is, instead, a lovely, natural setting for a family picnic, great fishing, and refreshing swimming.

Geography:

Near Hamden, Wharton Brook Picnic Shelter was the forerunner of the rest areas developed by the State Department of Transportation.

Recreation:

Wharton Brook State Park is a designated Trout Park, so fishing is an activity option, as is swimming and picnicking.

Facilities:

Park facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and picnic shelters.

Nearby Attractions:

Sleeping Giant State Park is nearby, in Hamden.

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
Sat May 23 2026
Mon Sep 07 2026
Walk In
Tue Sep 08 2026
Wed Nov 11 2026
Within Park
  • Ada Accessible Picnic Area
  • Ada Accessible Restroom
  • Bank Fishing
  • Beach
  • Bike Riding
  • Covered Group Structure
  • Fishing
  • Flush Toilet
  • Gatehouse
  • Grills
  • Park Attendant
  • Parking
  • Paved Ada Accessible Site
  • Paved Roads
  • Pavilion
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Tables
  • Picnicking
  • Potable Water
  • Pressurized Water
  • Sandy Beaches
  • Scenery
  • Swimming
Within 10 Miles
  • Cafe
  • Convenience Store
  • Fishing Supplies
  • Golf
  • Golf Course
  • Grocery Store
  • Hiking
  • Hiking Trails
  • Historic Sites
  • Hospital
  • Ice Machine
  • Laundry
  • Lodge
  • Post Office
  • Restaurant
  • Restroom
  • Snack Bar
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.425, -72.83583
41°25'30"N, 72°50'9"W

From I-91 north or south: Take Exit 13. Turn left at the end of the long exit ramp onto Route 5 south. The park entrance is a tenth of a mile down, on the left.
Mailing Address:
Wharton Brook Picnic Shelter
CT Route 5
WALLINGFORD  CT  06492
Phone Number:
Information:  (203)789-7498
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