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Kettletown
Overview
Kettletown State Park offers a serene escape into the rolling hills of Connecticut. Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Zoar, this park provides a truly rustic camping experience for those looking to disconnect. With its rich history and beautiful deciduous forests, the park serves as a peaceful retreat where the focus remains on the natural landscape and outdoor recreation. The park covers over 600 acres of diverse terrain, inviting visitors to explore the unique geology and the deep-rooted history of the Pootatuck people who once called this region home.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the town of Southbury, CT, the park is easily accessible yet feels worlds away from the hustle of the I-84 corridor. The terrain is characterized by rocky ridges and lush woodlands that overlook the Housatonic River. The surrounding Litchfield Hills region provides a scenic backdrop of small-town charm and dense New England foliage, making it a prime destination for seasonal foliage viewing. The proximity to the river ensures a cool breeze during the summer months, enhancing the atmosphere of the campsites.
Amenities & Park Features
As a state-run facility, the park favors a minimalist approach to camping. There are 61 designated campsites, many of which can accommodate smaller RVs and trailers. While there are no hookups available, the park provides essential facilities including a central dump station, fresh water filling points, and restrooms with hot showers. The sites are a mix of wooded and open areas, allowing travelers to choose between shade and sunlight. The sites are generously spaced to ensure privacy, a feature often missing in commercial parks.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the six miles of hiking trails that wind through the park, offering varying levels of difficulty and scenic overlooks of the valley. Fishing is a popular pastime on Lake Zoar, where anglers can target bass and perch. For those seeking local history or family fun, the nearby Quassy Amusement Park provides entertainment, while the town of Southbury offers boutique shopping and local dining options. The Pomperaug River also flows nearby, providing additional opportunities for scenic photography and quiet reflection near the water’s edge.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for self-contained RV travelers who prioritize privacy and nature over resort-style amenities. It is a perfect fit for weekend explorers and birdwatchers who want to immerse themselves in the quiet woods of the Northeast. If you enjoy dry camping and prefer the sound of wind through the trees to the hum of a busy campground, Kettletown is a top choice. It is especially popular among those traveling in smaller rigs or camper vans that can easily navigate the park's winding interior roads.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Anastazja
Great place! We really enjoyed it. The water has a very beautiful color. It’s a wonderful spot if you want to take a walk and enjoy nature. The only downside for me is that swimming is not allowed. Other than that, this park is truly lovely.
Rafael Cordero
This a amazing camping spot. You can go for a hike on the many trails, take a walk to the lake and fish or just enjoy nature. The campground are clean with porta potty and fire pits. You will definitely encounter Wild life. We came across turtles, snakes and fish. Great spot!
rob g
Beautiful park! Lots of walking and hiking trails. Nice place for a picnic or to have a bbq. I’ve been coming here for at least 20 years and it’s one of my favorite parks in the area.
Joshua Lamb
Looks like it would be awesome if it wasn’t closed. I wonder what the flooding looks like. I felt like I wasn’t allowed there. They do have a picnic table and a bathroom and people seems to be using one of the trails.
Chris Carson
Very nice, beautiful park!! Staff was helpful and polite. Loved camping near the water. This park has so many great qualities!! Only drawback is the bathhouse. From our campsite we had to walk up a very steep, rocky hill. Would be very difficult for some. Restrooms were dirty. In dire need of a pressure washing and fresh coat of paint! Only one shower with just a curtain, so no security when showering.
K Lap
We went to this lovely little park last weekend. The brook trail is great. It is very scenic. We also trekked the blue and white trail and a good part of it is run down looking with tons of dead trees. There is a lake there. They have lots of areas to picnic and have a cookout. We found there was plenty of areas to park. The trails are very well marked.
patrizia farina
I did the Brook Trail-Crest Trail-Pomperaug Trail Loop. It's a decent work out and each one has its own charm. The Brook Trail offered nice flow of water in the waterfalls...while the Crest Trail has expansive high views over the river. You may continue descending all the way to Jackson Cove, if you so wish.
OhSnap ItsMeL
This is a review for campgrounds as well as state park. I enjoy Kettletown as there is swimming, boating, hiking and fishing, and it is well kept. Unfortunately the water is too yucky for me- skeevy to say the least but the kids enjoy. The moment is gave up was when there was a dead fish floating in the swim area and it was rather large. Yuck. But it's a lake. The campground is small but nice, and there isn't much for tree coverage and privacy so it doesn't really feel like camping. There is a $50 cash or check refundable deposit on cabin. The cabins are cute as hec! I loved staying in cabin. Very hot so bring a fan or 2, and there is electricity. The drinking water is not refreshing looking at all....