Amenities and Facilities at Camp Harkness

 

Bathhouse – Located at the beachfront, the bathhouse is open continuously during the summer months and on a limited basis during other times of the year.  The bathhouse offers men’s/women’s/family restroom, changing areas, open outdoor showers. There is a charging station for the charging of cell phones, tablets and power wheelchairs for those who are camping in the tent sites. The use of extension cords run from the camp site(s) to the charging station is prohibited. 

 

Cabins – Blue Cabins, Brown Cabins, Yellow Cabins, Green Cabins.

 

Blue Cabins – The six cabins are used by STS and the Arc of Eastern CT during summer camp and may be booked by small groups at other times.  Each cabin offers one private bedroom with two twin beds (or bunk beds), an open sleeping area with five to six twin beds, and a bathroom with a shower.  These unheated units are closed from late fall until spring. Contact the camp office for reservations at 860-443-7818.

Green Cabins – The six green cabins are used by Oakhill Inc. during the summer camp sessions and may be booked by small groups at other times.  Each unit offers one private bedroom with two twin beds or bunk beds, an open sleeping area with five to six twin beds, and bathroom with shower.  These unheated units are closed from late fall until spring.  Contact the camp office for reservations at 860-443-7818.

 

Brown Cabins – The five brown cabins are used by Sunrise Northeast (formally UCP) during summer camp and are available for small group / family camping when summer camp is not in session.  These heated cabins may be booked year-round.  Each offers one private bedroom with bunk beds, an open sleeping area with six - eight twin beds, and accessible bathroom.  Each brown cabin has automated door openers.  Contact the camp office for reservations at 860-443-7818.  These cabins were renovated to include a second accessible bathroom in 2014.  There is also an accessible fire pit located here for the campers.

Yellow Cabins – The six yellow cabins are used by The Arc of Eastern CT. during summer camp and may be booked by small groups at other times.  Each unit offers one private bedroom with two twin beds, open sleeping area with five to six twin beds, and bathroom.  These unheated units are closed from late fall until spring.  Contact the camp office for reservations at 860-443-7818.

 

Cottages – Three small cottages offer three bedrooms with 3 beds, kitchen, two bathrooms and living area.  These accessible units are available for small group camping year-round when summer camp is not in session.  One cottage has automatic door openers.  Contact the camp office for reservations at 860-443-7818.

 

Dining Hall – the commercial style kitchen and large dining hall are used for meals during summer camp and may be reserved for large group special functions.

 

Dorcas Lodge – This is a two room accessible facility which is used by The Arc of Eastern CT during summer camp sessions.  It is available the rest of the year for small group meetings/activities.  Please call the camp office at 860-443-7818 to reserve this facility.

 

Grace Curtis Memorial Grill – This beautiful outdoor gas grill cooking area is available for use by campers or day visitors with prior booking.  It was constructed in 2007 after many fundraising and volunteer efforts in memory of Grace Curtis, longtime advocate for persons with disabilities and their families. The large gas grill is wheelchair accessible and shaded above. Visitors must bring their own grill tools and clean up after use.  To reserve the grill contact the camp office at 860-443-7818.

 

Picnic Pavilions – Four large covered pavilions at the waterfront offer shade from the sun for picnics.  Each pavilion contains several picnic tables with small charcoal grill located nearby.  Pavilion #1 has a paved surface and wheelchair accessible picnic tables. Pavilions 2, 3, and 4 have will soon have paved surface starting in July, 2022.  Day visitors are welcome to use the pavilions and grills if there is no reservation sign posted on the pavilion.  All groups and/or special functions must make an advance reservation with the Camp Director for use of the pavilions.  All visitors must clean up after use of the picnic pavilions and grills, including brining your garbage to the dumpsters. Contact the camp office for reservations at 860-443-7818.

Playscape – Located next to the gas grill and across from the picnic pavilions, the accessible playscape was designed for the enjoyment of children of all abilities and was constructed in 2004 through the efforts of volunteers and private donations.  The playscape features oversized swings, ramped interactive play zone, and slide.  There is a poured rubber surface suitable for wheelchair access as well as woodchips. We are currently trying to raise money for a new playscape.

 

Scenic Walkway and Overlook – Beyond the picnic pavilions on the west end of the property near the beachfront, visitors will find the George Daly Scenic Walkway & Overlook, named after the former Camp Harkness Director who devoted his life to enriching the lives of persons with disabilities.  The flat, paved walkway leads to a deck perched over rocky outcroppings where unfettered views of Long Island Sound offer a peaceful respite from the world.  The walkway and deck area is wheelchair accessible and the overlook has bench seating.