Access for Persons with Disabilities

The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is working to ensure that all visitors have access to the many outdoor recreational opportunities available at Connecticut State Parks and Forests.

Accessible parking and picnic tables can be found at all park and forest recreation areas.  Public buildings at most state parks are also accessible.  The conversion process is continuing with upgraded facilities currently in design for Hopeville Pond, Mashamoquet Brook, Quaddick, and Sleeping Giant State Parks; and Pachaug and  Shenipsit State Forests.  In 1996, Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury was the first to have a total retrofit making all park facilities (parking, trails, restrooms, picnic areas, beach) accessible.

Accessible Restrooms

The majority of state parks provide accessible restroom facilities. Additionally, many of the bathhouse facilities at state campgrounds have an individual, unisex bath addition on the buildings.  The unisex bathroom enables a child or an adult to get assistance from any parent or partner.  Campgrounds with this amenity include:

• American Legion State Forest, Pleasant Valley
• Black Rock State Park, Thomaston
• Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
• Housatonic Meadows State Park, Cornwall Bridge
• Kettletown State Park, Southbury
• Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
• Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic

Accessible Camping

Hammonasset Beach has six campsites that are designated for use by individuals with disabilities.  The sites are in close proximity to restroom facilities, have electrical outlets and can be reserved.  To make reservations call Reserve America toll free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) during the following hours:

March 15 – Labor Day
Monday - Friday: 8am - 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 9am - 3pm.

Off Peak Season
Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm  

Accessible Swimming/Beach Surf Chairs

Five parks, Hammonasset Beach, Rocky Neck, Sherwood Island, Silver Sands and Squantz Pond have beach wheelchairs available for visitors. The chairs are free of charge and are on a ‘first come/first served’ basis.

Accessible Fishing  Platforms

Freshwater

• Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch -  Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union
• Connecticut River - Haddam Meadows State Park, Haddam
• Day Pond State Park, Colchester
• Devils Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
• Pataconk Lake - Pataconk Recreation Area, Cockaponset State Forest, Haddam
• Schreeder Pond - Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth
• Squantz Pond State Park near the boat launch, New Fairfield
• Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury

Saltwater

• Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

 

The Connecticut Angler's Guide lists additional accessible fishing sites.

Accessible Boat Launches

Baldwin Bridge Boat Launch
Bantam Lake Boat Launch
Barn Island Boat Launch
Bashan Lake Boat Launch
Bayberry Lane Boat Launch
Branford River Boat launch
Lattins Cove Boat Launch (Candlewood Lake)
Coventry Lake Boat Launch
Dooley Pond Boat Launch
Glasgo Pond Boat Launch
Haddam Meadows Boat Launch (Connecticut River)
Hatch Pond Boat Launch
Lake Housatonic Boat Launch
Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch
Lake of Isles Boat Launch
Lake Zoar Boat Launch
Mashapaug Lake Boat Launch
Niantic River Boat Launch
Thames River Boat Launch

For details, please visit the Boat Launch Map

Accessible Trail

The Saugatuck Universal Access Trail in Redding is wheelchair accessible.  Visitors will be rewarded with views of the Saugatuck Reservoir from the trail's overlook platform.

Accessibility at Specific Parks

Check individual park listings for information on the accessible facilities and activities that can be found at that park.