Burr Pond Picnic Shelter
Closed — Closed for the season through March 31, 2026. Reopens April 1, 2026 for day use only. Peak season runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Reservations available via ReserveAmerica starting January 3, 2026 for dates through November 27, 2026.
Winter Storm Watch issued January 23 at 1:05AM EST until January 26 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Albany NY
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations between 12 and 18 inches possible. * WHERE...All of eastern New York and western New England. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...An impactful long-duration winter storm is expected Sunday into Monday. Snowfall rates may exceed one inch per hour at times, especially on Sunday night. The highest snowfall amounts are expected across the eastern Catskills, Mid Hudson Valley, and southwestern New England.
Cold Weather Advisory issued January 23 at 12:54AM EST until January 24 at 10:00AM EST by NWS Albany NY
* WHAT...Very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 25 below expected. * WHERE...In New York, portions of the Mohawk Valley, Capital District, upper Hudson Valley, eastern Catskills and Schoharie Valley, the Mid Hudson Valley, and the Taconics. In Connecticut, all of Litchfield County. * WHEN...From 7 PM this evening to 10 AM EST Saturday. * IMPACTS...The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures.
About
Burr Pond Picnic Shelter sits within Burr Pond State Park in western Connecticut's Northwest Hills region. The park surrounds an 85-acre man-made pond created in 1851 when Milo Burr dammed the confluence of several mountain streams to power local industry. The site gained historic significance as the location of the world's first condensed milk factory, and today a bronze tablet marks the former mill site just below the falls. The pavilion-style picnic shelter can accommodate up to 80 people and is available for day use reservations only through ReserveAmerica. No overnight camping is permitted. Park facilities include restrooms, a boat launch, food concessions during peak season, and multiple picnic areas. The pond offers opportunities for swimming at a designated beach area, fishing for sunfish and other freshwater species, and non-motorized boating including canoe and kayak rentals from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A 2.5-mile hiking trail loops around the pond through varied forest terrain suitable for beginners. The park also offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife viewing, photography, and mountain biking. During winter months when facilities are closed, the area is used for cross-country skiing and ice skating. Note that parking is limited and the park may close to new arrivals once capacity is reached, even for shelter reservations.
Directions
Off Route 8 North: Exit 46. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Pinewoods Road. At the first stop sign, turn left onto Winsted Road. Follow Winsted Road for approximately 1 mile, and turn right at the blinking yellow light marked with a park sign. The park is 1 mile down on the left.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $220 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (860) 482-1817 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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