Gillette Castle State Park River Camping
Open for the 2026 season from May 1 through September 29. Reservations required through Reserve America at least 2 days in advance. One-night maximum stay. Campers must arrive by canoe or kayak and break camp by 9:00 a.m.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 3:40PM EDT until July 4 at 9:00PM EDT by NWS Upton NY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 112. * WHERE...In Connecticut, Northern New London, Southern Middlesex, and Southern New London Counties. In New York, Northeast Suffolk, Northern Nassau, Northwest Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk, Southern Nassau, and Southwest Suffolk Counties. * WHEN...Until 9 PM EDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.
About
Gillette Castle State Park River Camping offers a distinctive paddle-in camping experience on the Connecticut River in East Haddam. The primitive campsite sits on the grounds of the 184-acre estate once belonging to William Gillette, the actor, director, and playwright famous for his stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes. His 24-room fieldstone mansion, designed to resemble a medieval fortress, perches 200 feet above the river and is open for seasonal tours. The single group campsite accommodates up to 20 people and is accessible only by canoe or kayak. Vehicle access and overnight parking are not available. The site provides composting toilets and picnic tables, but ground fires are strictly prohibited on castle grounds. Campers must pack out all refuse. This is a one-night-only camping experience with checkout by 9:00 a.m. Beyond camping, visitors can hike trails that follow Gillette's three-mile narrow gauge railroad line, tour the castle interior, and enjoy picnicking on the grounds. The park offers accessibility features including all-terrain wheelchairs available by reservation.
Directions
Located at 67 River Road, East Haddam, CT. The campsite is only accessible by water via the Connecticut River. Paddlers typically launch from nearby boat launches and paddle to the campsite on the park grounds.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $5 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (860) 526-2336 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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