Hopeville Pond State Park

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens April 17, 2026, and closes October 12, 2026. A well installation project is scheduled for early 2026, and some campsites will remain closed through April 30, 2026, as a precaution. Reservations accepted 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.

About

Hopeville Pond State Park encompasses 544 acres in Griswold, Connecticut, centered around the serene 137-acre Hopeville Pond, an impoundment of the Pachaug River. Once a woolen mill pond and historically a major fishing ground for the Mohegan Tribe, the park preserves stone weirs constructed by the Mohegans to trap eels, shad, and other fish, visible when water levels are low. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park features evidence of their work in pine plantations, forest roads, and fire control ponds. The campground offers 80 wooded sites nestled near the pond, some accessible directly from the water. Eleven sites include electric and water hookups, while the remaining sites are basic with picnic tables, fire rings, and grates. A rustic two-room cabin is also available, sleeping four to six people with a double bed and two bunk beds. Modern amenities include bathhouses with hot showers and dishwashing stations, potable water, a dumping station, and a recycling center. Firewood and ice are available for purchase. Recreational opportunities center around the tranquil waters of Hopeville Pond. Fishing remains the park's most popular activity, with catches including bluegill, chain pickerel, channel catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. A boat launch provides access for paddlers and cruisers, with an 8 mph speed limit and no waterskiing allowed. Swimming beaches, hiking trails, mountain biking, and nature trails offer additional outdoor experiences under an old growth forest canopy.

Directions

Off I-395: Take Exit 86. From the north, turn right off the exit. From the south, turn left off the exit. Follow Hopeville Road or park signs until the intersection, proceed right. The park entrance is 1/2 mile to the right, off Route 201.

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