Peoples Forest Picnic Shelter
Open — The picnic shelter is available for reservation from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica.
Wind Advisory issued December 30 at 1:11AM EST until December 30 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Albany NY
* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of northwestern Connecticut, western Massachusetts, eastern New York, and southern Vermont. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong westerly winds continue today, especially across the eastern Catskills, Mohawk Valley, Greater Capital District, northern Taconics, and southern Vermont. Blowing and drifting snow will occur today due to these gusty winds, where treated roadways can be re-covered in snow.
About
Peoples Forest Picnic Shelter is a spacious 30 x 60-foot pavilion available for reservation in the historic Peoples State Forest. Located in the Matthies Grove area, this partially open shelter can accommodate up to 100 guests and features 10 picnic tables, one large working fireplace, and a large grill, making it ideal for family gatherings, reunions, and special events. The shelter is situated within a 3,059-acre state forest along the West Branch of the Farmington River. The forest features over 11 miles of hiking trails, 200-year-old white pine groves, and the historic Peoples State Forest Nature Museum, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and exploring cultural sites like the Barkhamsted Lighthouse. Peoples State Forest holds special significance as Connecticut's first community-funded public forest. In the early 20th century, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association coordinated a subscription program allowing civic groups and individuals to purchase land at approximately $8 per acre to donate to the people of Connecticut. The forest recreation areas are open from 8am to sunset, with other forest areas accessible from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Directions
From Route 44, take Route 318 in Barkhamsted to Pleasant Valley. The picnic shelter is located in the Matthies Grove area off Greenwoods Road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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) 379-2469 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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