Peoples Forest Picnic Shelter
The picnic shelter operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Columbus Day for day-use reservations only. The fireplace is currently out of service as of March 2025. This is not a campground; guests must exit before sunset. Reservations through Connecticut State Parks require 2 days advance booking.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 3 at 1:48PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Albany NY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values in the upper 90s to lower 100s through this afternoon. * WHERE...Northern Litchfield County in northwestern Connecticut, the southern Berkshires of western Massachusetts, southern Herkimer, southern Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, southeast Warren, Washington, Rensselaer, Eastern Columbia and Western Ulster Counties in eastern New York and Bennington and eastern Windham Counties in southern Vermont. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events.
About
The Peoples Forest Picnic Shelter is a day-use pavilion located within the 2,954-acre Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. The 30 x 60-foot partially open shelter can accommodate up to 100 people and features 10 picnic tables and a large working stone fireplace. The facility provides access to flush restrooms, drinking water, and parking. The nearby Stone Museum is open weekends from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. The shelter is situated along the West Branch of the Farmington River, which is designated as a Wild and Scenic River. The surrounding forest offers over 11 miles of hiking trails, trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and historic sites including the Barkhamsted Lighthouse. The 200-year-old white pine groves at Matthies Grove and Whittemore Recreation Areas provide scenic picnicking. This is strictly a day-use facility. Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to sunset, and all guests must vacate by sunset. Amplified music, bounce houses, and play equipment are prohibited. For overnight camping, visitors should reserve sites at American Legion State Forest located across the river.
Directions
From Route 44 in Barkhamsted, take Route 318, cross the steel bridge over the Farmington River, and take an immediate left onto East River Road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | No |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $220 - $229 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| CT DEEP Facilities Page | |
| CT State Parks Reservation |
Availability
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