River Highlands State Park River Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 1, 2026 and operates through September 29, 2026. Reservations required, available through ReserveAmerica starting December 30, 2025.

About

River Highlands State Park River Campground offers a unique primitive camping experience accessible only by canoe or kayak on the Connecticut River. The campground features two tent-only sites situated in lowlands at the base of 150-foot bluffs that provide scenic views up and down the river. This is true backcountry camping with no vehicle access, no running water, and no trash facilities. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all drinking water and packing out all trash. The sites are located within mixed woodlands with hilly topography ranging from 15 feet to 150 feet above sea level. While ground fires are not allowed and fire pits are not provided, campers may use downed timber for campfires in fire rings with cooking grates. The park offers hiking trails that lead across wooden bridges, over streams, along the bluff edge, and to the water's edge past a unique geological feature known as the "blowhole" where wind whistles past the bluff. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions and check Connecticut River water levels before arrival, as the campsites are in lowlands and can potentially flood. Reservations are required and walk-ins are not accepted. All campers must break camp by 11am daily and remove all personal belongings and equipment from the site.

Directions

Accessible only by boat on the Connecticut River. No vehicle access or parking available. Launch from nearby public boat ramps and paddle to the campsites located on the west bank in Cromwell.

Nearby Campgrounds