Housatonic Meadows State Park is a 452-acre dramatic camping park surrounded by the Housatonic River and the rugged hills of the north-western uplands in Sharon, Connecticut. With nothing but nature to surround you, this camping park is a popular RV holiday spot for those looking to get away from it all and leave the Wi-Fi behind.
Campsites for tents and RVs are located beneath towering pines on the riverbank and the star-gazing here is simply astonishing. Set up camp and enjoy fishing for trout and bass in the cool waters of the river, go hiking through the gorgeous valley or biking along the nearby trails. In the off season, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing for those after a little wintertime adventure.
Nature lovers will be in their element at Housatonic Meadows State Park. The riverfront is one of the best spots in the state for bird watching, so bring along your canoe and your binoculars – with 450 species of birds recorded, you never know what you might see!
Housatonic Meadows State Park is located along Route 7 in Sharon, Connecticut. There are no driving restrictions within the park so you shouldn’t have any issues getting around by car or by large rig; however, due to tall trees along the riverfront, not all the campsites are suitable for big rig access.
Once you've set up camp, there are hiking and biking trails to discover and a river you can explore by non-motorized boat. Gravel parking is available within the park.
Housatonic Meadows State Park is home to 95 campsites and four cabins scattered under tall pines near and along the banks of the river. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire pit. Campers have access to restrooms, showers, drinking water, and an off-site dump station.
Take note that the waterfront campsites are not particularly big rig friendly due to large trees, and the campsites up near the office are more suitable to RVs. The camping season runs from May to September. Please note that alcohol is not permitted inside the park.
Other facilities within the park include hiking and biking trails, an amphitheater, a pay telephone, firewood, first aid kit, horseshoe pits, playing fields, and a ranger station. There is also a recycling center. Pets are not permitted in the campground.
Housatonic Meadows State Park is the perfect spot to try your hand at fishing for trout and bass. Fly fishing is particularly popular here too. There are two miles of riverfront reserved just for fishing, which is perfect for beginners.
Bring along your bicycle and explore the walking trails and wilderness areas of Housatonic Meadows State Park by foot or by mountain bike. The Appalachian Trail is just down the road where you can enjoy a quick loop hike called Pine Knob Loop Trail. This will take you about two and a half hours with some climbing.
Housatonic Meadows State Park is a popular spot for leisurely boating in the summer months. Please note that only non-motorized boating is permitted here, so bring along your kayak or canoe to explore the park from the water. The river is a fantastic spot to enjoy bird and wildlife watching.
Birders will be in their element at Housatonic Meadows State Park. The riverfront is one of the best birding spots in Connecticut. Nearly 450 species of birds have been identified in this small state so your chances of spotting some interesting birds are pretty high. You may see flocks of shorebirds in the fall, such as the Semi-palmated sandpiper or the Black-bellied plover, or even some unusual sparrows. Don’t forget your binoculars!
There are various outdoor facilities available at Housatonic Meadows State Park to enjoy all year round. Challenge the family to a game of soccer on the playing fields, or test out the horseshoe pits. Alternatively, the hiking and biking trails are great to enjoy in the off season when there are fewer crowds and more wildlife about. Pack those cameras!
Enjoy leisurely family picnics at Housatonic Meadows State Park all year round. There are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy, and set up your own blanket such as along the riverbed, or on the meadows. There are picnic tables and fire pits available for both day visitors and campers.
