Thomaston Dam
RV Guide
Introduction
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’, Thomaston Dam, covers 849 acres of public land that provides recreational use areas and natural habitat for wildlife. The dam was built in 1960, and is part of a system of dams along the Naugatuck River which provide flood control and create natural ecosystems and park areas. The dam is situated within a few miles of the town of Thomaston, Connecticut, where visitors can access a variety of services and amenities. The Vista picnic area provides a scenic recreation site, at the park, that provides views of sections of the Naugatuck River Valley and the Corps of Engineers dam.
Fishing occurs along the stream, and upland game hunting is permitted in designated areas of the public lands. These areas are carefully managed to maintain healthy ecosystems and populations of wildlife. Open area patch mowing and forest thinning are conducted to ensure wildlife food plots and sites for nesting boxes. Thinning of the forest also ensures the health of tree species in the area. The forested area contains a healthy variety of species including eastern white pine, hemlock, red oak, sugar maple, red maple, birch, ash, black cherry, shagbark and hickory trees.
There are also specific trail areas set aside for trail bikes and snowmobiles maintained in conjunction with local trail biking organizations and an open field where radio controlled model aircraft can be operated, that is maintained by a local model aircraft organization.
Looking to enjoy the Thomaston Dam area with an RV? New to RVing? Check out the following links Connecticut RV Rentals and Beginner Tips How to Drive an RV.
RV Rentals in Thomaston Dam
Transportation
Driving
To reach Thomaston Dam from the local town of Thomaston, travel north on route 222. The dam and project office is 1.5 miles up the road from the town center on the left hand side.
Route 8 can also be taken south from Torrington, Connecticut, or north from Waterbury, Connecticut, which are both well under a 30 minute drive from the recreation site.
There are small paved parking lots near the picnic site and COE office that can accommodate single family vehicles. Large RVs and trailers can not be accommodated and there is no overnight camping at the Thomaston Dam. RVers visiting the area can park their RVs at nearby Black Rock State Campground, and proceed in smaller vehicles to the Thomaston Dam Vista Picnic area.
To get to Black Rock State Campground from Route 8 take exit 38 and head west on US Route 6. The entrance to the park is less than a mile along, on the right hand side.
The trip from Black Rock State Park Campground to Thomaston Dam is a short drive, only 3.6 miles, and takes less than 10 minutes. From the campground turn left to head east on US route 6 for .4 miles then continue onto CT route 109 east. Turn left onto CT Route 254 going north, this road becomes Main Street in Thomaston, and then Route 222 as you leave town. From Thomaston proceed for another mile on route 222 and watch for the Thomaston Dam area on the left.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Thomaston Dam
Campsites in Thomaston Dam
Reservations camping
Black Rock State Park Campground
Open from April until September for RV camping overnight, the Black Rock State Park campground is only minutes away from the Thomaston Dam recreation area. Sites can be reserved at Black Rock State Park Reservations. The State park occupies 429 acres, and there are heavily forested areas, steep landscape features, streams, and a pond situated in the park, accessible from the campground. Fishing in the stream and pond is a popular activity for RV campers at the campground. Other activities include hiking, swimming, and field sports, all of which can be reached from the campground on foot. There are 75 non-electric sites at the campground, and each site has a fire pit and picnic tables available. Other amenities at the campground include ADA accessible sites, a dump station, recycling and waste disposal, firewood, flush toilets, showers, drinking water taps, a ranger station and four rustic cabins which can be reserved. Please note there are no pets allowed at this campground. For more information check out Black Rock State Park.
Seasonal activities in Thomaston Dam
In-Season
Model Aircraft
An open area at the base of the Thomaston Dam, in the Leadmine Brook Recreation Area provides a field for radio controlled model aircraft operators to fly their model aircraft.
A local radio controlled flying club maintains the area, and holds annual events on site. The area is open to the public and provides a fun activity for young and old alike. R/C aircraft flying is a great way to meet people in the area and enjoy a unique activity that everyone can participate in.
Fishing
The Naugatuck River has several species of fish for anglers to enjoy catching on fishing expeditions. Streamside fishing is popular during the summer months. There are several native species and stocked fish in the river, and the smaller tributary brooks in the area. Ensure you have the appropriate state fishing license, and are aware of rules and regulations for the area. Check out Fishing Regulations for more information.
Trail Biking
A designated trail biking area was formed in 1975 by the Thomaston Dam Recreational, on the west side of the lake/reservoir, that is open from May through September, from 8 AM to sunset. Three and four wheeled ATVs are not permitted.
Trail bikes are somewhat lighter than traditional motocross bikes and have less impact on the trail system and environment than other bikes and ATVs. This trail system is very popular, and highly trafficked on weekends. Ensure you have appropriate safety equipment and state registration for your vehicle, and that your bike is equipped with a muffler and spark arrestor.
The trails are maintained in conjunction with a local motorcycle club. However, please note that when the water level in the reservoir is high, or conditions are overly wet, this off road trail system can be impacted and the trails deemed off limits to users. Check water levels and trail access by calling 860-283-5540.
Off-Season
Hunting
The Thomaston Dam, Corps of Engineers federal lands provide over 800 acres of natural habitat for local wildlife that can be harvested by hunters in the appropriate season. Conduct hunting activities in accordance with hunting rules and regulations for the State of Connecticut. See Hunting Regulations.
Species available in the area for harvest during hunting include upland game, white-tailed deer, and stocked pheasants. Use caution during hunting season and observe gun safety practices to ensure everyone has a safe hunt!
Cross Country Skiing
Glide through the forested trails on the west side of the reservoir on cross country skis to enjoy the natural area at Thomaston Dam during the winter months. These trails are shared with snowmobilers, so be aware of your surroundings to avoid mishaps.
Cross country skiers should ensure they have adequate winter clothing. Dress in layers that can be easily shed and put back on to ensure you do not overheat during activity, or chill during rest breaks, and bring your own drinking water supply during the winter months.
Snowmobiling
The Trail Bike paths and trails are wide enough for snowmobilers in the winter and snowmobiling is permitted The area is located on the west side of the reservoir, and during the winter months, is shared with cross country skiers, so ensure you keep an eye out for skiers and observe caution around blind corners and on hills.
Snowmobiles should have appropriate registrations for their vehicles and safety equipment is highly recommended. The trails are open from 8 AM until sunset for snowmobiling when snow pack permits this activity.
