We have some incredible state parks in Connecticut. Are you looking for trails, lakes, woods, a campground, and more? You can find it at Kettletown State Park. This 600-acre park is located right on the beautiful Lake Zoar. You’ll find a great variety of trails here, from kid-friendly hikes to longer treks that take hours. There’s a lot to do here, and since there’s a campground, you can spend several days in this lovely area. No matter what time of year you visit, adventure awaits, and you’ll want to experience the Kettletown State Park campground for yourself. 

We feel that Kettletown State Park is one of the most underrated parks in the Nutmeg State. This 605-acre oasis was once inhabited by the Pootatuck tribe.
Kettletown State Park campground
Bill Holter/Alltrails
The park's name is derived from local legend. Supposedly, nearby colonists traded one brass kettle to the tribe in exchange for hunting and fishing rights on the land.
You'll find several trails here. All are scenic, and there's a good variety of difficulties and lengths.
Saudi Baugio/Alltrails
The shortest trail, the Brook Trail, follows along the Kettletown Brook for 0.8 miles. It's a great easy, kid-friendly hike that won't take too long but provides lovely views.
Nancy V/Alltrails
There are also more difficult trails here for experienced hikers, with several miles worth of loop trails on the premises.
mary Castro/Alltrails
The park lies right alongside Lake Zoar, a reservoir of the Housatonic River. It's a great area for fishing
Eric Jordan/Google Maps
The lake isn't stocked by the state, but several rivers that flow into it are stocked with trout each year, so there's usually plenty to be caught in the lake.
You'll find nearly 60 camp sites here, with options for wooded and open lots.
Peter Galvin/Flickr
With so much to do here at Kettletown State Park, it's the perfect place to spend the afternoon, or maybe even a few days!
Jack Zalium/Flickr

For more information about Kettletown State Park, check out the Connecticut State Parks website.

Have you ever visited this great state park in Connecticut? If so, what did you enjoy about it the most? Share your experiences in the comments below!

And if you would like to spend more time in nature, here are the best outdoor adventures in Connecticut.  

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KETTLETOWN STATE PARK CAMPGROUND & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | April 11, 2023

Is there year-round camping at Kettletown State Park Campground?

Kettletown State Park Campground opens seasonally and it’s a great place for camping in Connecticut. The season begins during the last week of May and ends the first week in October. If you’re searching for campsites that offer year-round camping in Connecticut, here are 3 of the best: 

  • Markham Meadows Campground, East Hampton
  • Acorn Acres Campground, Bozrah
  • Aces High RV Park, East Lyme
  • Brialee Family Campground, Ashford
  • Mystic KOA Holiday, North Stonington


Here’s a previous article about a great campsite featuring year-round camping in Connecticut.

Aside from  Kettletown State Park Campground, what are some of the best Connecticut campgrounds?

If you’re searching for the best Connecticut campgrounds, here are 10 campsites that offer great amenities: 

  • Cozy Hills Campground, Bantam
  • Wilderness Lake Campground & Resort, Willington
  • Black Rock State Park, Watertown
  • Hidden Acres Family Campground, Preston
  • West Thompson Lake Campground, North Grosvenor Dale
  • White Pines Campsites, Barkhamsted
  • Charlie Brown Campground, Eastford
  • Lake Waramaug State Park Campground, Preston
  • Beaver Pines Campground, Woodstock
  • Brialee Family Campground, Ashford


Be sure to check out this previous article with more information about the best Connecticut campgrounds.

What are the best state parks in Connecticut?

There are over 100 state parks in Connecticut as well as over 30 state forests with Pachaug State Forest being the largest. Other state parks include:

  • Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
  • Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown
  • Bigelow Hollow State Park, Union
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
  • Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic
  • Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
  • Silver Sands State Park, Milford
  • Devil's Hopyard State Park, East Haddam
  • Lovers Leap State Park, New Milford
  • Penwood State Park, Bloomfield


Here’s a previous article that features some of the best state parks in Connecticut. 

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Kettletown State Park, 1400 Georges Hill Rd, Southbury, CT 06488, USA