Just imagine yourself sitting around a crackling fire under the brightly lit night sky listening to the Shepaug River meandering downstream. At Steep Rock, campers are surrounded by nature. Steep Rock offers tent camping at three different sites located right along the River. We invite you to come experience Steep Rock in a new way!
Camping Season at Steep Rock is Now Open
The 2025 Camping Season begins on April 18!
Steep Rock Preserve is not your traditional campground. We offer three remote and primitive campsite sites, two on wooded lots (SR1 and SR3) and one in an open field (SR2). Details on each campsite are highlighted below.
All campsites must be reserved through our online reservation system.
Weekend camping at all sites is a 2-night minimum. Campsite availability and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Campsites can be reserved for a maximum of 3 consecutive nights. If you attempt to book more than 3 nights, the system will display “no availability.”
CAMPING FEE: $50 per night / per camping site. Fee includes firewood for each night reserved. A $3.50 processing fee is charged for online reservations.
PLEASE NOTE: Campsite reservations must be made at least 3 business days in advance to ensure the site is prepared, including firewood availability. If you book with less than 3 days’ notice, SRA cannot guarantee the site will be ready or that firewood will be available.
SR 1
This site is suitable for group camping. Amenities include a grill, a campfire ring, two picnic tables, and a firewood rack. An outhouse is located on the woodland path between sites SR1 and SR2. No vehicle access; parking is in the main lot at the entrance to the Preserve.
Directions to campsite
Directions: Located on the west bank of the river, Site SR1 is approximately a 0.5-mile hike down the River’s Edge Loop (i.e. green circle trail). From the River’s Edge Loop, follow the signs for SR 1 down a short path that brings you to the campsite.
SR 2
This site is suitable for group camping. Amenities include a grill, a campfire ring, two picnic tables, and a firewood rack. An outhouse is located on the woodland path between sites SR1 and SR2. No vehicle access; parking is in the main lot at the entrance to the Preserve.
Directions to campsite
Directions: Located on the west bank of the river, Site SR2 is approximately a 0.7-mile hike down the River’s Edge Loop (i.e. green circle trail). From the River’s Edge Loop, follow the signs for SR2 down a short path that brings you to the campsite.
SR 3
Set in the pines a short distance above the river with a beautiful view north, this site accommodates up to 6 campers. Amenities include a campfire ring, picnic table, and firewood rack. An outhouse is located at campsite SR3. Vehicle access and parking are available near the campsite, with a short path leading directly from the parking area to the site.
Directions to campsite
Directions: Vehicle access; This site is located on the east bank of the river near the end of Tunnel Road (just before the road climbs upward) and down a short path off the small parking area.
Information
PLEASE NOTE: Three business days are required prior to reserving a campsite so we have time to ensure the site is prepared for your visit.
While enjoying our trails, please be courteous and respectful of other visitors. Wildlife such as bears are common, especially when actively nesting and raising young. It is important to be “Bear Aware” and you can follow this helpful guide from DEEP.
We emphasize “Leave No Trace” practices to ensure quality experiences for everyone.
The Emerald Ash Borer has been discovered in Connecticut and we are very concerned about other potential invasive species being introduced; therefore, we will provide firewood at each reserved camping site. Steep Rock provides all firewood and kindling. Please do not bring firewood into Steep Rock Preserve.
Trails within the SRA system pass through or near our campsites. Because of this, privacy cannot be guaranteed at all campsites at all times. Please be mindful of hikers near your site.
Please check availability and reserve online here.
If you have any questions prior to your visit, please call the office at 860-868-9131 or e-mail info@steeprockassoc.org. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 8am- 4pm.
Please see our full list of camping rules below.
Camping Rules
Please note: Three business days are required prior to reserving a campsite so we have time to ensure the site is in good condition for your visit.
Camping rules
- Tent camping only. No Campers or Trailers.
- Arrival time: 2:00 p.m.; Departure time: 11:00 a.m. Maximum 3 night stay.
- Camping fees: $50.00 per night, per camping site.
- Camping fees are non-refundable. Fees are due at the time of reservation.
- Steep Rock Association reserves the right to cancel a reservation at our discretion.
- Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times and all pet waste bagged and removed from the Preserve. This is for the safety of your dogs, our visitors, and the ecology of our preserves.
- Maximum 20 campers per site at sites SR1 and SR2. Maximum 6 campers per site at site SR3.
- No alcohol or weapons allowed.
- Quiet Hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily
- Remove all tent pegs. Fill and level all holes and ditches.
- Pack in all equipment. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices are restricted. For additional information, contact the SRA office at (860) 868-9131. Park cars in designated parking areas.
- Please leave the site at least as neat and clean as you found it.
- Campfires are permitted only in designated grills and/or fire rings. Do not leave fires unattended. Fires are prohibited if CT DEEP Fire Danger Rating is “High”, “Very High”, or “Extreme”. It is your responsibility to determine the Fire Danger Rating before lighting a fire.
- Do not cut standing timber. Use only firewood provided at site. Do not harm trees by chopping, carving, or driving nails. Do not bring in your own firewood.
- Do not litter: please carry out what you carry in.