Housatonic Meadows State Park

Housatonic Meadows State Park stretches along a two-mile corridor of the Housatonic River in Sharon, Connecticut, in the quiet northwest corner of the state. The park is defined almost entirely by its relationship with the river: the campground sits right along its banks, the Appalachian Trail crosses through the surrounding hills, and the cold, clear water draws fly fishers from across the region who consider this one of the premier trout fishing destinations in New England.

Fly Fishing the Housatonic River

The river is the reason most people come here. The Housatonic through this stretch is designated a catch-and-release trophy trout fishery, with strict regulations protecting a population of large wild brown and rainbow trout. The two-mile catch-and-release section directly through the park is managed for quality fishing, and the results show. Anglers wade the riffles and pools with dry flies and nymphs, working water that consistently produces fish in the 14- to 20-inch range and larger. The river flows cold and well-oxygenated here, keeping trout active through the warmer months when other Connecticut streams slow down. A Connecticut fishing license is required, and anglers should review the special regulations that apply specifically to this section before fishing. Waders are strongly recommended, as the riverbed is rocky and uneven.

Camping Along the River

The campground at Housatonic Meadows is one of the more appealing in Connecticut’s state park system, not because of amenities but because of location. Many sites sit close enough to the river that you can hear the current from your tent. The campground has 61 wooded sites accommodating tents and RVs, with flush toilets and hot showers available in the main comfort station. There are no hookups. Sites vary considerably in size and privacy, so it is worth looking at a site map when making a reservation, particularly if you want a riverfront site. The campground operates from late May through early September, and summer weekends fill quickly.

Hiking and the Appalachian Trail

The park connects directly to the Appalachian Trail, which runs along Pine Knob on the hillside above the river valley. The Pine Knob Loop is the most popular hike in the area, a roughly four-mile circuit that climbs through hardwood forest to open ledges with long views west into New York. The climb is moderate but steady, gaining several hundred feet before leveling out near the summit. The trailhead is located across Route 7 from the main campground entrance. In addition to the Pine Knob Loop, the AT itself passes through and can be followed north or south for longer day hikes into the surrounding Litchfield Hills. Trail conditions can be muddy in spring, and the ledges near the top of Pine Knob can be slippery when wet.

Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome on trails throughout the park but are not permitted in the campground. The leash must be six feet or shorter at all times. Pets are not permitted in the picnic areas or in any park buildings. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Black bears are active throughout the park and surrounding forest, and they have learned to associate campgrounds with food. Bears at Housatonic Meadows regularly investigate campsites, so food storage is not optional. Store all food, coolers, scented toiletries, and garbage in your vehicle or in a hard-sided container when not in use. Never leave food unattended at a campsite, and do not store anything scented inside a tent. If you encounter a bear, make yourself look large, make noise, and back away slowly. Do not run.

Timber rattlesnakes are present on the rocky ledges and outcrops along the Pine Knob trail and elsewhere in the hillside terrain above the river. They are not commonly seen but should be taken seriously. Stay on marked trails, watch where you step and where you place your hands when scrambling over rocks, and give any snake you encounter a wide berth. Rattlesnakes in Connecticut are a protected species, so do not disturb or attempt to handle them.

Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are abundant throughout the park, particularly in tall grass, shrubby edges between fields and woods, and along trail margins. Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking, treat clothing and gear with permethrin, and apply EPA-registered insect repellent to exposed skin. Do a thorough tick check after any time outdoors, paying attention to the back of the knees, underarms, hairline, and behind the ears. Remove any attached tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers.

Practical Information

Housatonic Meadows State Park is located at 49 Route 7 in Sharon, Connecticut. The main entrance is on Route 7, approximately two miles north of the junction with Route 4 in Cornwall Bridge. The nearest town with gas, groceries, and dining is Cornwall Bridge, just a short drive south on Route 7.

Connecticut residents park free under the Passport to the Parks program; out-of-state visitors may be subject to parking fees on summer weekends. Camping rates are $17 per night for Connecticut residents and $27 per night for non-residents. Campground reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and can be made through Reserve America. The campground is open late May through early September. Day-use visitors are welcome throughout the warmer months, and fishing access along the river is available year-round.