Swimming, fishing, and hiking all come together at Black Rock State Park Campground, a forested state park campground in Watertown, Connecticut, open from May through September. The park sits alongside a lake that draws anglers and swimmers throughout the summer, and several hiking trails branch out from the campground into the surrounding woods. Sites run $17 to $50 per night, with electric, water, and sewer hookups available for RV campers alongside a dump station and water fill station.
Site layout varies across the campground. Some spots sit in open areas with little tree cover, while sites in the higher-numbered sections toward the back tend to offer more shade and proximity to a stream. Reviewers consistently note that most sites are not secluded, and the campground can feel crowded during peak summer weekends. Noise levels depend heavily on neighboring campers. Staff have drawn positive comments for friendliness, and showers are available on-site and described as reliably hot.
The online site map has caused some confusion for first-time visitors, so calling ahead to confirm site location before arrival is worth the effort. Pets are allowed, and campfires are permitted. Stores are within a short drive, making resupply straightforward. Nearby points of interest include Leatherman Cave, Whitestone Cliffs, and Buttermilk Falls. Campers who want a private campground experience in the same general area can look at Branch Brook Campground as an alternative, or browse places to camp near Thomaston for additional options in the region.
Description
Tucked into the scenic rolling hills of the Western Highlands, 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Steep, wooded ledges covered with pine, hemlock and oak trees provide the setting for Black Rock Pond. The name Black Rock is derived from the local graphite deposits which the early settlers of the Naugatuck Valley were allowed to mine by the resident Indians around 1657. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of the Western Highlands while hiking the blue-blazed Mattatuck Trail which connects the park to the woodland sections of the Mattatuck State Forest.
- ALCOHOL AND PETS ARE PROHIBITED AT THIS CAMPGROUND
- THE PRIMARY occupant of the campsite:
(1) Must be present to check in and register for the campsite.
(2) Must be 18 years of age or older (21 for cabins)
(3) Must present valid government issued photo identification.
(4) Must provide valid vehicle registration and if necessary the camper registration.
(5) Must list the first and last names of camping party as only the names listed are allowed to occupy the campsite. - CHECK-OUT time is 12 noon. Check-in time is 1:00 PM (2:00 PM for cabins). Campers will not be allowed to check-in after 10:00 PM.
- CAMP VISITORS are allowed to enter state campgrounds from 8:00 AM until sunset, and may stay until 10:00 PM. Daily Parking rates may apply. Visitors must use designated parking areas.
- FIREWOOD - In an effort to protect Connecticut's forests from the introduction and spread of destructive insect pests, bringing firewood into State of CT campgrounds and state parks from other states is strictly prohibited. As an alternative, firewood can be purchased locally.
- LENGTH OF STAY - The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days. If you have a 14 day reservation, after that reservation, all members of your camping party and your camping equipment must vacate the park for 5 days before you can reserve a site again.
- PRIOR TO finishing a reservation transaction, the Internet customer is asked to Agree to all the terms given. Refunds are not available for misunderstanding of terms.
- BLACK BEARS, deer, skunks, raccoons and other wildlife share this space with you; please plan to store all food, hygiene items and trash in appropriate containers or in your vehicle.
FIREWORKS of any kind, including sparklers, are prohibited in CT State Parks.
ADDITIONAL information can be found through the following links:
Connecticut State Parks and Forests News and Info
Friends of CT State Parks
Camping in CT State Parks
EXPLORE the natural and cultural histories of Connecticut State Parks and Forests through interpretation! Interpretive events are listed on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website listed below. Take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more! Perform a "Keyword" search for this park/forest and then join a program. Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff. For additional information please call the DEEP Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200 or follow the below link to the DEEP's Calendar of Events:
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
**Bathrooms are not available at this campground until Memorial Day. Portable toilets are available prior to Memorial Day.** **After Labor Day, campsites are available for advance reservations on Friday and Saturday nights, and are available to walk-ins on Sunday - Thursday nights. Cabins are not available after Labor Day. The campground closes for the season on Columbus Day.** **Sites 24, 26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, and 35 will be upgraded from standard non-electric to standard electric. Although these sites are currently listed as non-electric, all reservations for June 22 and beyond will be charged at the standard electric rate. If you prefer a non-electric site for dates after June 22, please select an alternative site when making your reservation.**
Map & DirectionsBlack Rock State Park Campground is located in Connecticut near Thomaston
Directions
- From Route 8 north, take Exit 38. - Turn left at the end of the exit ramp to the first traffic light. - Turn left at the second traffic light onto US Route 6 west. - Park entrance is 3/4 mile ahead, on the right.
Address
2085 Thomaston Rd
Watertown, CT 06795
Coordinates
41.65317991 N
73.1002805 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/13/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageLast on 5/25/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/13/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/13/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageLast on 5/25/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 7 min from Waterbury, CT
- 33 min from Hartford, CT
- 35 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 39 min from New Haven, CT
