This drive-in campground remains closed following tornado damage that struck in May 2018, affecting the main entrance and parking areas near Mount Carmel Avenue. The facility previously operated as a day-use picnic area with shelters and pavilions rather than overnight camping, though tent sites were available here decades ago.
Before the storm, the picnic shelter areas featured tree coverage and accommodated both families and larger groups. Morrow L. notes the pavilion areas "were well shaded by trees and were a wonderful place to bring the family or even large groups of people for a party." The site connects to Sleeping Giant State Park's trail system, which offers multiple hiking routes of varying difficulty levels leading to ridge-top viewpoints.
Access requires driving to the Mount Carmel Avenue entrance across from Quinnipiac University, though this area underwent significant clearing and reconstruction work following the tornado damage. The park's trail network remains a draw for hikers, with some sections presenting considerable challenges while others accommodate all skill levels. A shorter, level trail loops around the former picnic area.
For current overnight options, campers can explore places to camp near Hamden or consider nearby alternatives like New England Cottages to the northeast.
Location
Public CampgroundSleeping Giant Picnic Shelter - CLOSED is located in Connecticut
Coordinates
41.42166666 N
72.90166655 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/25/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/25/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 11 min from New Haven, CT
- 19 min from Waterbury, CT
- 27 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 32 min from Hartford, CT
