Campbell Falls State Park Reserve
Campbell Falls State Park Reserve is a public state park in Connecticut near Norfolk in Litchfield County. Spanning 102 acres and established in 1923, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Connecticut |
| Nearest City | Norfolk |
| County | Litchfield |
| Park Size | 102 acres |
| Established | 1923 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Campbell Falls State Park Reserve is located near Norfolk, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 42.0500, -73.2333.
Things to Do
Connecticut’s compact state park system packs diverse experiences into a small state — from Long Island Sound beaches and tidal marshes to Appalachian ridgeline trails, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Activities include swimming at supervised lake and ocean beaches, hiking along the Blue-Blazed Trail system that connects many state parks, fishing in stocked trout streams and coastal waters, camping in forested settings, biking rail-trails and park roads, nature study at wildlife management areas, rock climbing at Ragged Mountain, kayaking coastal estuaries, and exploring historic sites from Revolutionary War battlefields to industrial-era heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Connecticut parks are at their best from May through October. Summer (June–August) brings peak beach season along Long Island Sound and warm lake swimming inland. Spring delivers azalea and mountain laurel blooms (Connecticut’s state flower), plus rushing waterfalls. Fall foliage in Connecticut peaks mid-to-late October and can be spectacular along ridgeline parks like Sleeping Giant and Talcott Mountain. Winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful forest hiking when trails are less crowded. All Connecticut state parks are free for pedestrians year-round; vehicle parking fees ($10–$22 for non-residents) apply at beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Visitor Tips
Connecticut state parks are free for walk-in visitors year-round. Vehicle parking fees ($10 residents / $15–$22 non-residents) apply at beach parks during summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Inland parks are typically free year-round. Camping is available at select parks — reservations through ReserveAmerica. Connecticut’s compact size means most parks are within a 90-minute drive of any point in the state, making day trips easy. Dogs are allowed on leash but prohibited at swimming areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Connecticut state parks free?
Connecticut state parks are free for walk-in and bicycle visitors year-round. Vehicle parking fees ($10-$22 for non-residents) apply at beach and lake parks during summer. Inland trail parks are typically free.
What are the best state parks in Connecticut?
Top parks include Sleeping Giant (panoramic views), Hammonasset (largest beach park), Talcott Mountain (Heublein Tower), Gillette Castle (riverfront estate), and Kent Falls (tallest waterfall).
Can I see waterfalls at Connecticut state parks?
Yes, Kent Falls State Park features a 250-foot multi-tiered waterfall cascade — the tallest in Connecticut. Other waterfall parks include Wadsworth Falls and Enders State Forest.
When does beach season start at Connecticut state parks?
Beach season at Connecticut coastal parks runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty. Parking fees for non-residents apply during this period. Arrive early on summer weekends as lots fill quickly.
Explore More Connecticut State Parks
Campbell Falls State Park Reserve is one of many outstanding state parks in Connecticut. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Connecticut guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Campbell Falls tumbles 50+ feet through a narrow hemlock ravine on the Connecticut-Massachusetts border — one of the most scenic waterfalls in either state. The hemlock ravine creates a cool, shaded microclimate that supports species typical of more northern forests — Canada yew, hobblebush, and yellow birch thrive here. Eastern hemlock has been severely impacted by the hemlock woolly adelgid — an invasive Asian insect that has killed hemlocks across the eastern US since the 1980s. The loss of hemlocks fundamentally changes stream ecosystems — cold-water fish like brook trout lose the shade that keeps streams cool. Winter wrens nest in the ravine’s root masses, filling the gorge with their complex, bubbling song.
Nearby Attractions
Bash Bish Falls in neighboring Massachusetts is a dramatic 60-foot waterfall — the tallest single-drop waterfall in Massachusetts. Salisbury features Connecticut’s highest point — Mount Frissell’s south slope at 2,380 feet (the summit is technically in Massachusetts). The Appalachian Trail passes through northwest Connecticut — the challenging section over Bear Mountain and Lion’s Head offers the best ridgeline hiking in the state. Lime Rock Park in Lakeville is a legendary road racing circuit operating since 1957. Hotchkiss School and Salisbury School — elite prep schools — reflect the area’s association with old New England wealth.
