East River State Park is a public state park in Connecticut near New York in Kings County County. Established in 2007, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Connecticut |
| Nearest City | New York |
| County | Kings County |
| Established | 2007 |
Location & Getting There
East River State Park is located near New York, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 40.7217727, -73.9621944.
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
East River State Park 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
East River State Park protects a tidal inlet along Connecticut’s Long Island Sound coast — where freshwater streams meet salt water, creating a brackish estuary. These mixing zones are extraordinarily productive — the nutrient exchange between fresh and salt water supports diverse food webs. Fiddler crabs scuttle across the mud flats at low tide, their males waving oversized claws to attract mates. Snowy egrets and green herons stalk the shallows. The tidal flats support ribbed mussels — each filtering up to 10 gallons of water per day — collectively cleaning millions of gallons. Diamondback terrapins — the only turtle adapted to brackish water — nest in sandy areas above the high-tide line.
Nearby Attractions
Hammonasset Beach State Park — Connecticut’s most visited state park — offers 2 miles of Long Island Sound beach and excellent birding at Meigs Point. Madison has a charming town center with independent bookstores and restaurants. Guilford Green — one of New England’s largest and most beautiful town greens — is surrounded by colonial architecture. Thimble Islands boat tours from Stony Creek explore tiny granite islands with fascinating stories. Dudley Farm Museum in Guilford preserves a working farm from the 1840s — with heritage livestock breeds and traditional farming demonstrations.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Mianus River Park (within about an hour’s drive) and Sherwood Island State Park (elsewhere in the state).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at East River State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Pets must be leashed and under control at all times; in state forest camping areas the leash may be no longer than 7 feet.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas; Sherwood Island and Squantz Pond State Parks ban pets entirely April 15 - September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from all state park campgrounds; they are allowed only in the American Legion, Pachaug and Salt Rock state forest campgrounds, but not on rustic cabin sites.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited year-round at Dinosaur State Park and in the formal gardens and beach at Harkness Memorial State Park.
Are dogs allowed at East River State Park?
Pets on a leash are permitted in most Connecticut state parks and forests, but not in buildings, swimming areas or state park campgrounds. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via portal.ct.gov. More: Connecticut state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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