🌤 Weather at Housatonic Meadows State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–72 °F | 53–85 °F | 29–76 °F | 14–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Falls Village, 8 mi away, elevation 550 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Housatonic Meadows State Park is a public state park in Connecticut near Sharon in Northwest Hills Planning Region County. Spanning 452 acres and established in 1927, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Connecticut |
| Nearest City | Sharon |
| County | Northwest Hills Planning Region |
| Park Size | 452 acres |
| Established | 1927 |
Location & Getting There
Housatonic Meadows State Park is located near Sharon, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 41.8331, -73.3828.
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.
Explore More Connecticut State Parks
Housatonic Meadows 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
Housatonic Meadows features some of Connecticut’s finest riverside habitat along the Housatonic River — designated a Trophy Trout section with catch-and-release fly fishing only. Brown trout exceeding 20 inches are regularly caught in these pools and riffles. The river corridor supports one of the highest densities of bald eagles in Connecticut — the open water and abundant fish make it a prime hunting territory. Pine Knob Loop Trail climbs 1,000 feet to panoramic ridge views. The floodplain forest of silver maple, sycamore, and cottonwood creates cathedral-like canopy over the riverside campsites. American mink — sleek, semi-aquatic predators — hunt the riverbanks for crayfish and fish. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows, their patience rewarded with speared fish.
Nearby Attractions
West Cornwall Covered Bridge (1841) is one of Connecticut’s most iconic landmarks — a classic red covered bridge still carrying traffic. Cornwall Bridge Pottery produces handmade stoneware in a scenic riverside studio. Sharon Audubon Center features raptor rehabilitation, nature trails, and one of the best birding spots in northwest Connecticut. Kent Falls State Park — Connecticut’s tallest waterfall — is a short drive south. Mohawk Mountain Ski Area offers winter recreation. The Appalachian Trail crosses the Housatonic at this point — the Iron Bridge crossing is a favorite spot for through-hikers.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Housatonic River Wildlife Management Area is a short drive away, and Mohawk Forest/Mohawk Mountain State Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Housatonic Meadows State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 61 sites — 61 wooded RV/tent sites with picnic table, fire ring, and grate; no hook-ups. $17 resident/$27 non-resident per night plus processing fee. Bathhouses with hot showers, dishwashing, and potable water; dumping station on site. A two-mile stretch of the adjacent Housatonic River is limited to fly fishing only. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Four rustic cabins (in addition to the 61 RV/tent sites): two-room layout with double bed and two bunk beds, comfortably sleeps four with space for up to six. Available Fridays and Saturdays only, two-night minimum. $50 resident/$60 non-resident per night plus processing fee, 15% occupancy tax, and refundable $50 security deposit. |
| Pets | Not permitted in the campground; leashed pets are allowed on trails only. |
| Reservations | Reserve online via Reserve America or by phone at 1-877-668-CAMP (2267). |
| Special sites | Six-person maximum per site. Maximum stay 14 days. No alcohol permitted. Dumping station on site. |
| Season notes | 2026 season: opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, September 7 at noon. |
Camping questions about Housatonic Meadows State Park
Can you camp at Housatonic Meadows State Park?
Yes. Housatonic Meadows State Park has 61 campsites. 61 wooded RV/tent sites with picnic table, fire ring, and grate; no hook-ups. $17 resident/$27 non-resident per night plus processing fee. Bathhouses with hot showers, dishwashing, and potable water; dumping station on site. A two-mile stretch of the adjacent Housatonic River is limited to fly fishing only.
How do you reserve a campsite at Housatonic Meadows State Park?
Reserve online via Reserve America or by phone at 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).
Are there cabins at Housatonic Meadows State Park?
Four rustic cabins (in addition to the 61 RV/tent sites): two-room layout with double bed and two bunk beds, comfortably sleeps four with space for up to six. Available Fridays and Saturdays only, two-night minimum. $50 resident/$60 non-resident per night plus processing fee, 15% occupancy tax, and refundable $50 security deposit.
Are pets allowed at the Housatonic Meadows State Park campground?
Not permitted in the campground; leashed pets are allowed on trails only.
Source: ctparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Housatonic Meadows 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 Housatonic Meadows 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
Plan your gear for Housatonic Meadows State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Connecticut
from $100
from $28from $75