🌤 Weather at River Highlands State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–71 °F | 60–85 °F | 35–76 °F | 20–42 °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 Hartford Brainard Field, 8 mi away, elevation 19 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
River Highlands State Park is a public state park in Connecticut in Middlesex County. Spanning 5,900 acres and established in 1995, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Connecticut |
| County | Middlesex |
| Park Size | 5,900 acres |
| Established | 1995 |
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
River Highlands 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
River Highlands State Park provides Connecticut River frontage in Cromwell — offering walking trails through floodplain forest and meadow. The park demonstrates how even small river parks contribute to the ecological health of the Connecticut River corridor. The meadows attract migrating butterflies, including monarchs that follow the river valley southward each fall. Eastern bluebirds use nest boxes placed throughout the meadow — these cavity-nesting birds depend on human-provided boxes since the old orchards and fence posts they historically nested in have largely disappeared. The Connecticut River’s improving water quality has attracted increasing numbers of fishing ospreys and bald eagles. The park’s accessible terrain makes it suitable for visitors of all abilities.
Nearby Attractions
Cromwell Meadows WMA offers floodplain birding along the Connecticut River. Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill preserves 500+ Jurassic dinosaur tracks. Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry (1655) is America’s oldest continuously operating ferry. Wethersfield has one of Connecticut’s finest colonial historic districts. Glastonbury features farm stands, cider mills, and the Riverfront Boathouse. TPC River Highlands in Cromwell hosts the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area (a short drive away) and Rocky Hill Dinosaur Track (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at River Highlands State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 2 sites — 2 primitive river campsites on the Connecticut River, accessible only by canoe or kayak. No hookups, no running water, no fire pits/ground fires permitted. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets are not permitted in the camping area. |
| Reservations | Reservations required (no walk-ins) via Reserve America, connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 1-877-668-CAMP; fee is $5 per person per night. |
| Special sites | Boat-in only — no vehicular access and no overnight parking; part of the statewide river-camping network alongside Hurd, Gillette Castle and Selden Neck. One-night stay limit only; campers must break camp by 11:00 AM. |
| Season notes | Open May 1 through September 30. |
Camping questions about River Highlands State Park
Can you camp at River Highlands State Park?
Yes. River Highlands State Park has 2 campsites. 2 primitive river campsites on the Connecticut River, accessible only by canoe or kayak. No hookups, no running water, no fire pits/ground fires permitted.
How do you reserve a campsite at River Highlands State Park?
Reservations required (no walk-ins) via Reserve America, connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com or 1-877-668-CAMP; fee is $5 per person per night.
Are pets allowed at the River Highlands State Park campground?
Pets are not permitted in the camping area.
Source: portal.ct.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at River Highlands 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 River Highlands 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 River Highlands State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
