Selden Neck State Park

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 11, 2026

Selden Neck State Park is a public state park in Connecticut near Lyme in New London County. Spanning 607 acres and established in 1917, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

Location & Getting There

Selden Neck State Park is located near Lyme, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 41.3961, -72.4094.

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

Selden Neck 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

Selden Neck — the largest island in the lower Connecticut River — is accessible only by boat, creating one of Connecticut’s most primitive camping experiences. The 528-acre island’s isolation from the mainland produces superior wildlife habitat — ground-nesting birds and colonial waterbirds benefit from reduced predator pressure. The island supports mature floodplain forest with massive silver maples and cottonwoods. Bald eagles roost and hunt from the tall trees. The Connecticut River through this section is a Ramsar “Wetland of International Importance.” River otters, mink, and beaver use the island. The island’s four primitive campsites (accessible only by boat) offer genuine wilderness within 2 hours of New York City — a remarkable juxtaposition.

Nearby Attractions

Gillette Castle State Park — visible from the river — offers tours of William Gillette’s eccentric stone castle. Chester-Hadlyme Ferry (1769) provides river crossing. Chester is one of Connecticut’s premier dining destinations. Deep River hosts the annual Ancient Fife & Drum Muster. Essex — named “The Perfect Small American Town” by the Smithsonian — features the Connecticut River Museum. Pratt House (1648) in Essex is among Connecticut’s oldest structures. Hurd State Park provides cliff-top river views.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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