Kettletown State Park Campground in Southbury, Connecticut: Your Perfect Outdoor Getaway

Kettletown State Park Campground offers a peaceful retreat in the scenic town of Southbury, Connecticut. Spread across 600 acres along the shores of Lake Zoar, this beautiful park was once home to the Pootatuck Indians of the Algonquin group. You’ll find a mix of partially wooded and open camping sites that provide a perfect base for your outdoor adventures.

Due to flood damage, the campground will be closed for the 2025 season, but the park remains open year-round for day use from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. When operational, the campground features 61 sites, including 55 for RVs and tents, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The park’s location on Lake Zoar, an impoundment of the Housatonic River, creates stunning views and opportunities for water recreation that you won’t want to miss.

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Kettletown State Park

Kettletown State Park is a 605-acre natural oasis nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Zoar in Southbury, Connecticut. You’ll find over six miles of trails that traverse through varied terrain, offering scenic overlooks of the picturesque lake and Housatonic River.

The park has a rich history dating back to the Pootatucks, an innovative Algonquin Tribe who once farmed and fished these lands. Local legend suggests early colonists traded just one brass kettle for hunting and fishing rights here, giving the park its distinctive name.

Unfortunately, the campground and several trails are currently closed for the 2025 season due to flood damage from August 2024. However, you can still enjoy the day-use areas including the Miller Trail and youth group campsites, which have reopened.

When fully operational, Kettletown offers diverse recreational opportunities across all four seasons. The William Miller Trail showcases interesting geological features, including glacial erratics — large boulders left behind when the glaciers melted thousands of years ago.

Rating: 4.5 (554 reviews)
Location: 1400 Georges Hill Rd, Southbury, CT 06488
Contact: (203) 264-5678
Website: Visit Website

Why Visit Kettletown State Park Campground

Kettletown State Park Campground offers a perfect escape into nature with beautiful views and plenty of fun activities. This 605-acre park on Lake Zoar provides an ideal setting for both relaxation and adventure.

Natural Beauty and Scenic Views

Kettletown State Park sits on the eastern shore of Lake Zoar, the fifth largest freshwater body in Connecticut. The park’s location provides stunning panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. You’ll be mesmerized by the picturesque Housatonic River vistas from several scenic overlooks.

The campground is nestled among both open and wooded settings, giving you options for your perfect campsite. Some sites offer hillside positions with beautiful lake views below.

The park shines in all four seasons. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers lush green forests, fall delivers spectacular foliage, and winter creates a peaceful snow-covered retreat.

Whether you’re watching the sunset over Lake Zoar or hiking through the wooded trails, the natural beauty at Kettletown will refresh your spirit and connect you with Connecticut’s stunning landscape.

Recreational Activities

With over six miles of hiking trails, Kettletown State Park offers paths for all skill levels across varied terrain. The trails wind through forests and lead to scenic overlooks that reward your efforts with breathtaking views.

Lake Zoar is perfect for water activities. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, or boating on this expansive body of water. The lake’s size makes it ideal for kayaking and canoeing along the shoreline.

The park features a shaded picnic area where you can enjoy meals surrounded by nature. It’s a great spot for family gatherings or a peaceful lunch break.

Camping options cater to everyone’s preferences. Choose from 68 single-family campsites, six cozy cabins, or youth group camping areas. The facilities are well-maintained with clean bathrooms and free hot showers.

Year-round activities make Kettletown worth visiting in any season. From summer swimming to fall hiking and winter exploration, there’s always something to do at this versatile park.

Camping Experience at Kettletown State Park

Kettletown offers a peaceful camping getaway on the shores of Lake Zoar with multiple accommodation options and useful amenities for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.

Types of Campsites Available

Kettletown State Park provides several camping options to match your outdoor style. You can choose from traditional tent sites that put you close to nature under the canopy of trees. These sites are perfect if you love the authentic camping experience.

RV spots are also available if you prefer bringing your home-on-wheels. These sites accommodate various sizes of recreational vehicles while still giving you that woodland setting.

For those who want a bit more comfort, cozy cabins offer a solid roof over your head while still immersing you in the park experience. This is ideal for families with young children or campers who prefer not to sleep on the ground.

The 605-acre park features a lakeside campground with some sites offering scenic views of Lake Zoar, making them particularly popular during summer months.

Campground Facilities and Amenities

The campground provides essential facilities to make your stay comfortable. Clean restrooms and shower facilities help you freshen up after a day of hiking or swimming. Drinking water stations are conveniently located throughout the camping area.

Picnic areas with tables and grills let you enjoy meals in the shade while taking in the natural surroundings. Many sites also include fire rings for evening campfires and marshmallow roasting.

For recreation, you’ll have access to over six miles of hiking trails that showcase diverse terrain and scenic overlooks of Lake Zoar. The lake itself offers swimming and fishing opportunities right from the park.

The campground is open seasonally, typically from spring through fall. You’ll need to make reservations, especially during peak summer weekends when the park becomes a popular destination for families and nature lovers from across Connecticut.