Community Corner
Devil's Hopyard Among 14 State Campgrounds Closing as Irene Lurches Toward State
Malloy issues statement closing Connecticut's state parks and campgrounds on Saturday.
The campgrounds will close at noon, and possibly earlier, on Saturday. The parks will close at sunset.
All Connecticut parks will close at sunset on Saturday as Irene approaches the state, and all state park campgrounds will close at noon on Saturday, unless weather conditions dictate an earlier closing, the governor’s office has announced.
The state parks and campgrounds will remain closed until further notice.
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Hurricane Irene is forecast to hit Connecticut on Sunday afternoon and will be a powerful, dangerous storm,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Thursday. “Although I recognize the inconvenience of having to pack up and leave earlier than planned or having to cancel a day at the parks with family, it is imperative that all of our state residents and visitors be in a secure, safe location until this storm passes. I urge everyone to monitor weather conditions and be prepared for all contingencies.”
“We know that many families have reserved camp sites for this weekend and have been looking forward to spending time with families and friends. This storm, however, looks like it is going to impact the entire state,” said Daniel C. Esty, commissioner of the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which oversees state parks and campgrounds. “Given the latest information available, closing our parks and campgrounds is the safe thing to do.”
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Campers can receive full refunds for the nights they won’t be able to use their reservations. Campers can find information on how to obtain a refund by visiting the DEEP Camping website. They can also go to the ReserveAmerica or call at 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).
The 14 state campgrounds – which have more than 1,400 campsites – are:
American Legion State Forest, Barkhamsted
Black Rock State Park, Watertown
Devils Hopyard, East Haddam
Green Falls (Pachaug State Forest), Voluntown
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
Hopeville Pond State Park, Griswold
Housatonic Meadows State Park, Cornwall
Kettletown State Park, Southbury
Lake Waramaug State Park, Kent
Macedonia Brook State Park, Kent
Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Pomfret
Mt. Misery (Pachaug State Forest), Voluntown
Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
Salt Rock Campground, Sprague
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