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Hiking/camping

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:59 pm
by myglimk2
Was wondering if there is any place in CT where I can take the family on a hike somewhere into the woods and just pitch a tent and camp out for a day or two? Would like to stay away from "campgrounds" and civilization, and just rough it out in mother nature. No running water, no electricity, just some good ol' camping! 8)

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 4:16 pm
by AGust82
Don't do it in a State forest unless it's one that has approved camp sites. If caught you'll get a fat ticket.
That being said, a large State forest is perfect for this. I've see tons of evidence of camping/late night partying in every state forest I've ever hunted. Just keep a low profile, especially with your vehicle. DEEP has way better things to do than patrol the woods at night looking for campers to ticket.

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 4:25 pm
by Hermes
If you want to do it all on the up-and-up, there are many backpacking shelters in various state forests:

http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=27 ... v_GID=1621

Permits are free - you just have to ask for them.

It says to mail a letter two weeks in advance, but I've called them on the Thursday asking for a permit for the weekend, and they've emailed it to me.

One of my favorites is Breakneck Pond - the shelter is right next to the pond and the pond has a fair amount of fish and is also good for a refreshing swim.

Alternatively, drive a little further and hit either the Catskills or the Green Mountains. You can camp off of the trail in either of those areas, and again, there are backpacking shelters scattered throughout.

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 7:37 pm
by myglimk2
Thanks for the advice and suggestions guys!
Keep em coming! 8)

Posted: Fri Jun 15, 2012 6:52 am
by MessEleven
I seem to recall a spot or two on Rt 7 along the Housatonic River, north of Kent. State parks, I believe...and there's a rafting outfit up there for a little bonus adventure.