There are few places in Connecticut that are truly isolated. But at this remote campsite on the Connecticut River, you will feel like you are a million miles from home. You can only access this private island by boat, but it is worth giving up your car and taking a paddle downstream to enjoy this secluded spot.
Selden Neck State Park is located on a 528-acre island in the Connecticut River. It is the state’s largest island and many don’t know it exists.
Google Maps Until 1854, Selden Neck was just a piece of land jutting out into the Connecticut River. Flooding during that year allowed Selden Creek to create its own path cutting through the land and separating Selden Neck from the mainland. This creek continues to run today bordering a heavily wooded island that used to be a farm and stone quarry. The island is about 1 1/2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide.
The campsites on Selden Neck are only accessible by boat, kayaks and canoes being the vessel of choice to arrive. The nearest drop-in point is at the Hadlyme ferry landing in East Haddam where you’ll have to paddle 3/4 of a mile downstream to reach the island.
Flickr/David Smith
Stick close to the shore to avoid the wakes of larger boats and once you arrive you’ll find small sand beaches to come ashore.
Google Images/Ji Zhao
There are four different secluded campsites on the island - Cedars, Hogback, Springledge, and Quarry Knob are scattered throughout the park.
Flickr/David Smith
The remote campsite is primitive. There is no electricity, showers, or flush toilets. You will be able to enjoy a fire pit and picnic table. The park requires that you bring in all of your own supplies and carry out all of your own trash.
Google Images/Eli Doggart
The sacrifices you’ll make in amenities are gains you will make in other ways. The island has an incredible network of hiking trails, beautiful river views, and a peaceful solitude not found in other places.
Google Images/Eli Doggart
Reservations must be made in advance to use these campsites on the island through the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. For information on reservations, click here.
Google Images/Eli Doggart
The river campsites and their beautiful scenery are only available from May 1st - September 30th. The length of stay is limited to just one night, but surely it will be one night of camping that you are bound to remember for a lifetime.
Google Images/Justin Hughes Seldon Island State Park is located in Lyme, CT. For more information on this remote campsite, visit the Connecticut DEEP website.
Would you consider spending the night at this remote campsite on the Connecticut River? Who is going to join you in this awesome camping experience? Let us know in the comments section below.
Google Maps
Until 1854, Selden Neck was just a piece of land jutting out into the Connecticut River. Flooding during that year allowed Selden Creek to create its own path cutting through the land and separating Selden Neck from the mainland. This creek continues to run today bordering a heavily wooded island that used to be a farm and stone quarry. The island is about 1 1/2 miles long and 1/2 mile wide.
Flickr/David Smith
Google Images/Ji Zhao
Google Images/Eli Doggart
Google Images/Justin Hughes
Seldon Island State Park is located in Lyme, CT. For more information on this remote campsite, visit the Connecticut DEEP website.
Another unforgettable outdoor adventure that you might want to take is llama hiking through the forests of Connecticut.
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