Gardner Lake State Park
Also known as Gardner Lake Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 8 a.m. – sunset
- Entrance fee
- See fee details
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- ctparks.com(860) 526-2336
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Gardner Lake State Park is a park in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region County, about 8 miles southwest of Norwich.
Things to do include boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – sunset | — |
Official wording
Open Daily (8:00 a.m. – Sunset)
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Free | Free |
Official wording
Free
Connecticut park passes
- Passport to the Parks — free parking for CT-registered vehicles (funded by an $8/yr vehicle registration fee from July 1, 2025). Day-use parking at all CT State Parks and Forests Details
- Out-of-state vehicle season pass — $112. Season parking for out-of-state vehicles (as listed on park fee boxes) Details
From the Connecticut state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Things to do
BoatingFishingPicnickingSwimming
Swimming
Gardner Lake State Park offers an ideal spot to take a dip to cool off or watch the kids splash around on a hot summer day.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day)
- Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information
Boating and paddling
Have a boat, kayak, canoe, or jet ski? Enjoy a day on the lake fishing, paddling, water skiing, or just soaking in all the natural beauty this state park offers. And while you’re out on the water, don’t forget to make a stop at Minnie Island, a popular spot to picnic, relax, and explore.
To reach the boat launch: Head east on Route 354 in Salem, Connecticut, just north of Route 82. The boat launch is located at 126 Old Colchester Rd, Salem, CT 06420.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Boat speeds on the lake are limited to 6 mph from sunset to 8:00 a.m. Canoes and kayaks allowed.
- Paved Boat Launch
- Boat Launch Map
- Paddling Safety
- Paddling in Connecticut
Fishing
Scout a spot along the bank or from your boat to cast your line. You’ll find a number of different types of fish, including bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye, brown bullhead, yellow perch, catfish, and more.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before heading out, be sure to check the latest conditions and fishing regulations.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Parking
Restrooms (Seasonal)
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
- An alcohol ban is in place at Gardner Lake State Park
- Busses seating over 30 passengers are not allowed at this park
- Boat Launch Map
Getting there
- Address
- 126 Old Colchester Road
Salem, CT 06420 - Nearest town
- Norwich — about 8 mi southwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.5003, -72.2266
- Phone
- (860) 526-2336
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Connecticut State Parks and Forests — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- DEEP 'Find a Park or Forest by Name' list (portal.ct.gov) merged with the ctparks.com ParkFinder search service
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology