Natchaug State Forest
- 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
- Yes
- Official site
- ctparks.com(860) 974-1562
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Natchaug State Forest is a forest in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region County, about 15 miles southwest of Southbridge Town.
The park supports horseback riding, historic sites, hunting in season, boating, and biking. For overnight stays there are campsites (tent sites).
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
- Camping
- Required
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
Head into the backcountry and stay in one of the park’s three backpacking campsites, available by reservation only.
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
Backpacking
Head into the backcountry and stay in one of the park’s three backpacking campsites, available by reservation only.
Natchaug State Forest Trail Campsites:
- General Lyons Lean-To
- Knowlton Brook Lean-To
- Nipmuck Trail Lean-To
To reserve a permit, submit your application at least two weeks before your intended stay. Campground is located near public lands open to hunting. Please use caution. Learn more about backpacking in Connecticut State Parks and Forests.
Horse Camping
Not only can you cover much of the forest on horseback, you also can stay overnight at Silvermine Horse Camp, Natchaug’s equestrian campground.
- 15 wooded sites
- Open from early spring to Thanksgiving
- Basic facilities only—campers are responsible for cleaning sites and carrying out all trash
- No water available
- Pets permitted (on leash)
- Available on a first-come, first-served basis
- Campground is located near public lands open to hunting. Please use caution.
For more information, contact the Mashamoquet Brook State Park Office at (860) 928-6121.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Things to do
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoric sites and toursHorseback ridingHuntingPicnicking
Trails
Connecticut Forest and Park Association Trail Descriptions
- Natchaug Trail
- Letterboxing Clues
Fishing
The Natchaug River is a designated "Trout Park" fishing area.
Before heading out, be sure to check the latest river conditions and fishing regulations.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)
Camping
- Tent camping
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ 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
Picnic Tables
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
- Hunting season is very busy. Please use caution.
- Park Trails Map
- Horse Trails Map
Getting there
- Address
- On Rte. 198
Eastford, CT 06242 - Nearest town
- Southbridge Town — about 15 mi southwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.8793, -72.1879
- Phone
- (860) 974-1562
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
“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