Devil’s Hopyard State Park Campground, East Haddam, CT

Introduction / Overview: Embrace the Primitive at Devil’s Hopyard

For Connecticut locals seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience without traveling far, the Devil’s Hopyard State Park Campground in East Haddam is a captivating choice. This state park is famous for its namesake—Chapman Falls—a stunning 60-foot cascade over a stepped stone formation, surrounded by a dense, beautiful hemlock-canopied forest. The campground itself is a small, quiet, and rustic hub that attracts those who prioritize nature and trail access over modern amenities.

The camping area offers a straightforward, no-frills setting with 21 designated sites available for tents, trailers, and RVs up to 35 feet. It is a beloved spot for its tranquil atmosphere and early camping season start date, often opening earlier than many other Connecticut campgrounds. However, it is essential to set your expectations correctly: this is a primitive site. While it provides the essentials for a comfortable overnight stay—a fire pit, a grill, and a picnic table—it does not offer utility hookups, showers, or, critically, potable (drinkable) water. This is the perfect spot for the experienced Connecticut camper ready to embrace a true wilderness style of recreation.

Location and Accessibility: A Convenient East Haddam Escape

Devil’s Hopyard State Park Campground is tucked away in the scenic East Haddam area of Connecticut, easily accessible for local residents across the state. The park is located at:

FMM6+Q2, East Haddam, CT 06415, USA

Accessibility to the park for day use is excellent, with well-marked road access. For Connecticut residents with registered vehicles, parking and day-use entrance fees are eliminated under the state’s Passport to the Parks program, making the initial trip to the park budget-friendly. Once inside the park, the campground is a defined area, situated near the Eightmile River, which is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River.

While the campground is open to vehicle access for setting up your camp, visitors should be aware of the layout. Reviews indicate the camping spots are situated along a single strip, and some sites may have a slight slope, requiring careful placement of tents and RVs. The sheer lack of driving time, however, makes this a great, quick weekend getaway from New Haven, Hartford, or the shoreline towns, allowing more time for hiking and enjoying nature.

Services Offered at the Campground

The emphasis at Devil’s Hopyard is on providing a base for self-sufficient camping. The amenities are rustic and focus on the fundamental needs of an outdoor enthusiast.

Number of Sites: The campground offers 21 sites for reservation.
Site Capacity: Each site can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 35 feet in length.
Sanitation: Vault toilets are available for basic restroom needs, replacing older outhouse facilities.
Cooking Facilities: Every campsite includes a sturdy fire ring with an attached cooking grill grate, as well as a picnic table.
Utilities: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available at any campsite.
Water Advisory: Critically, there is no potable (drinking) water available anywhere in the campground or park. Campers must bring their entire water supply for drinking, cooking, and dishwashing.
Waste Management: Trash recycling and collection services are available via a large dumpster in the campground area.
Recreation: A horseshoe pit and play fields are located nearby, adding simple recreational options for families.

Features and Highlights of the State Park

The Devil’s Hopyard experience is defined by the park’s spectacular natural and geological features, which are easily accessible from the campground.

Chapman Falls: The park’s main attraction, this beautiful 60-foot tiered waterfall is just a short walk from the camping area and is a perfect photo opportunity and place to relax by the water.
Extensive Hiking Network: Over 12 miles of blazed hiking trails crisscross the park. Local favorites include the Orange-blazed Vista Trail, which offers challenging rocky climbs and panoramic views of the valley, and the Blue Trail, which provides an up-close perspective of the waterfall.
Geological Wonders: The area is a fascinating spot for geology buffs, featuring pegmatite boulders, metamorphic schist outcrops, and the famous potholes—cylindrical depressions in the stone worn away by glacial movement—at the base of the falls.
Fishing and Wildlife: The clear, cool waters of the Eightmile River are excellent for stream fishing, particularly for brook trout, which the river is regularly stocked with. The park is also known for some of the finest birding in Connecticut.
Historic Covered Bridge: A charming covered bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adds a picturesque, old-New England touch near the main picnic area.
Affordable Local Rate: Connecticut residents benefit from a lower nightly camping rate (currently around $14/night plus fees), making it one of the most cost-effective ways to enjoy a state park overnight.

Contact Information

Reservations for the Devil’s Hopyard State Park Campground are managed by the State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Address: 366 Hopyard Road, East Haddam, CT 06423

Phone (Park Office): (860) 526-2336

Reservations: All reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the official Connecticut State Parks reservation service, up to 11 months in advance of the arrival date.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Connecticut Locals

Devil’s Hopyard State Park Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a Connecticut institution that offers a concentrated dose of the state's natural beauty and geological history. It is perfectly suited for local users for several key reasons. Firstly, the affordability and exemption from parking fees under the Passport to the Parks program make it an excellent value for a weekend getaway. Secondly, the early start to the camping season—often mid-April—means locals can enjoy the refreshing spring weather before the summer crowds arrive at larger parks like Hammonasset.

Finally, for those who love to hike, the convenient access to over 12 miles of diverse trails and the immediate proximity to the breathtaking Chapman Falls creates an engaging and invigorating outdoor itinerary. While the primitive nature (no potable water, no showers) demands preparedness, this is precisely what makes it ideal for the seasoned Connecticut adventurer looking for a truly rustic, authentic, and memorable escape close to home.