Holiday Hill Day Camp and Recreation Center

- 41 Chaffeeville Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250

Introduction / Overview

Holiday Hill Day Camp and Recreation Center, a beloved institution in Mansfield Center, CT, is a multi-faceted destination known for far more than its role as one of Eastern Connecticut’s most prestigious summer day camps. Situated on 25 acres of beautifully maintained rural grounds, Holiday Hill expertly transitions from a child-centered summer haven to a premier, highly flexible venue for weddings, parties, and large group events from May through November. Established in 1960 and family-owned for generations, it carries a deep tradition of providing a wholesome, high-quality, and community-focused environment for people of all ages.

For local Connecticut users planning a significant milestone—whether it’s a wedding, a family reunion, or a corporate outing—Holiday Hill offers a unique combination of rustic charm and comprehensive facilities. The venue is celebrated for its staff's exceptional friendliness and flexibility; as many couples attest, the team is super laid-back, accommodating, and a pleasure to work with during the extensive planning process. This "your wedding, your way" approach is a massive draw, allowing for a creative, DIY feel, particularly with the highly appreciated option to bring in your own caterers. While the property is a fully functional recreation center, its gorgeous grounds and dedicated event spaces—including a classic post-and-beam barn—transform it into a romantic, rustic, and unparalleled setting in the Nutmeg State.

Location and Accessibility

Holiday Hill Day Camp and Recreation Center is conveniently located at 41 Chaffeeville Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, USA. This placement in the heart of Eastern Connecticut makes it an accessible location for guests traveling from across the state. The venue is only a short drive from the main campus of the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Storrs, which provides nearby accommodations, dining options (like the famous UConn Dairy Bar), and cultural attractions.

Furthermore, its rural setting provides the feeling of an authentic countryside escape. For nature enthusiasts, Holiday Hill’s location is directly across the street from Mansfield Hollow State Park, which offers extensive opportunities for hiking, biking, running, and paddling on the reservoir. The easy access to this major state park complements the recreational activities already available on the 25-acre property, ensuring that there are endless outdoor options for event guests or recreational campers. For event planners, the venue even offers a dedicated shuttle service using state-inspected camp vans to transport guests to and from local lodging options, streamlining the logistics for out-of-town and local guests alike.

Services Offered

• Flexible Event Space Rentals: Offers full use of the 25-acre facility for up to six hours, encompassing the use of the event tent, barn, and recreational facilities.
• Event Accommodations: Features a large, 5,400-square-foot, classic high-peak twin-spire reception tent capable of hosting up to 400 guests, and a 1,500-square-foot post-and-beam barn that can be used for ceremonies (seating up to 200) or smaller receptions.
• Inclement Weather Options: The post-and-beam barn serves as an excellent, beautiful indoor backup option for ceremonies that are planned for the outdoor lawns.
• DIY Catering Policy: Offers highly flexible options for catered and non-catered affairs, allowing clients to bring in their own preferred caterers, food trucks, or even self-cater a family-style meal.
• On-Site Lodging Rental: The Duff Farmhouse, an original farmhouse on the property, is available for overnight stays via Airbnb, making it a perfect, highly recommended space for wedding parties to get ready and stay.
• Shuttle Service: Provides an optional, convenient shuttle service to and from local lodging options using state-inspected camp vans and trained drivers, available for an hourly fee.
• Optional Rentals and Services: Can provide banquet tables and chairs as an upgrade from the standard picnic tables, access to a DIY sound system, and has private rooms available for the bridal or event party to use before the main event.

Features / Highlights

• Abundant Recreational Facilities: Guests can enjoy two spacious swimming pools (with optional lifeguard services), a miniature golf course, basketball courts, volleyball and badminton courts, a softball field, a soccer field, horseshoe pits, and a playground/playscape area.
• Rustic Charm and Scenic Photo Opportunities: The gorgeous 25-acre grounds, the classic post-and-beam barn with its cathedral-like ceiling, and the manicured lawns provide an idyllic, rustic, and romantic backdrop for photography and celebration.
• Flexible Event Scheduling: The venue hosts events from May until mid-October and is available to book any day of the week, with packages that allow for customizable duration and advance decorating time.
• Proximity to Nature: Direct boundary with Mansfield Hollow State Park offers easy access to miles of additional trails for hiking, biking, and water recreation activities such as canoeing and kayaking.
• Year-Round Camping/Lodging Options: Outside of the main day camp season, the venue offers unique camping opportunities through Hipcamp, including tent sites and Adirondack-style lean-tos near the outdoor amphitheater, with access to outdoor athletic facilities.
• Family-Focused History: The property's legacy as a premier day camp ensures a safe, well-maintained, and fun environment, even when hosting adult-focused events, providing entertainment for children with its extensive play areas.

Contact Information

Address: 41 Chaffeeville Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, USA

Phone: (860) 423-1375

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local Connecticut residents, Holiday Hill Day Camp and Recreation Center is a uniquely positioned venue that solves the common dilemma of finding an accessible, beautiful, and flexible space for celebrations. It offers an unparalleled combination of extensive recreational amenities and rustic elegance right here in Mansfield Center, close to major hubs like UConn.

This venue’s most compelling advantage for locals is its “DIY-friendly” operational philosophy. The flexibility to choose your own catering—whether it's a high-end service, a local food truck, or a family potluck—provides significant cost savings and allows couples and groups to truly personalize their event. You can host a formal reception in the spacious tent and still offer guests a fun round of mini-golf or a dip in the pool. The staff's helpful, laid-back demeanor, coupled with the security of having a stunning indoor option like the barn, ensures a stress-free planning process, which is invaluable. Whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams, a large corporate picnic, or are simply looking for a fun, recreational stay across from Mansfield Hollow, Holiday Hill offers a superior, customizable, and memorable local experience.

Holiday Hill Day Camp and Recreation Center

41 Chaffeeville Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, USA