Press Releases
05/16/2025
Visitors to Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield Can Purchase Advance Parking Reservations for Weekends and Holidays
DEEP to Reimplement Parking Reservation System for the Summer Following Successful Pilot Program
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) once again will offer an online reservation system for parking at Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield. Parking passes for holidays and weekends may be purchased up to 14 days prior to arrival to help improve the experience for visitors and reduce traffic congestion near the park.
Squantz Pond State Park is a very popular summer destination for visitors looking to swim and spend time with family and friends at the park's sandy beach or grassy picnic areas. Historically on summer weekends and holidays, the number of visitors flocking to the park frequently contributed to crowded conditions and travel disruptions when the park reached capacity and had to turn people away. A state law was passed in 2023 (Public Act 23-43) which required DEEP to set a capacity limit for the park and authorized the agency to close the park to new visitors, whether entering by vehicle, on foot, or by boat, when the vehicle capacity is reached.
To comply with the law, improve the visitor experience, and reduce operational challenges, DEEP offers visitors the opportunity to secure parking spots at Squantz Pond State Park in advance for weekends and holidays. Piloted in 2024, the online reservation system provides visitors with the convenience of planning their visits in advance and eliminates the need to arrive at the park in the early morning hours in the hopes of getting a spot before it reaches capacity.
“Thanks to the Passport to the Parks program and recent initiatives to ensure equitable access, Connecticut’s State Parks are more popular than ever, and Squantz Pond is no exception. The State Parks Division has implemented the reservation system to help visitors plan ahead and avoid being disappointed if they arrive at a park that has reached capacity,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The customized parking reservation system at Squantz Pond State Park helps to effectively manage vehicle capacity. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day in 2024, over 3,800 vehicle passes were purchased using the reservation system, and we are thrilled reservations reduced park entrance wait times and traffic congestion in the neighborhood.”
The Squantz Pond State Park online reservation system for parking is open for the 2025 summer season. Passes may be purchased up to 14 days prior to arrival, or up until 3:00 p.m. on the day of arrival, if capacity is not reached. Visitors can purchase up to two car passes at a time but must provide vehicle information for each pass, including each vehicle’s license plate number. A $2 reservation fee will be charged for all transactions. For those who enter in a vehicle registered out of state, an additional $22 per vehicle park entrance fee will be charged. For those who enter in a Connecticut-registered vehicle, there are no additional park entrance fees, as they are covered through the Passport to the Parks Program.
Important Reservation Details and Park Information:
- The reservation system is open.
- Book in advance! Weekends and holidays are incredibly popular, and passes will sell out.
- Advance reservations are not available, nor needed, for weekday and non-holiday visits.
- Reservations can be made through the online reservation system or by calling toll-free 1-877-668-CAMP (2267) during call center hours.
- Reservations can be made up to 14 days in advance and for up to 2 vehicles at a time.
- If reservations don’t sell out, reservations can be made online or at the Park's entrance until 3:00 p.m. on the same day of your desired visit.
- Once reservations are sold out, no additional visitors will be allowed entry into the Park.
- No cancellations, transfers or refunds are available.
- Alcohol is prohibited at Squantz Pond State Park. Pets are prohibited from April 15 through September 30. Park regulations are strictly enforced.
Visitors are encouraged to check the park website frequently for updates and additional information.
About CT State Parks:
Established in 1913, the mission of the Connecticut State Park system is to provide natural resource-based public recreational and educational opportunities through a system of state park and forest recreation areas, environmental education centers, and nature centers which provide an understanding of, access to, and enjoyment of the state’s historic, cultural, and natural resources.- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110