Empty sandy beach in soft early morning light

Hours & Seasons

Rocky Neck State Park is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset. DEEP lists no seasonal closing for the park itself; what changes with the season is the out-of-state parking fee (April 1 to October 31), the campground (open mid-May to late September) and the summer rules for pets on the beach (May 1 to October 1).

At a Glance

Hours at a Glance

Park8 a.m. to sunset, daily

Out-of-state fee seasonApril 1 – October 31

Lower out-of-state rate$7 after 4 p.m.

Water-quality testingWeekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day

Pets off the beachMay 1 – October 1

Campground 2027May 21 – Sept 24 (noon)

Picnic shelter reservationsMay 22 – October 13

Pavilion eventsMemorial Day – Columbus Day, midnight curfew

Off-season fishingWhole beach and jetty, Sept 15 – Memorial Day

Daily Hours

The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset, every day. Sunset moves through the year, so a summer evening at the beach is several hours longer than a December walk on the trails. Plan to be back at your car before sunset; DEEP reminds even pavilion event hosts that the public grounds close to visitors at sunset.

Gently sloping sandy beach and calm clear water on a summer morning

Fee Season

Out-of-state vehicles pay a parking fee from April 1 through October 31: $15 on weekdays, $22 on weekends and holidays, and $7 after 4 p.m. DEEP's statewide fees page says the fee is owed whether or not the ticket booth is staffed, and must be paid by 10 p.m. on the day of the visit. Connecticut-registered cars are free all year. Details: parking and fees.

Summer Season

Water-quality testing: DEEP samples the swimming area weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts the results online. Water quality.
Pets: from May 1 to October 1, pets are not allowed on the beach, the boardwalk or in the campground south of the train tracks. Dogs.
Picnic shelter: the open-air shelter can be reserved from May 22 to October 13; outside that window it is first come, first served, and it is closed November 12 to April 30.

Campground Season

2026: May 15 to September 25 at noon.
2027: May 21 to September 24 at noon. Cabins: May 23 to September 20, Sunday to Sunday.

Full prices and booking: camping.

Pavilion Event Hours

The second floor of the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion is rented for events from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Friday, Saturday and Sunday events may begin at 5 p.m.; weekday events may begin at 10 a.m. Every event ends by a midnight curfew. The pavilion.

Off-Season

From September 15 to Memorial Day, DEEP opens the entire beach and the jetty to fishing. Winter is listed among the park's activities: when snow falls, the multi-use trails take snowshoers and cross-country skiers. Fishing, hiking.

Night Fishing

The park closes at sunset to the general public, but DEEP issues same-day permits for night fishing. Call the park during business hours at (860) 739-5471.

Check Before You Go

Closures are announced by DEEP, not by this site. The park office is (860) 739-5471, and the official park page is linked on our contact page.

Summer clouds building over calm water seen from a sandy beach

FAQ

Hours & Seasons FAQ

What time does Rocky Neck State Park open?

8 a.m., every day. It closes at sunset.

Is Rocky Neck State Park open in winter?

Yes. DEEP lists the park as open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset, and lists winter use such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on the trails. The campground is closed outside its summer season.

When does Rocky Neck charge for parking?

From April 1 to October 31, for out-of-state vehicles only. Connecticut-registered cars park free all year.

Can you be at Rocky Neck after sunset?

Only with permission, such as a same-day night-fishing permit from the park, a campsite, or a booked pavilion event.