Plan Your Visit
For a first visit to Rocky Neck State Park, the essentials are: it is open 8 a.m. to sunset, Connecticut cars park free, you swim at West Beach, and dogs stay north of the railroad in summer. Everything else on this page links to the guide that covers it in full.
Your Visit at a Glance
Hours and Fees
Open every day, 8 a.m. to sunset. Free for Connecticut-registered cars; out-of-state cars pay $15 on weekdays, $22 on weekends and holidays, $7 after 4 p.m., from April 1 to October 31. Hours, parking and fees.
Getting There
The entrance is at 244 W Main Street (Route 156), Niantic, reached from I-95 exit 72 and the Rocky Neck Connector. Directions and lots.
The Beach Day
Swim at West Beach, the designated swimming area. Check DEEP's weekly water-quality report first, and the tide and forecast if you want the widest sand. Beach, water quality, tides, weather.
Picnics and the Picnic Shelter
Picnic tables are scattered across the park, many within sight of the water. For a group, the open-air shelter is 32 by 80 feet, with 10 picnic tables and one large grill, room for 80 people, and restrooms, parking and the beachfront nearby. It has no electricity or running water, and pets are not allowed in it.
- Fee: $220 plus a $9 processing fee. Parking is not included; out-of-state cars still pay the daily fee.
- Reservations: May 22 to October 13, through ReserveAmerica or 1-877-668-CAMP (2267).
- Off-season: first come, first served when not reserved; closed November 12 to April 30.
For a wedding or a party of up to 300, see the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion.
Accessibility
DEEP lists accessible parking, picnic tables and restrooms. Accessible beach surf chairs are free, first come, first served, and DEEP's all-terrain wheelchairs need an advance reservation through DEEP. Handicapped parking spaces are marked beside the beach lots on DEEP's map.
Restrooms and Food
DEEP's map shows bathrooms by the beach, at the East Beach picnic shelter and in each campground loop, plus a first-aid office with showers near the beach. A concession stand is marked near West Beach; DEEP does not post its hours, so bring your own food and water to be safe.
What to Bring
- Water and food
- Sun protection for the beach
- A downloaded copy of DEEP's trail map
- Binoculars for the Bride Brook marsh platforms
Things to Do
- Walk the 2.5-mile Rocky Neck Loop to Tony's Nose. Hiking
- Watch the alewife run in spring. Bride Brook
- Fish or crab off the jetty. Fishing
- Spot trains on the shoreline railroad from the beach.
- Camp overnight in summer. Camping
Rules to Know
Pets: leashed and north of the tracks only from May 1 to October 1, never in the campground. Swim at West Beach only. Out-of-state parking fee due by 10 p.m. Rules, dogs.
Make a Day of It in Niantic
The Niantic Bay Boardwalk, Hole-in-the-Wall Beach and Niantic's Main Street are a short drive east. Things to do in Niantic.
Plan Your Visit FAQ
What should I bring to Rocky Neck State Park?
Water, food, sun protection and a downloaded trail map. If you rent the picnic shelter, remember it has no electricity or running water.
How do I reserve the picnic shelter at Rocky Neck?
Through ReserveAmerica online or by calling 1-877-668-CAMP (2267), between May 22 and October 13. The fee is $220 plus a $9 processing fee.
Is Rocky Neck wheelchair accessible?
DEEP lists accessible parking, picnic tables and restrooms, lends free beach surf chairs first come, first served, and offers all-terrain wheelchairs by advance reservation.
Is there food at Rocky Neck State Park?
DEEP's map marks a concession near West Beach, but its hours are not posted, so bring your own food and water.