Rules & Regulations

The rules most visitors need at Rocky Neck State Park are short: the park is open 8 a.m. to sunset; swim only at West Beach; keep dogs leashed and north of the railroad tracks (no pets on the beach, boardwalk or campground from May 1 to October 1); and if your car has out-of-state plates, pay the parking fee by 10 p.m. the same day. DEEP's official rules and the park staff on site always take precedence over this summary.

Hours

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. Being in the park after sunset needs a reason DEEP has approved: a campsite, a same-day night-fishing permit, or a booked pavilion event. Hours.

Swimming

• Swim at West Beach only, the designated swimming area.
• East Beach is marked "No Swimming" on DEEP's map.
• DEEP posts weekly water-quality results for the swimming area from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Water quality.

Pets

• North of the train tracks (picnic area and hiking trails): dogs allowed on a leash.
• South of the tracks (beach, boardwalk, campground) from May 1 to October 1: no pets.
• Campground: no pets, all season.
• Picnic shelter: no pets.

Dogs.

Fishing and Crabbing

• The jetty is open to fishing year-round; the whole beach and jetty open from September 15 to Memorial Day.
• Crabbing only in designated areas.
• Night fishing needs a permit issued by the park on the day.
• Anglers 16 and older need a Connecticut marine waters fishing license.

Fishing.

Trails

All trails are non-motorized multi-use: walkers, runners, cyclists, roller-bladers, birders, and in winter snowshoers and skiers share them. No motor vehicles on the trails. Hiking.

Camping

DEEP's statewide camping rules apply in the Rocky Neck campground:

• No pets.
• Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• No more than two motor vehicles per site.
• The person named on the reservation must be at check-in; no subleasing.
• Alcohol is allowed only in containers smaller than one liter, and only where a park has no ban.
• Leave firewood from home at home; firewood is available on site.

Camping.

Groups, Buses and Events

• A DEEP bus permit is required for mid-size and full-size buses seating 30 or more passengers.
• The picnic shelter has no electricity or running water and is closed November 12 to April 30.
• Pavilion events end by midnight, and visitors keep access to the grounds until sunset during private events. Pavilion.

Parking Fees

Out-of-state vehicles pay from April 1 to October 31. The fee is owed even when the ticket booth is closed, must be paid by 10 p.m. on the day of the visit, and an unpaid fee can bring a $75 infraction. Parking and fees.

Where the Official Rules Live

DEEP publishes Connecticut's state park regulations and posts park-specific rules on site. If a sign at the park and this page disagree, follow the sign and DEEP. Questions: (860) 739-5471.