ALERT: Facilities and trails are closed from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday through August 21st while youth camp programs are in session. Trails are open in the evenings after 5pm, and on weekends.
The 253-acre Deer Lake Outdoor Center is an ideal venue to connect as a family and enjoy a walk along one of its many forested trails. The property is open from dawn to dusk.
There are many trailside features to explore, including three historic barns (listed in the record books of CT historical barns), a lake, rock ledges and scenic views. Connecticut Forest & Park Association's Chatfield Trail passes through and connects with this trail system, including the popular section known as Fat Man's Squeeze. No fee or registration is required to use Deer Lake's trails.
Deer Lake Outdoor Center is well-suited to both day use and overnight use. This facility offers year-round camping to registered visitors, including group camping sites. All campsites are hike-in only. Fees apply. Campsites, lean-tos, pavilions, and cabins are for the use of registered guests only. This includes the fire rings and picnic tables at campsites and cabins.
Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are available to help visitors explore the lake, as well as instructional boating classes. To prevent the spread of invasive species, the transport of watercraft to Deer Lake Outdoor Center is prohibited. Any personal equipment used in or near the water, such as shoes or lifejackets, must be clean and dry prior to transport to Deer Lake Outdoor Center.
Fishing is allowed and encouraged. All Connecticut fishing rules and regulations, including permit requirements, apply. Please do not fish from or near our sandy beach areas; hooks in bare feet hurt! The transport of live bait to Deer Lake Outdoor Center is prohibited. Any personal equipment used in or near the water, such as shoes or lifejackets, must be clean and dry prior to transport to Deer Lake Outdoor Center.
Bouldering and rock climbing are permitted by permit only. All climbing is at your own risk. The installation of fixed protection is prohibited without specific written permission.
For more information and to register for any of these additional activities, contact Deer Lake Outdoor Center.
Take CT-9 South toward Middletown/Old Saybrook. Take Exit 15 for CT-81 toward Killingworth/Clinton. Then turn right onto CT-81 South/Killingworth Road. Follow CT-81 South for about 8 miles. At the traffic circle in Killingworth, take the second exit to stay on CT-81. Turn right onto Green Hill Road/Madison Turnpike and follow Green Hill Road for 2.1 miles. Turn right onto River Road, and then right onto Paper Mill Road. In 0.6 miles, the parking area is on the left.
Follow I-95 North toward Madison. Take Exit 61 for CT-79 North toward North Madison. Then turn left onto CT-79 North/Durham Road. Follow for 1.1 miles and turn right onto Green Hill Road. In 1.7 miles, make a slight left onto Paper Mill Road. In about 1 mile, the parking area is on the left.
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