Camp Harkness

Welcome!

Welcome to Camp Harness, in Waterford CT

Welcome to Camp Harkness, a hidden treasure...

Camp Harkness is located in Southeastern Connecticut on the shores of Long Island Sound. The 102-acre property in Waterford CT is comprised of open and wooded land and includes tidal marsh and beachfront. It is one of the few state parks in the country dedicated for exclusive use by citizens with disabilities, accompanied by their family and friends. Facilities at Camp Harkness include year-round and seasonal cabins, year-round cottages, seasonal tent sites, barnyard animals and horseback riding, picnic pavilions & grills, accessible playscape, scenic walkway and overlook, bathhouse, beach with seasonal boardwalk, gardens, dining hall, lodge, and infirmary. Camp Harkness is open year-round although many of the programs and facilities are seasonal. Camp Harkness is owned by the State of Connecticut and managed by the Department of Developmental Services.

Admission is by a no-fee pass granted to a Connecticut resident with physical or intellectual disabilities. Therapeutic and recreational programs include an equestrian and barnyad facility, raised-bed gardening, sandy and protected beach area, picnic and grill area, and adapted boating and fishing. Heated Cabins, multi-use building with fireplace, and 200 seat dining hall available during autumn, winter and sprint seasons. Qualified and trained staff include life guards, medical personnel and therapeutic riding instructor. Pavilions for picnics and grilling, lavatories, bathhouses and ample parking and boardwalks for easy access.

Who can access Camp Harkness?

Map Drawing of Camp Harkness retrieved from  Camp Harkness Fund Website 

Any Connecticut resident with a disability may obtain a pass to Camp Harkness. A physician’s signature is required on the application. Passes are for use only when the Passholder is present and passes are non-transferable. Passes are issued by the CT Department of Developmental Services.

To apply for a Pass call 860-859-5554 or download the application.

Google Map of Camp Harkness

Camp Harkness - Google My Maps

Photo Gallery

Photo credits to Colette Driscoll Long and Claudia Bouchard.

George Dali Walkway and Scenic Overlook, such amazing views.

Everyone is Welcome.

Handicapped accessible entrance and walkways.

Lifeguards on duty.

Beautiful views of Long Island Sound.

The Mystical Garden

Your majesty chair in the Mystical Garden.

Many walkways, flowering, fruit and vegetable plants.

Trees and Music at the Mystical Garden.

Much wildlife makes their home Camp Harkness

The beach and rocks.

Coastal habitats.

The pollinator helpers and beautiful flowers.

Many Camp and Playgroup opportunities....

Zucchini Races during Family Day at Camp Harkness.

One of the competitors.... ZuchiMama.

Fun for everyone!

Thank you to Uconn, NRCA for collaboration to complete this CTP Project and to Colette Driscoll Long for sharing such amazing photos.

Map Drawing of Camp Harkness retrieved from  Camp Harkness Fund Website 

Everyone is Welcome.

Handicapped accessible entrance and walkways.

Lifeguards on duty.

Beautiful views of Long Island Sound.

Your majesty chair in the Mystical Garden.

Many walkways, flowering, fruit and vegetable plants.

Trees and Music at the Mystical Garden.

The beach and rocks.

Coastal habitats.

The pollinator helpers and beautiful flowers.

Zucchini Races during Family Day at Camp Harkness.

One of the competitors.... ZuchiMama.

Fun for everyone!