Connecticut River Campsites: Chapman Pond, Gillette Castle, Selden Island (4 campsites)

A video tour of 6 campsites between East Haddam and Lyme, CT: Chapman Pond Preserve Campsite, Gillette Castle campsite, and the 4 Selden Neck State Park campsites on Selden Island: Cedars, Hogback, Spring Ledge, and Quarry Knob. Note that the Selden Island and Gillette Castle campsites must be reserved on reserveamerica.com at least 2 days in advance. Selden Island campsites are quite popular, so if you plan to stay there on the weekend during the summer, you will need to book far in advance.
Chapman Pond Preserve campsite is not the easiest to find, as there's no sign at the water, but it's a nice campsite and if you watch this video or use the FarOut app with the Connecticut River module, you should be able to manage it.
It's unclear to me where exactly the campsites are at Gillette Castle State Park; they're either in the field or they're on the beach. It is a rather public place to camp. Reservations can be made (in advance!) for $5 at: www.reserveame....
The Selden Neck State Park campsites are far more private, and also more popular. Each of the 4 is a little different. Reservations can be made (in advance!) for $5 at: www.reserveame.... I did not take note in the video that the privy at Spring Ledge campsite is in poor condition, with a rotted roof and a floor that hasn't quite failed yet, as of summer, 2024. Other than that and various small stones that can trip you sticking up here and there, it's a lovely campsite.

[@thepeacerunners]

Thank you Greg for the great info! Will be greatly helpful for a lot of people. CT River ...like the Wampanoag Trail is another one on my bucket list...just gotta figure out how to work them in around that damn "work" thing that I spend way too much time doing! Lol.

[@CTRiverNomad]

There's the challenge. Well, one of the challenges. Finding companions in the journey can be challenging too. Thanks!

[@thepeacerunners]

@CTRiverNomad yep...until then...I'm just gonna keep exploring around here. I do recommend the Adirondacks...spent a week in late spring ...Saranac Lake region...not sure if you've ever been...but if not...I'm sure you'd love it...I look forward to getting back there when I can...great place made for people who love to paddle like you

[@CTRiverNomad]

@@thepeacerunners I'd really like to paddle up there sometime, and maybe section paddle the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Not in the works for this year though. I ran the whole flowing section of the Delaware River in June, which was great!

[@thepeacerunners]

@CTRiverNomad Hopefully I can get back up there before the end of the season 1 more time...if not definitely going back next year...you are welcome anytime if you'd like. My brother in law did that river and loved it also!