Naugatuck, Connecticut · New Haven County · Campground
Overview Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaki…
Overview Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is located within the towns of Middlebury, Naugatuck and Waterbury, Connecticut. Its 536 acres provide excellent recreation opportunities and a chance to escape from the growing suburbia surrounding the park. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking, swimming and fishing.Recreation Exploring Hop Brook Lake by canoe, kayak or rowboat is a favorite activity of visitors. The park's beach and designated swimming area are also a great place to relax in the warm summer sun. Fishing is welcome at the lake and its feeder streams, which are periodically stocked by the CT. DEEP with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Largemouth bass, perch and panfish are also found in the lake. Hikers, walkers, mountain bikers, cross country skiers and snowshoers will find over seven miles of trails that wind throughout the woods and meadows at Hop Brook Lake. Facilities This day-use park offers (4) four picnic shelters with electrical outlets, picnic tables, and charcoal grills. An on-site ball field can also be reserved for various sporting events and activities. Regular picnic sites are also spread throughout the park and available on a first come, first served basis. User Fee's are no longer charged to enter the park. Other amenities include restroom facilities with flush toilets/sinks/water fountains, beach/swimming area, hiking/mt. biking trails, ball field, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.Natural Features The forest surrounding Hop Brook Lake is made up of a wide variety of trees including maple, oak, hickory, ash, birch, white pine and hemlock. Wildlife is abundant in the area. Bird watchers have the opportunity to see hawks, owls, osprey, turkeys, waterfowl, numerous songbirds and the occasional bald eagle. White-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, possums, beaver, squirrels and many other animals make Hop Brook Lake their home.
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How to Get There
From Bridgeport, take Route 8 N 23.5 miles to Exit 26/CT-63 S in Naugatuck. Head southeast on Main Street and turn onto CT-63 N. Travel approx. 3 miles. The park entrance is on the right side of the road at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188. From Hartford, take I-84 W 31 miles to the CT-64 exit, Exit 17 (Watertown/Middlebury, Rte. 63). Go straight until you come to the intersection of CT-64 and CT-63. Turn left on CT-63. Travel approx. 1.5 miles. The park entrance is on the left side of the road at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188. From Danbury, take I-84 E to the CT-63 exit, Exit 17 (Naugatuck/Watertown, Rte. 63). Take a right off the exit ramp. Travel approx. 1.5 miles. The park entrance is on the left side of the road at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA
Heading to HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233330) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA?
HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA has 5 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to HOP BROOK LAKE RECREATION AREA?
From Bridgeport, take Route 8 N 23.5 miles to Exit 26/CT-63 S in Naugatuck. Head southeast on Main Street and turn onto CT-63 N. Travel approx. 3 miles. The park entrance is on the right side of the road at the intersection of CT-63 and CT-188. From Hartford, take I-84 W 31 miles to the CT-64 exit, Exit 17 (Watertown/Middlebury, Rte. 63). Go straight until you come to the intersection of CT-64 and…
