American Legion SF (Hawes), CT

Description

The American Legion and People's State Forests total 3,900 acres and are located in Barkhamsted, CT. The West Branch of the Farmington River, designated as a Wild and Scenic River by the National Park Service, divides the two forests and is the center point of river-based recreational activities including trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Rugged terrain with steep, rocky hillsides typifies the remainder of the forest. Other attractions include the 200 year old white pine picnic groves in the Matthies Grove and Whittemore Recreation Areas, over 11 miles of hiking trails, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse and other cultural and historic sites.

Status: Closed through Thu Apr 10 2025 Season Dates
Max Reservation Window: View all

Alerts and Important Information

NO WATER AVAILABLE DURING EARLY CAMPING SEASON: During the early season from April - early/mid May, running water is not available. There are no toilets, showers, or drinking water available. Portable toilets will be available, but campers must provide their own drinking water.

Water is not available at the Austin Hawes Campground during the early season. Portable Toilets are available. Water is typically available beginning in early to mid May.

The maximum length of stay is fourteen consecutive days. if you have a 14 day reservation, all members of your camping party and your camping equipment must leave the park for 5 days before you can return.

In an effort to protect Connecticut's forests from the introduction and spread of destructive insect pests - in particular the emerald ash borer and Asian long-horned beetle - the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is taking the following action:
Prohibiting the bringing of firewood into state of Connecticut campgrounds and state parks from other states. As an alternative, firewood can be either purchased at the camp stores within the state campgrounds or at local retail sellers of firewood.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection greatly appreciates the public's assistance in helping to protect the state's natural resources and apologizes for any inconvenience this initiative may cause.

Please note: New fishing regulations went into effect on January 1, 2012, expanding the year-round catch and release area on the West Branch Farmington River to include the waters immediately adjacent to the Austin Hawes Campground in American Legion State Forest. As a result, no trout can be harvested from this expanded area. Please contact the Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424-3474 or visit the fisheries homepage at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing for further information.

Additional information can be found at the following address.

CT State Parks (DEEP)
Friends of Connecticut State Parks
General Camping Information

Explore the natural and cultural histories of Connecticut State Parks and Forests through inerpretation! Interpretive events are listed on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website. Take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more! Follow this link to the DEEP's Calendar of Events. Perform a "Keyword" search for this park/forest and then join a program. Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff. For additional information please call the DEEP Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200. Find interpretive programs: http://www.depdata.ct.gov/calendar/

Notes

CT Cancellation Policy

There is a $9.00 fee to cancel your reservation.

If you cancel 2-7 days prior to your arrival date, you will also be charged one night's use fee.

Note: Neither the park nor the call center can cancel a reservation within 2 days of arrival.

Dissatisfaction due to reasons of weather, site conditions or other natural phenomena will not be considered sufficient cause for granting a refund.
Note: If you feel you have an exception to the cancellation policy, please submit your request in writing to the state park or forest campground where the campsite was rented. Your request should include details about why you feel an exception should be granted. The campground will verify registration and forward the request to the Department for review and consideration.

Pavilion Reservations:

If cancelling 0-6 days prior to arrival, there is no refund.

If cancelling 7-29 days prior to arrival, there is a $9.00 cancel fee, a $25.00 service fee and the non-refundable reservation fee of $9.00

If cancelling 30+ days prior to arrival, there is a $9.00 cancel fee and the non-refundable reservation fee of $9.00.

Note: Refunds will be sent by the state of Connecticut in check form within 6-8 weeks.

Thank you!