NEW FAIRFIELD, Conn. — The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is piloting a new method of keeping track of visitor capacity at one of its popular state parks.
Visitors planning to go to Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield are encouraged to make car reservations online for the summer weekends and holidays, starting this weekend through Sept. 1.
Reservations can be made 14 days in advance up until noon on the day of the visit.
Connecticut residents with Connecticut-registered vehicles still pay no entrance fee through the Passport to the Parks program, and out-of-state vehicles would have to pay $22 for weekends and holidays and $15 for weekdays. On all online transactions, there is a $2 fee.
The reservations will allow people to arrive any time after Squantz Pond opens at 8 a.m., instead of lining up early for a spot, officials said.
There are 250 parking reservation spots. Once the reservations are filled, no one will be allowed to walk or drive into the park without a reservation. If reservations are not sold out, same-day reservations can be made online or at the park entrance until 3 p.m. the day of visiting.
To make a reservation, go to ReserveAmerica.com and search "Squantz Pond," or call 1-877-668-CAMP (2267). No refunds of cancellations will be issued.
DEEP is piloting the program after Public Act 23-43, which passed last year, required DEEP to establish a capacity limit for Squantz Pond. The capacity limit applies year-round, but parking reservations will only be needed during the summer holidays and weekends, DEEP said.
DEEP has imposed a temporary alcohol ban for seven state recreation areas. This ban is in effect from Wednesday, May 15, through Monday, Aug. 12, at the following locations:
- Beach Pond State Boat Launch, Voluntown, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
- Billings Lake State Boat Launch, North Stonington, including a portion of Pachaug State Forest
- Gardner Lake State Park and State Boat Launch, Salem
- Lake Waramaug State Park, New Preston
- Paugussett State Forest (upper section)/George Waldo State Park, Southbury
- Quaddick State Park, Thompson
- Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middletown/Middlefield
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