Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Hop Brook Lake
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Hop Brook Lake will operate with limited staffing this recreation season (May 17th through September 7th). As a result, visitors should expect the following changes to our seasonal operations, including limited hours and closed facilities. The current plan is detailed below and may be subject to change.
RECREATION AREA:
Open to Vehicular Access: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and the following holidays:
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Labor Day
Hours of Operation (Friday-Sunday, Holidays): 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed to Vehicular Access: Monday through Thursday
Visitors are welcome to park in designated off-season parking lots and walk in from dawn to dusk.
BEACH AREA:
Closed to swimming for the entire season.
RESTROOMS:
Open daily.
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday - Sunday and Holidays
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday.
Need to Know
- This is a day-use area; no overnight camping allowed.
- Vehicles are prohibited from driving through interior gates or on access roads (including at all shelters). This includes catered events.
- ATVs, Dirt Bikes and OHVs are prohibited.
- Pets are not allowed on beach and must be kept on a leash at all times.
- Motor boats (gas powered) are prohibited. Electric trolling motors are allowed.
- Generators are prohibited.
- America the Beautiful pass holders receive half off the day-use fee.
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
- User Fee's are no longer charged to enter the park.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems are prohibited.
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.
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.
Contact Information
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HOP BROOK LAKE PROJECT OFFICE 4 STRAITS TURNPIKE (RTE. 63) Middlebury CT 06762
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 203-729-8840
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
Available Campsites
- Site 003, Loop Pines Shelter, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 002, Loop Meadows Shelter, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 005, Loop Ball Field, Type Ball Field
- Site 004, Loop Westlawn Shelter, Type Group Shelter Electric
- Site 001, Loop Brookside Shelter, Type Group Shelter Electric
Photo Gallery
