squantz pond state park

Late summer & early fall are the perfect time to take in the true beauty of this park. From the top of the hill you take in a wonderful vista of the water and the colors of the surrounding foliage. Photography, fishing, canoeing, or exploring the trails of the park at the seasons change surely beats fighting for breathing room in the summer peak. In the winter the park becomes a sledders paradise with terrific runs from the hill top all the way to the water (pull your sled up from the bottom to map your way and avoid problems). Ice skating there in the winter is memorable (beware the edges where creeks and streams enter and form thin areas). If possible, visit the park midweek in the summer to avoid the large weekend gatherings for some quiet time.

Forget about going here from April-September on a weekend. All the borough folks come here- 12 to a mini-van -no lie- and wait on line starting at 6am. They then take over the place with their boom boxes and leave trash everywhere. It's such a shame because it is a beautiful park that is so serene in the off season. They have done much to stem the string of drownings that were happening -all except one victim was from out of town, and very often did not know how to swim.

So very beautiful and relaxing. We love coming here in the fall. Great park to bring a picnic and just chill... Awesome in the fall!!!

Park Rangers are very friendly, views are beautiful. There are picnic tables and grills to cook on. There is also swimming allowed.

I haven't visited the park in the summertime since I was a kid. I normally go in the off-season (spring/fall) when dogs are allowed on the grounds. I think starting in April or May dogs aren't allowed in the park until the fall- which is a bummer for me. A few years back it used to be INSANE going there, cars would be lined up waiting to get in. Now, however, I think they set a limit on how many cars they let in so its been better. But if you do intend to go there on a weekend on a beautiful summer day, be sure you get there early! Signs are normally posted when the park is full/closed in the center of the town as well as en route to the park. The grounds of the Park are nice, and they have trails, as well as kyak rentals. Though I am not a fisherman I do see them there often, so I assume it is great for fishing as well. If you arrive and the Park is full, sorry I don't know any other options nearby because New Fairfield's only beach I believe is for residents only. Best idea is to get there near the time it opens. There is a fee in the summer, but not in the offseason, but I am not sure of the price. The food stand is only open in the summer, but I believe bathrooms are available year round (NOT positive though)

Squantz pond state park is undeniably beautiful and has lots to offer if you can time your visit right and look past some of the negatives. My kids and I love to go during the week and rent kayaks/canoes or fish off the small dock. The beach area grosses me out as it is more dirt then sand and the swimming area is very small. We stay away on weekends/Holidays when van loads of out of towners come in and take over with somewhat loud music. Security is good but we still don't feel comfortable there with the big crowds...

nice place to hangout with family and friends , very beautiful fall foliage. the pond freezes during winter/snow. nice beach area. covered with hills and very peaceful

When it's not packed with out of state visitors this is a beautiful and relaxing spot for a walk or to take pictures

A nice Connecticut State Park. In the busy part of summer, you must be there by 9:00 AM on the weekends. Some weeks the bass fisherman are a big influx. The head ranger for this park is on the ball.

We went to Squantz Pond Park with a group of our friends and family on a week day!! Absolutely spectacular views and my young boys could not get enough of the water and the canoeing!!! At first we thought the parking fee was high but when you see how well taken care of the place is and how formal the park rangers are and everyone who works there it is well worth it! Not to mention the environment is a healthy one for families. And the memories we created on our trip is worth waaaaayyyyyy more than those $15.00!!! Great place to enjoy!! Havent done a weekend yet but just to know the memories you will create it is worth the trip and hassle.

I have never been to Squantz Pond State Park. The entry fee is quite steep(at least for me). $10 for CT residents and $15 for Out of State. It was worth the $15. I went on a weekday so the park was quiet and not over crowded. The beach was very clean. The water amazing!! Clean and so nice and warm. Plenty of picnic tables and grassy areas. Surrounded by mountains. There is no concession stand... so bring your own! There is a Stop & Shop and a Deli on the drive to the park. There is a snack machine and a soda machine at the park offices. We stayed for 4 hours but we could have stayed for 10 and 9.5 of those would have been in the water! I will definitely be back and will stay much longer.

Excellent swimming with lifeguards; beautiful views, picnic areas and snack shack, hiking through pristine forest, GO EARLY in the day on summer weekends, this place fills up fast.

way too popular in summer with picnic and barbecue action, missed highlight are very nice hikes in immediately adjacent forest

Very strenuous, there are a ton of hills, which also means there are a ton of Vista's and cool things to view. Not a lot of people in the trails and you can take your dog off the leash with no issues

This place is so incredibly beautiful! But one word of advice, especially if you plan on going during the weekend in the summer, get there early! There is only a limited amount of people they let in at a time, and if fills up fast.