Fee: Free weekdays; parking $15 weekends ($22 out-of-state)
About this park
Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford preserves the seaside estate of the Harkness family, with a grand Italianate mansion known as Eolia and beautifully kept formal gardens. The property sits on a gentle rise above Long Island Sound, with broad lawns sloping toward the water. Visitors can stroll through the gardens, walk the shoreline and picnic on the lawns while enjoying views across the sound. The mansion and grounds are also used for events and tours, and the park's elegant setting gives it a very different feel from the state's wilder parks. Entry is free on weekdays, and weekend parking costs $15 for Connecticut vehicles and $22 for out-of-state vehicles. Spring and summer bring the gardens to their best.
Harkness Memorial State Park FAQ
Where is Harkness Memorial State Park located?
Harkness Memorial State Park is in Waterford, Connecticut, at 275 Great Neck Rd. GPS coordinates: 41.3617, -72.2117. Get directions.
Is there an entrance fee at Harkness Memorial State Park?
Free weekdays; parking $15 weekends ($22 out-of-state). Fees can change by season, so confirm with the park before you go.
How do I contact Harkness Memorial State Park?
You can call (860) 443-1023 or email deep.stateparks@ct.gov. The park office can confirm RV site availability, hookups, length limits and current conditions.
Are there RV campgrounds near Harkness Memorial State Park?
Yes. The closest RV-friendly campgrounds listed on ParkedRV are:
- West Thompson Lake Campground (44.1 mi, reservable)
- Indian Hollow (75.3 mi, reservable)
- Camp Gateway- Brooklyn Ny (102.1 mi, reservable)
How current is this information about Harkness Memorial State Park?
This listing was last updated on September 20, 2026. If something is out of date, let us know and we'll fix it.