Rules & Regulations

Gillette Castle State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and in the picnic areas but not in the castle, other buildings, on decks or at the river campsite. DEEP's trail map says the hiking trails are for foot travel only. Buses seating 30 or more need a DEEP permit, and the river campsite bans fires and pets. The Aunt Polly wreck is a protected archaeological preserve.

Hours

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset. The castle opens only for scheduled, ticketed tours (hours).

Dogs and Pets

DEEP's pet rules for Gillette Castle:

• Picnic areas and trails: yes, on a leash.
• Castle, other buildings and decks: not permitted.
• River campsite: not permitted.

Trails

• DEEP's trail map says the hiking trails are foot travel only, so no bikes or horses on them.
• Property boundaries on DEEP's map are approximate; stay on marked trails.
• If a bridge is marked closed on the map or on site, use another route (trail map).

Castle Tours

• Arrive at the castle five to ten minutes before your tour time. DEEP cannot guarantee entry once your time has passed.
• Each 15-minute tour is limited to 18 visitors.
• Bus tours run at 9 a.m. only, never on weekends or holidays, and must be booked at least two weeks ahead (castle tours).

Buses

DEEP requires a bus permit for mid-size and full-size buses that seat 30 or more passengers.

River Camping

• Arrive and leave by canoe or kayak only.
• 20 people maximum; one-night stay.
• No fires, no pets.
• No mooring or docking facilities.
• Break camp by 9 a.m. (river camping).

The Aunt Polly Preserve

The burned hull of Gillette's houseboat on the riverbank was designated a Connecticut Archaeological Preserve in 2003. Look, photograph and leave everything as you find it (Aunt Polly).

Weddings and Events

Terrace weddings need a DEEP permit and follow DEEP's rules on dates, times, guest numbers and vehicles. During private events the park stays open to the public until sunset (weddings).

General State Park Rules

Gillette Castle is a Connecticut state park, and DEEP's statewide park regulations apply. For anything not covered here, call the park office at (860) 526-2336 or check DEEP's park page (contact).