About Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Canoeing
Fishing
Hiking
Kayaking
Mountain Biking
Swimming
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Spring
Canoeing
Kayaking
Summer
Canoeing
Kayaking
Swimming
Fall
Canoeing
Kayaking
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Pet friendly
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
Water Access
- Beach Access
- Lake Access
Pets and Policies
- Pet friendly
Reviews (27)
What Guests Are Saying
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, beautiful surroundings, and helpful park rangers. Many visitors enjoyed family gatherings and events at the pavilions, appreciating the spaciousness and amenities available. The area is ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and picnicking, making it a popular choice for both casual visits and special occasions.
What Guests Are Saying
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is highly praised for its cleanliness, beautiful surroundings, and helpful park rangers. Many visitors enjoyed family gatherings and events at the pavilions, appreciating the spaciousness and amenities available. The area is ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and picnicking, making it a popular choice for both casual visits and special occasions.
Review Summary
Jessica G
July 12, 2025
My family and I had the absolute best experience. We rented the Meadows site. It was clean, spacious, Perfect for our gathering. Mike was so helpful and kind. We are actually thinking of renting the space annually to get our family together.
Monica Q
July 5, 2025
The park was amazing and clean. Great place to have a party and will rent the pavilion again!
Lina R
June 22, 2025
My church rented out this area. It was such a find time. We were greeted with a clean space, 2 very large grills and a large area to have the kids play. We also met one of the rangers. Very nice and knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time. We have rented it again for August and we can’t wait to return. The nature walks and the river were an added bonus. We would highly recommend this park for a function. Thank you for having us!
LIris
October 25, 2024
Great place for a nice evening walk, the park is always clean and feels safe. Beautiful foliage!
Tyeler B
September 9, 2023
Great site. A little hard for guests to find, but it’s nice an secluded. We had roughly 30 people an could definitely fit more! Park rangers were extremely nice!
Marisol P
June 28, 2023
Nice place
J E
May 29, 2023
Super fun place to go for a walk or just to eat with family. It’s very adventurous especially for the hikes but always stays chill at the same time. Wonderful times of the year to visit is definitely spring, summer, and fall. Fishing is available for those that want to and it’s an excellent spot for photographers.
Kenisha J
September 12, 2022
Peaceful and inviting. Perfect for graduation party for 20+ people. 8 picnic tables and 2 grills. Very clean and electricity included with recycling containers near. Dumpster and restroom are just a short walk away from shelter.
Ray R
July 26, 2022
To bad the beach is closed here. Wanted to put my kayak in. They said I could for five minutes . No sense. Stupid bacteria. Most of state parks and other lakes are closed, it a beautiful park . Volley ball, hiking, great place . Beautiful place. It was nice having the park to myself. It was like a ghost town. Think it awesome that they got parking for active and veterans.
Rayon T
August 13, 2021
Great comfortable area for me to host a baby shower . The workers were very friendly when letting us know the time of closing and where to park . I would recommend this to anyone wanting a baby peaceful place to eat and spend quality time with family and loved ones .
Location Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
Address:
Hop Brook Lake
Middlebury, CT, 06762
United States
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.
The Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area is accessible via Route 8 and CT-63. It is approximately 1.5 miles from I-84, which provides access from Hartford and Danbury.
Elevation: 111 feet
3.7 mi drive to downtown Middlebury (about 6 min)
Policies & Rules
General
- 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: August 24, 2026
