2025 | For the Love of Camping!

Peg Mill Shelter (Lean-to)

Location: Voluntown, CT — Along the Narragansett Trail, Pachaug State Forest (Green Falls Area), CT

Overview

Of the shelters in Pachaug State Forest, Peg Mill Brook Shelter stands out especially in rainy weather. With a metal roof and generous headroom, it provides solid protection from the elements. The site includes a well-built fire ring along with handy extras like a grill grate and a bow saw, making it a great stop for overnight hikers or lunch breaks.

Shelter & Camping Conditions

The shelter is located on the Narragansett Trail, nestled between Green Falls and the Rhode Island border. There are a few ways to reach it depending on gate access.
A small stream runs nearby and often flows year-round. Peg Mill Brook, just a short walk from the shelter, offers another water source.
💧 Always remember to boil or filter your water — even if it’s flowing.

Video of the shelter during a hike

Highlights

🧭 Great access from multiple trail systems: Pachaug, Nehantic, and Green Falls Loop

🏕️ Flat, open space around the shelter suitable for multiple tents or hammocks

🌲 Peaceful forest setting along the Narragansett Trail

🔥 Fire ring with tools and grill grate available on-site

💦 Nearby running water sources

🛻 If the gate to the Green Falls area is open, it’s a short 0.6-mile hike via forest road

Notes

💧 Water source: Peg Mill Brook offers water access, but be sure to boil or filter any water collected

🦟 Bug spray highly recommended, especially in warmer months

🧭 Part of Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut’s largest state forest

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Apr 06 2025

Dry Reservoir Shelter (Lean-to)

Location: Griswold, CT — along the Nehantic Trail in Pachaug State Forest

Overview

Tucked into the woods not far from where the Nehantic and Pachaug Trails split, the Dry Reservoir Shelter offers a modest but useful stop for hikers traversing this section of Pachaug State Forest. The structure is short in height with no standing room, but it is wide enough to comfortably sleep several people — more if you’re willing to get cozy. While it may not be the tallest shelter in the forest, it makes up for it with its solid fire pit and a metal fire grate.

Shelter & Camping Conditions

The shelter is located about 0.5 miles from Firetower Road, a forest access road, and approximately 0.75 miles from Mount Misery Overlook, which offers sweeping views of the forest. The hike in includes a bridge crossing over a dam runoff and passes by small seasonal streams that may dry up during the summer. Water typically flows under the bridge near the dam year-round, though there is no immediate water source at the shelter itself. A running stream near the trail may offer water earlier on the approach, but as always, it’s important to boil or filter all collected water before use.

Video of the shelter during a hike

Highlights

💦 A running stream near the trail can often be used to resupply water, though it may dry up in the summer

🧭 Approximately 0.75 miles from Mount Misery Overlook, a popular nearby destination with great views

🌳 Wooded and secluded setting — surrounded by forest, away from main roads

🏕️ Flat, open space around the shelter suitable for multiple tents or hammocks

🛖 Low-clearance lean-to with space for multiple sleepers

🔥 Large fire pit with grate and saw on site

Notes

💧 Water source: Streams offer water access, but be sure to boil or filter any water collected

🦟 Bug spray highly recommended, especially in warmer months

🧭 Part of Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut’s largest state forest

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Apr 01 2025

Dawley Pond Shelter (Lean-to)

Location: Voluntown, CT — along the Pachaug Trail in Pachaug State Forest

Overview

Nestled beside the waters of Great Meadow Brook Pond, this rustic shelter offers a scenic and peaceful stop along the 25-mile Pachaug Trail. Although modest in upkeep, the location makes up for it with its incredible views and natural sounds.

Shelter & Camping Conditions

The shelter is frequently visited by locals and showed signs of wear during our stay. While the site was somewhat littered, it was easy to clean up, and could benefit from more regular maintenance.
There is plenty of room for tents and hammocks, making it a solid overnight stop for solo hikers or small groups.

Video of the shelter during a hike

Highlights

🏕️ Flat, open space around the shelter suitable for multiple tents or hammocks

🥾 Just 0.3 miles from the nearest parking area, making it easy to reach

🌅 Beautiful pond views and the sound of water right next to the shelter

🐟 Great access for fishing — bring a kayak or canoe if you can

🌲 Located on the Pachaug Trail, ideal for longer hikes

🍽️ Wood River Picnic Area is a short walk away

Notes

💧 Water source: The pond offers year-round access, but be sure to boil or filter any water collected

🦟 Bug spray highly recommended, especially in warmer months

🧭 Part of Pachaug State Forest, Connecticut’s largest state forest

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Mar 30 2025

Legend Wood Shelter (Lean-to)

Location: North Stonington, CT — along the Narragansett Trail, near Wyassup Lake

Overview

The Legend Wood Shelter is a peaceful and well-maintained backcountry shelter located about 1 mile hike the Wyassup Lake boat launch in North Stonington, Connecticut. The approach is a mild uphill hike along the Narragansett Trail, making it accessible for most hikers without being too strenuous.

Shelter & Site Conditions

The shelter itself is clean and in good repair, offering a reliable place to stop for a break, lunch, or an overnight stay. It’s tucked off the trail, providing a quiet, secluded feel, while still being only about ¾ of a mile from the nearest road (as the crow flies).

There is very limited space for tents, and unfortunately the site often has broken glass on the ground, so take care when setting up or walking around.

The fire ring is modest, but large enough to support a cozy fire for cooking or warmth.

Video of the shelter during a hike

Highlights

🌊 A small pond nearby may offer water year-round (be sure to boil or filter before drinking)

🍁 Great fall views — the surrounding woods are especially beautiful in autumn

🪵 A nearby ledge offers the perfect lunch spot with a view

🧘‍♂️ Quiet setting, tucked just off the trail for a bit of solitude

🥾 Light uphill grade, manageable for most hikers

🚶‍♂️ Only 1 mile hike from Wyassup Lake

Notes

⚠️ Broken glass is often present on the ground — watch your step and pack out any you can

🚫 Minimal tent space — best for hammock campers or shelter-only use

📍 A good spot for a day hike lunch break or minimalist overnight

💧 Water is available, but treat it before use

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Mar 05 2025

Archive - 2025

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Shelter & Camping Conditions

Video of the shelter during a hike

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Shelter & Camping Conditions

Video of the shelter during a hike

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Video of the shelter during a hike

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Video of the shelter during a hike

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