People would camp FREE all up and down the Housatonic River. All throughout the vast woods and mountains one can view old campfire sites and the evidence of the freedom of camping. Younger people would go anywhere desired for their 'party". The state park camping areas were prized party grounds and all in all the vast area was problem free. The area is not a heavy forest fire area so it would be a rarity for a stray camper to start one. (not to downplay the importance here)
As of 2003-10 the campgrounds sit mostly empty.
All of the above was the RULE of the area up into the 1960's. By the 1970's most all camping was eliminated outside of the State Parks by continued arrests although the property owner had no complaints. The 'overnight' shelters of the Appalachian Trail within the state parks were burned and torn down due to the frustration of government and juristictional control i.e. hikers of a federal trail and enforcement of hundreds of thousands of State Park camping regulations. (the Appalachian Trail now passes on a federal right of way and bypasses the State Parks) The DEP began writing more regulations of camping and used the areas as DEP training areas. Virtually all the DEP were post military so in effect the campgrounds became military training grounds and the camper in-effect citizens of a conquered enemy country.
By the 1990's camping here had reduced itself to being quite popular during the weekends and slim during the weekdays. Naturally this would attract allot of 'weekend party goers' who were just getting away to the woods for the weekend. I recall no problems and obviously there would be a rare 'drank too much' person but by my observation virtually 100% could be solved just by human being conversation.
I must mention when Camping one might expect constant searches of your possessions and tent, camp trailer, RV, or whatever. If you have any 'rights' consult a lawyer prior to any visit.
Another State Park in Connecticut has an alcohol ban and that is Black Rock State Park. About 10-15 years ago it was a holiday weekend on a summer hot July 4 I think it was and for some reason there was a semi-riot. I know not the reason but I would not doubt it was a crowd revolting against the military rule of the DEP. The DEP was vicious. They would march through the parks in HITLER fashion stripping tents and clothes and property if it was thought anything violated the hundreds of thousands of new camping regulations.----but BLACK ROCK PARK has more of a ratio of urban campers from city area vs. most the areas discussed in this website. Now considering people enjoyed themselves at Black Rock for endless decades with no problems what was the solution ? Ban alcohol forever. I know not the enforcement here (I presume very strict..even entrapment if it can equal fine revenue) but again unlike other states of which ALL virtually have alcohol bans Connecticut enforces such through constant monitoring of campers, the use of infared to watch at night, constant strip searches of cars for any evidence of a beer can empty or full. It is difficult often because Connecticut has a bottle/can deposit law. Many wish to save their cans to return for deposit.
SO IN EFFECT CAMPING NOW IS A ALCOHOL FREE PARADISE. IF YOU DO NOT DRINK MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME !!!! IF YOU DO YOU GO TO JAIL !!!! REMEMBER AA MEMBERS, MADD, ETC. KNOW ALL THE SIGNS OF A DRINKER. YOU FOOL NO-ONE !!!
Fellow AA members if campers are well aware of the temptation when out in the woods for a 2-3 week stay..especially very hot days in the summer !!! It can be miserable at times on extended stay and that temptation !!!! NO NEED ANY LONGER !!!! EVEN THE TEMPTATION OF LEAVING THE PARK TO GET A DRINK YOU CAN BATTLE THE POLICE ROADBLOCKS, CONSTANT STOPS FOR SEAT BELT CHECKS, STRIPPING OF VEHICLES FOR SEARCHES, AND OUT-OF-STATE VEHICLE ???? ENJOY IT !!!!!!
