Disc Golf, Volleyball & Model Airplanes

Sherwood Island State Park has two free disc golf courses: an 18-hole course that weaves through most of the wooded west side, and a short beginner course with a few holes on the east side near the Nature Center. Play is first come, first served, with no reservations. The park also has volleyball courts and a model airplane runway on the east side.

The 18-Hole Course

The main course runs through the west side of the park, among the trees and picnic grove behind West Beach. DEEP describes it as weaving through most of that side of the park. The Friends of Sherwood Island publish a disc golf course map, linked from DEEP's park page; download it before you go, because holes thread between picnic areas.

Summer warning: when the park is crowded, typically on summer weekends, DEEP says portions of the 18-hole course may be unplayable, because picnickers fill the grove. For a full round, come on a weekday, early in the morning, or from fall through spring.

Park in the West Beach lot for the 18-hole course (parking).

The Beginner Course

On the east side, near the Nature Center, a short course of only a few holes is set up for beginners and children. It is a good warm-up before a beach afternoon at East Beach. Park in the East Beach lot.

What You Need

Disc golf is golf with flying discs instead of clubs and balls: you throw from a tee toward a metal basket and count throws instead of strokes. DEEP notes that official discs exist, but a classic Frisbee works well too — the Frisbee's roots are in Connecticut. There is no equipment rental in the park, so bring your own discs.

Model Airplane Field

DEEP's map marks a Model Aircraft Area on the east side, and the park page invites visitors to "head to the runway" to fly a model airplane. The Friends of Sherwood Island describe it as the park's model airplane field. Fly well clear of beachgoers and the salt marsh, and follow any posted rules and FAA guidance for recreational aircraft.

Volleyball and Lawn Games

DEEP lists volleyball courts among the park's field sports. Bring your own ball. The open lawns on the east side are also the park's best kite-flying ground, with a steady breeze off the Sound.

Rules

• No reservations; first come, first served.
• Give way to picnickers and walkers on the west side.
• No alcohol in the park.
• Dogs only October 1 to April 14, on a leash (dogs).
• The park closes at sunset (hours).

A Round and a Swim

The 18-hole course and West Beach share the same side of the park, so a summer plan that works is disc golf at 8 a.m., when the gates open and the grove is empty, then the beach once the day warms up. In spring and fall, when the grove is quiet, the course is at its best, and from October 1 to April 14 you can bring a leashed dog along (dogs). Out-of-state players pay the normal parking fee through October 31; Connecticut cars park free (parking). For the rest of the park's layout, see the park map.