History

Camp Bethel was established in 1878 on the Haddam site by the Life and Advent Union, a small American Protestant denomination. There were times in the early years that as many as 10,000 people would gather on this property for a couple of weeks each summer to have worship services, classes and cultural enrichment, as they discovered practical applications of the Christian faith. They came from as far away as Maine to the Carolinas by steamer, train, horse-drawn wagons—and even via bicycle from New Haven. They stayed in tents and later built small cottages on the campsites. Some of the current cottages were built in the 1890’s and early 20th century in the typical Victorian style of the period.

Today the Association has members from 20 states across the U.S., and Europe as well. They represent twenty different Christian denominations—Protestant, Orthodox, Evangelical, and Roman Catholic.

Forty-eight privately-owned cottages—all but four dating from 1890-1920—are occupied variously throughout our May through October season. Many cottages are owned by descendants of the original owners.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2007, Camp Bethel has been helping strengthen churches in Connecticut and beyond for over 144 years. It is a charming and inspirational place to visit with a splendid view of the Connecticut River and is in a colorful and vibrant area of the state that is deliciously rich in history.

See some of our historical videos up on our Youtube channel: