Camp Harkness is a state park and camp operated by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to create accessibility to nature for people with disabilities. The park was originally part of the Harkness Estate and was dedicated by Mary Harkness for this purpose in her will.

Any resident of the state of Connecticut with a permanent disability is eligible to become a passholder at Camp Harkness and all passholders (with up to 5 guests) may access the camp for day-use any time of year from sunrise to sunset. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the beach is open for swimming from 9am-5pm. Passholders may also reserve picnic tables by the beach and tent sites for overnight stays. 

During the summer, DDS partners with Oak Hill, The Arc of Eastern Connecticut, Southbury Training School, and Sunrise Northeast to provide a sleepaway camp for adults with disabilities.

When the camps run by these organizations are not in session, passholders are able to reserve cabins, cottages, tentsites, and pavilions for themselves and their guests. At peak, there are 26 cabins and cottages available and throughout the winter, 8 heated units remain available.

Year-round, Camp Harkness collaborates with DDS affiliates, volunteer groups, non-profit agencies, and many organizations throughout Connecticut to host a wide variety of events.

The Camp Harkness Foundation raises funds to support programs at camp, camperships for individuals attending summer camp, and to purchase new and updated adaptive equipment.