Where is the Outdoor Education Center (OEC) and how far is it from New Haven?
The center is located in East Lyme, CT, only 42 miles from New Haven via I-95 north.

How can I use the OEC?
To visit for just one day, present your valid Yale ID at the Center's check-in station and pay the day-use fees. Seasonal memberships are available for sale at the OEC Office (Payne Whitney Gym, Room 521). Membership includes unlimited use of the OEC on a daily basis and facility rental privileges. For further information call the OEC Office at (203) 432-2492.

Can I bring non-Yale guests with me?
Yes, but you are limited to 6 people and you are responsible for their behavior. The regular day-use fees apply to guests.

Do I have to buy a membership to rent a cabin or campsite?
Yes, it is one of the membership privileges.

How do I rent a cabin or campsite?
Call the OEC office at 203-432-2492 or stop by Payne Whitney Gym, Room 521.

Can I rent a cabin for 1 night?
Cabins are rented for full weeks only, from early July through Labor Day. Weekends are available in June and September when the center is less busy.

What is in a cabin?
Cabins 2-6 have 2 sleeping areas (2 bunk beds, 1 twin trundle (pulls out to a full). In the kitchenette there is counter space, a two-burner hot plate, small cube refrigerator and small kitchen sink with cold running water.

Cabins 1,7-9 have been renovated to include paneled walls, area rugs, painted floors. They have 2 sleeping areas (2 bunk beds, 1 twin trundle (pulls out to a full), a door separates the two sleeping areas. In the kitchenette there is counter space, a two-burner hot plate, full-size refrigerator and small kitchen sink with hot & cold running water.

Each cabin has its own charcoal grill, picnic table and small deck with view of the lake.

*All cabins have electricity and bottled Poland Spring water.
*There are no indoor toilets at the OEC, portable toilets are located outside and behind cabins. They are cleaned twice weekly.

How many people can stay in a cabin?
4 Adults or 2 Adults and 4 children

What should I bring if I am staying in a cabin?
Partial list only!
Sheets or sleeping bags, pillows
Towels, soap, etc
Pots & pans (anything you will need to cook with)
Eating utensils (paper plates, plastic forks, spoons, etc)
Cleaning products (garbage bags, dish soap, paper towels, etc)
Bug spray and sunscreen
Flashlights
Charcoal for grill
Food and beverages

What is on a campsite?
The campsites have a grill, fire ring, picnic table, parking space and room for 1 large tent or 2 small tents. Bottled Poland Spring water. Campfire wood is available for sale.

How many people can stay on the campsite?
4 Adults or 2 Adults and 4 children

What should I bring for camping?
Partial list only!
Tent
Sleeping bag
Towels, soap, etc
Pots & Pans (anything you will need to cook with)
Eating utensils (paper plates, plastic forks, spoons, etc)
Cleaning products (garbage bags, dish soap, paper towels, etc)
Bug Spray and sunscreen
Flashlight
Charcoal for grill
Food, beverages and cooler

Are pets allowed at the OEC?
No, pets are not allowed at the OEC, except seeing-eye dogs.

What else do I need to know?
- No firearms are allowed at the OEC.
- No fireworks are allowed at the OEC.
- Waterfront rules and "quiet times" must be strictly adhered to.
- There's not much to do at the OEC if it rains but there are many area attractions within easy driving distance. Log onto www.tourism.state.ct.us and click on "Mystic Country."