The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) is the community assistance arm of the National Park Service. RTCA supports community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation projects. RTCA staff provide technical assistance to communities so they can conserve rivers, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.

In 2000, the National Park Services River and Trails Program undertook a process to establish a manual for developing new campsites for the Upper Connecticut River. Today, this manual basis provides a set of standards for designing, building, and maintaining campsites used for the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail.