Hammonasset Beach State Park, CT

"Hammonasset" means "where we dig holes in the ground" and refers to the place where a settlement of eastern woodland Indians farmed along the Hammonasset River. They subsisted on corn, beans, and squash, and by fishing and hunting. The first colonists arrived in 1639. Property changed hands frequently between Native Americans and the first colonists. In 1898, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company bought Hammonasset and used it as a testing site for their new rifle. Their Lee Straight Pull rifle was mounted on a horse drawn stone boat, from which it was fired into targets on the beach. Hammonasset Beach State Park, with over 2 miles of sandy beach, has much to offer.

Geography:

On July 18, 1920, Hammonasset Beach State Park was opened to the public. The first season attracted over 75,000 visitors. The park's reputation drew tourists from across the continent as well as the state. During World War II, the park was closed to the public and loaned to the federal government as an army reservation. Meigs Point functioned as an aircraft range. Planes flew over Clinton Harbor, fired at the range, and then flew out over Long Island Sound. The stone breakwater at the Meigs Point end of the park was built in 1955. The stones were brought in by truck from quarries in northern New England. Today, over one million people enjoy Hammonasset Beach State Park each year.

Recreation:

Swim in the salt water, collect shells, build a sandcastle, sunbathe, relax, and walk along the 3/4 mile boardwalk, gazing upon Long Island Sound. Launch a carry-in boat, take a canoe trip, or fish from the stone breakwater. Summer activities include nature talks, bingo, movies, horseshoes, bocce and volleyball. The children's play area offers a pirate ship, swings, and slides. Visit Meigs Point Nature Center and experience the hands-on saltwater touch tank or search for the hundreds of bird species present at the park. See displays of area flora, fauna and geology.

Facilities:

As Connecticut's largest public beach park, Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites, perfect for the nature enthusiast. Hammonasset's campground has 552 sites with many amenities, including restrooms, showers, a camp store, dump stations, and water. The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors during the summer season.

Nearby Attractions:

Nearby state parks include Chatfield Hollow State Park, in Killingworth, Rocky Neck State Park, in East Lyme, and Sherwood Island State Park, in Westport.

Booking Window

Wed Sep 17 2025 - Sun Aug 16 2026

Reservations must be made 1 Day(s) ahead of arrival and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Dates

Season Schedule

Park Season

Start

End

Peak

Fri May 23 2025

Sun Oct 12 2025

Peak

Fri May 22 2026

Sun Oct 11 2026

Services and Amenities

Within Park

ADA Access
Amphitheatre
Beach Combing
Beach Wheelchair
Beach With Lifeguards
Biking - Road
Bird Watching
Boardwalk
Boating
Canoeing - River
Car Top Boat Launch
Chemical Toilet
Concession Stand
Dishwashing Station
Dump Station
Firewood
First Aid Kit
Fishing - Ocean
Flush Toilet
Handicap Accessible
Horseshoe Pits

Ice Machine
Interpretive Programs
Nature Center
Nature Trail
Parking
Photography
Picnic Area
Picnic Shelter
Public Drinking Water Taps
Recycling Center
Restaurant
Restroom
Saltwater
Scuba Diving
Showers
Softball Field
Swimming
Volleyball Court
Walking
Wildlife Viewing

Within 10 Miles

Church
Fishing Supplies

Hospital
Laundry

Greater Than 10 Miles

Gambling Facilities

Tourist Attractions

Fees and Cancellation Policies

Please read our Fees and Cancellation Policies

Getting There

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.27, -72.56
41°16'12"N, 72°33'36"W

From the north/Hartford area: Take I-91 south to Route 9 south. Off Route 9, take Exit 9. Turn right (south) onto Route 81; continue down Route 81 until you run into I-95. Turn right ont theo I-95 entrance ramp, and go approximately 1 mile to Exit 62, then turn left off the exit. Head south 1 mile down Hammonasset connector, and go straight through the light crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road), into the park. From the south: Take I-95 north, Exit 62. Take a right off the exit ramp onto Hammonasset I-95 connector. Park entrance will be 1 mile ahead. From the east/Rhode Island: Take I-395 south onto I-95 south, Exit 62. Take a left off the exit and go approximately 1 mile. Go straight through the traffic light, crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road). From the west/New York: Take I-95 north, Exit 62. Take a right off the exit and go approximately 1 mile. Go straight through the traffic light, crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road), into the park.

Contact Information