Hammonasset Beach State Park
Also known as Hammonasset State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily 8 a.m. – sunset
- Entrance fee
- $22 ($15 nonresident)Annual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- 558 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- ctparks.com(203) 245-2785
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
In South Central Connecticut Planning Region County, about 19 miles east of New Haven, Hammonasset Beach State Park covers about 936 acres.
The park supports historic sites, boating, swimming, biking, and fishing. For overnight stays there are 558 campsites (RV sites with water hookups and tent sites). There are also cabins for rent.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – sunset | — |
| Campground | Open 24 hours | ||
Official wording
Open Daily (8:00 a.m. – Sunset)
Open 24 hours for camping or fishing (Memorial Day – Columbus Day)
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| FREE – In-State Registered Vehicles (resident) | Free |
| $22 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays) (nonresident) | $22 |
| $15 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays) (nonresident) | $15 |
| $7 – Out-of-State Vehicles (After 4:00 pm) (nonresident) | $7 |
| $112 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass) (nonresident) | $112 · year |
Official wording
FREE – In-State Registered Vehicles $22 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekends/Holidays) $15 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Weekdays) $7 – Out-of-State Vehicles (After 4:00 pm) $112 – Out-of-State Vehicles (Season Pass)
Connecticut park passes
- Passport to the Parks — free parking for CT-registered vehicles (funded by an $8/yr vehicle registration fee from July 1, 2025). Day-use parking at all CT State Parks and Forests Details
- Out-of-state vehicle season pass — $112. Season parking for out-of-state vehicles (as listed on park fee boxes) Details
From the Connecticut state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (connecticutstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 558 RV/Tent Sites • Grassy sites with picnic tables
• 88 campsites with electric and water hook-ups available
• Six accessible campsites available by reservation
• Six-person maximum per site
• Maximum stay: 21 days
Daily Rates:
• Campsites with water & electric: $35 resident/$45 non-resident plus processing fee
• Basic campsite: $20 resident/$30 non-resident plus processing fee | 558 | 88 campsites with electric and water hook-ups availableShowers | — |
Camping details from the park
With 40% of all the campsites in the state, camping has a long and storied history at Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Situated a stone’s throw from the beach, 558 grassy open campsites (including eight rustic cabins) dot the meandering loops of the campground. With activities like weekend movie nights, guided nature walks, and bingo, it’s a perfect place to spend time with family and friends — and make new ones.
The Campground
2026 Season: Opens Friday, May 22 and closes Monday, October 12 at noon
2027 Season: Opens Friday, May 28 and closes Monday, October 11 at noon.
Campground Office: (203) 245-1817 (seasonal)
Campground Map
Know Before You Go
- Campsites do not have fire rings. Campers are welcome to bring their own raised firepit or rent one from the campground store (depending on availability).
- No pets allowed
- Camping in Connecticut State Parks and Forests
558 RV/Tent Sites
- Grassy sites with picnic tables
- 88 campsites with electric and water hook-ups available
- Six accessible campsites available by reservation
- Six-person maximum per site
- Maximum stay: 21 days
Daily Rates:
- Campsites with water & electric: $35 resident/$45 non-resident plus processing fee
- Basic campsite: $20 resident/$30 non-resident plus processing fee
Eight Rustic Cabins
- Two-room cabins with double bed and two sets of bunk beds
- Each cabin site includes one picnic table and a fire ring with a grate
- Comfortably sleeps four people with space for up to six
- Minimum rental: 7-nights (Sunday to Sunday only)
- $70 resident/$80 non-resident, plus processing fee, 15% occupancy tax, and refundable $50 security deposit
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- Bathhouses with hot showers, dishwashing, and potable water
- Camp store (hours may vary)
- Firewood and ice available on site
- Six dumping stations
- Playground with swings and slides
- Recycling stations for mini propane cylinders
- Trash and recycling receptacles
- Swings, slides, sandbox, volleyball court, and adult exercise equipment
Reserve a Campsite
- Online: Visit Reserve America
- By phone: 1-877-668-CAMP (2267)
- A $9 processing fee applies to all reservations. Any reservations changes or cancellations will also incur a $9 processing fee. Walk-in fee: $3.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Eight Rustic Cabins• Two-room cabins with double bed and two sets of bunk beds • Each cabin site includes one picnic table and a fire ring with a grate • Comfortably sleeps four people with space for up to six • Minimum rental: 7-nights (Sunday to Sunday only) Daily Rates: • $70 resident/$80 non-resident, plus processing fee, 15% occupancy tax, and refundable $50 security deposit
Things to do
BikingBoatingCampingFishingHikingHistoric sites and toursPicnickingSwimming
Trails
Hammonasset State Beach’s several miles of accessible hiking trails highlight the Park’s expansive views, rich coastal ecology, and geologic features.
Bringing a 4-legged companion? Our paved trails get sizzling hot on a summer day. Bare human feet and dog paws should proceed with caution!
Hammonasset Beach State Park Walk
- 3.4-mile paved multi-use trail
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- This heavily trafficked out-and-back trail hugs the coastline, offering shoreline vistas from the nature center all the way to the western section of the beach. The trail – the most popular in the park – is a combination of paved surfaces and boardwalk, making it accessible to all.
Meigs Point Trail
- 1.4-mile trail
- This out-and-back trail takes along the rocky, sandy shoreline takes you out and around Meigs Point. With sweeping views of the sound on one side and protected marshland on the other, the trail is popular for walking, birding, fishing, and more. Head out during low tide to enjoy a wider beach and tidal pools.
Read more from the park
Willard's Island Nature Trail
- 1.1-mile paved trail
- Head inland and away from the beach for some solitude and a closer look at the park’s expansive salt marshes with this easy loop. A birdwatching hotspot, keep your eyes peeled for some of the park’s feathered friends, like osprey, herons, yellow warblers, and more!
Know Before You Go
- Trail Map
Swimming
Cool off with a dip in the refreshing saltwater or don your scuba gear and explore what’s below anywhere along the park’s two-mile stretch of shoreline. The waves here are generally calm, keeping the water clear for sea life spotting and the surf ideal for visitors of all ages.
Tip: When the tide comes in, head down to the large boulders at Meigs Point to experience our “singing beach” in action. Listen carefully to hear thousands of tiny shells tinkle against each other, creating our very own seaside orchestra, two showings daily.
Accessible Swimming/Beach Surf Chairs
- Available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Know Before You Go
- Current Water Quality Report (updated weekly, Memorial Day – Labor Day)
- Beach Regulations and Swimming Safety Information
Boating and paddling
Bring your canoe or kayak and enjoy a paddle while soaking in the sun and views of the Connecticut shoreline.
To reach car-top boat launch:
- Follow signs to Meigs Point and the fishermen's parking area. Look for the launch on the east side of the Meigs Point jetty.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- Life jackets are mandatory from October 1 – May 31. Children under 12 must wear a life jacket year-round.
- Connecticut Boater's Guide
Fishing
Surf cast from the stone breakwater. Cast a line from the serenity of your canoe. Catch dinner while catching the sunrise. Find all your favorite ways to go saltwater fishing here from spring to fall.
Types of fish: Blackfish (tautog), winter flounder, bluefish, summer flounder (fluke), porgy (scup), weakfish, striped bass
Daytime fishing (8 a.m. to sunset):
- Permitted at the Meig's Point Jetty (south end) and at West Beach Jetty
- Peak season (May – October)
Night fishing:
- Permitted along the entire beach
- Peak season only
- To access the park's car-top boat launch:
- Follow signs to Meigs Point and the fishermen's parking area. The launch is on east side of Meigs Point jetty.
Know Before You Go
- Saltwater Fishing in Connecticut’s State Parks
- Saltwater Fishing Resource Map
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Water hookups
Lodging
- Cabins
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Beach wheelchairs (first-come-first-served)
Boardwalk
Camping (available by reservation)
Parking
Restrooms
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Rules and permits
- Bus Permits are required for mid-size and full-size busses seating 30 or more passengers
- Park Map
- The fare free Clinton Trolley provides free service between the park and local points of interest in Clinton on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pick-up/drop-off location is at the Middle Beach parking lot circle.
Getting there
- Address
- 1288 Boston Post Rd.
Madison, CT 06443 - Nearest town
- New Haven — about 19 mi east (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.2667, -72.5584
- Phone
- (203) 245-2785
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Connecticut State Parks and Forests — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- DEEP 'Find a Park or Forest by Name' list (portal.ct.gov) merged with the ctparks.com ParkFinder search service
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology