Connecticut
Hammonasset Beach State Park
556 sites·$20–$70/night
92% booked on peak weekends
We scan this campground regularly and alert you when a site opens up.
92% booked on peak weekends
We scan this campground regularly and alert you when a site opens up.
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"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.
Location: 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.
Nearby: Nearby state parks include Chatfield Hollow State Park, in Killingworth, Rocky Neck State Park, in East Lyme, and Sherwood Island State Park, in Westport.
GENERAL PARK INFORMATION Hammonasset Beach State Park Webpage Hammonasset Beach State Park office - 203-245-2785. Campground office - 203-245-1817. Additional information can be found at the following links: CT State Parks Friends of Connecticut State Parks Friends of Hammonasset General Camping Information Interpretive Programs: Explore the natural and cultural histories of Connecticut State Parks and Forests through interpretation! Interpretive events are listed on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website. Take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more! Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff and hosts. Find interpretive programs: http://www.depdata.ct.gov/calendar/ CAMPING INFORMATION Camping reservations are accepted 11 months in advance until the day prior to arrival. For campsites, a two-night minimum is required for all advance reservations, except when making a reservation within 3 days of arrival, when making a one-night reservation is allowed. A 7-night minimum (Sunday to Sunday) is required for all cabin reservations. The maximum length of stay is 21 (twenty-one) consecutive days. If you have a 21 day reservation, all members of your camping party and your camping equipment must leave the park for 5 days before you can return. Camping Reservation Freeze Policy: Any reservation with a departure date that is more than 11 months from today cannot be changed or cancelled for 18 days after the reservation was made for an inland campground and 25 days for sites at Hammonasset and Rocky Neck. Firepits are not provided at this campground, but may be rented for a fee from the camp store. Store hours may vary depending on staffing, weather and other factors. Campers may also bring their own firepit to use at their campsite. Fires must be in raised containers; ground fires are not allowed. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THIS CAMPGROUND. Check in time for campsites is 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Campers arriving after 10:00 p.m. will be required to set up in a temporary stopover area until the following morning. Check-in for cabins does not begin until 2:00 p.m. on the day of arrival (Sundays). Cabin check-out time is 11:00 a.m. on the day of departure. Firewood: In an effort to protect Connecticut's forests from the introduction and spread of destructive insect pests - in particular the emerald ash borer and Asian long-horned beetle - we are taking the following action: Prohibiting the bringing of firewood into state of Connecticut campgrounds and state parks from other states. As an alternative, firewood can be either purchased at the camp stores within the state campgrounds or at local retail sellers of firewood. We greatly appreciate the public's assistance in helping to protect the state's natural resources and apologizes for any inconvenience this initiative may cause.