Campground Details - Hammonasset Beach State Park, CT - ReserveAmerica

Description

"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.

Services & Amenities:

Within Facility
ADA Accessible 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 Telephone Volleyball Court Walking Wildlife Viewing
Within 10 Miles
Church Fishing Supplies	Hospital Laundry
Greater Than 10 Miles
Gambling Facilities	Tourist Attractions

Alerts and Important Information

You can now make a reservation for the day before your arrival and up until 11 months in advance. If you make your reservation within 7 days of your arrival you can book a 1 night stay on the weekends.

Additional information can be found at the following address.

CT State Parks (DEP)
Friends of Connecticut State Parks
Friends of Hammonasset
General Camping Information

If you have any questions, please call 1-866-287-2757 or 1-866-CTPARKS.

Explore the natural and cultural histories of Connecticut State Parks and Forests through inerpretation! 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! Follow this link to the DEP's Calendar of Events. Perform a "Keyword" search for this park/forest and then join a program. Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff. For additional information please call the DEP Division of State Parks at 860-424-3200. Find interpretive programs: http://dep.state.ct.us/calendar/calendar.htm

Getting There:

Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 BOSTON POST RD (PO 271)
Madison CT 06443

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.

View Regional Map Map Driving Route

Phone Park for More Information:

Information: (203)245-1817

Find Campsites

HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, CT