Hammonasset Beach State Park

4.06

84 reviews

1288 BOSTON POST RD (PO 271), MADISON, Connecticut, 06443, United States

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$20 - $21/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

552 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$20 - $21/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

552 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Hammonasset Beach State Park

$20.00 - $21.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee structure is $20 per night for standard sites. Additional rentals include fire pits for $12, with a $20 deposit refundable upon return. Bonus...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.06

Satisfactory

Based on 84 reviews

1802 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousbeach

Some mention

noise

"Reviews are mixed, with praise for the beach and nature center but significant criticism regarding campsite privacy and restroom cleanliness. One user summarized, 'Great beach, but very noisy generators on the campground until 10PM.'"

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1288 BOSTON POST RD (PO 271), MADISON, Connecticut, 06443, United States

Hammonasset Beach State Park

1288 BOSTON POST RD (PO 271), MADISON, Connecticut, 06443, United States

Driving directionsFrom 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 onto the 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.

The campground is accessible from major routes like I-95 and Route 1 Boston Post Road. Accessibility is consistent year-round and is not impacted by seasonal closures.

Nearby places

Madison, CT (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)

Clinton, CT (5 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

New Haven, CT (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies available within Madison, CT (~3 miles)

camp store onsite for firewood and basic supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Hammonasset Beach State Park

Each season paints Hammonasset with its own distinct palette of experiences. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and crystalline skies, perfect for hiking and birdwatching as migrating species return to the coast. Summer transforms the park into a sun-soaked playground where warm days beckon swimmers and sandcastle architects alike. Autumn brings a peaceful reprieve with mild temperatures ideal for campfire gatherings and long beach walks. Even winter holds its charm for the hardy camper, offering solitude and stark coastal beauty, though visitors should prepare for the chill that sweeps across the open shore.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season offers full beach experience but is crowded and noisy per many reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter off-peak season with good birding, walks and pleasant weather.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring migration and mild weather make it excellent for birding and hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; peaceful for long walks but limited activities and colder conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is June through August, with higher visitor volumes.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round for reservations; peak season during summer months.
Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Hammonasset Beach State Park

Stretching along Connecticut's pristine coastline, Hammonasset Beach State Park welcomes adventurers to the state's largest public beach paradise, where over 550 grassy campsites await beneath open skies. This beloved coastal haven combines the best of beach camping with modern comforts, including well-maintained restrooms, refreshing showers, and inviting picnic areas perfect for family gatherings. While the spacious sites offer room to spread out and breathe, those seeking solitude should note that the open layout prioritizes community over seclusion. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the on-site nature center, where local ecology comes alive through engaging exhibits and programs.

The campground features over 550 sites, primarily accommodating tents and RVs. There are no options for pets, and all sites are non-electric.

Historical SignificanceThe very ground beneath your tent whispers stories spanning centuries. Hammonasset, meaning 'where we dig holes in the ground,' honors the Eastern Woodland Indians who first cultivated these fertile coastal lands, their agricultural wisdom shaping the landscape long before colonial settlers arrived. This sacred gathering place witnessed the meeting of cultures and the evolution of Connecticut's coastal communities. During World War II, the skies above Meigs Point thundered with aircraft as pilots honed their skills at the military range, adding another layer to this land's rich tapestry of American history.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Hammonasset with its own distinct palette of experiences. Spring arrives with gentle breezes and crystalline skies, perfect for hiking and birdwatching as migrating species return to the coast. Summer transforms the park into a sun-soaked playground where warm days beckon swimmers and sandcastle architects alike. Autumn brings a peaceful reprieve with mild temperatures ideal for campfire gatherings and long beach walks. Even winter holds its charm for the hardy camper, offering solitude and stark coastal beauty, though visitors should prepare for the chill that sweeps across the open shore.

ElevationThis coastal campground rests at sea level, where land meets the rhythmic pulse of Long Island Sound.

Natural Features and SceneryNature's artistry unfolds across every corner of Hammonasset, where emerald grass gives way to golden dunes and the sapphire expanse of Long Island Sound. Your campsite becomes a front-row seat to coastal theater - watch magnificent ospreys soar overhead, returning to their carefully constructed nests with fresh catches. Two miles of pristine sandy beach invite endless exploration, while the surrounding salt marshes teem with life, from fiddler crabs scuttling through the cordgrass to herons stalking the shallows. These diverse ecosystems create a living classroom where every tide brings new discoveries.

Geological RegionPositioned along the dynamic shores of Long Island Sound, Hammonasset showcases Connecticut's fascinating coastal geology in action. Here, ancient glacial deposits meet the ceaseless work of wind and waves, creating an ever-changing landscape of barrier beaches and protective dunes. The park's salt marshes represent thousands of years of sediment accumulation, forming one of nature's most productive ecosystems. These tidal wetlands serve as crucial nurseries for marine life while protecting the inland areas from storms, making this geological wonderland both beautiful and essential to the region's ecological health.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Check-out

By 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum length of stay is 21 consecutive days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests per campsite.

Groups

No specific group camping details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of several loops and sections named S, T, U, V, W, and X.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online on the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection's website.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be available on a walk-up basis, but advanced reservation is recommended due to high demand during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or modified within 18 days for inland campgrounds and 25 days for coastal campgrounds (Hammonasset and Rocky Neck).

AccessibilityThe park offers ADA accessibility, including beach wheelchairs, though no detailed reviews about accessibility are available.

Site SizeSites accommodate up to 6 people and equipment up to 35 feet in length.

PrivacyThe campsites lack privacy, as expressed by multiple reviewers. One reviewer stated, 'The sites are laid out like an army boot camp with very few areas providing any privacy.

Total Campsites552 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, aim for secluded sites at the end of roads. For families, larger open sites can accommodate group activities.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Hammonasset Beach State Park offers diverse activities including swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can enjoy boardwalks, picnic areas, and educational programs at Meigs Point Nature Center.

HikingTrails range from paved paths for biking and walking to more natural marsh trails. Popular for wildlife observation and photography.

FishingFishing is permitted, particularly near the stone breakwater. One reviewer noted that fishing along the wave breakers is great fun.

SwimmingSwimming is a major attraction. The beach spans over two miles with shallow waters up to 40 meters, making it ideal for kids. However, one user reported experiencing a rash after swimming.

BikingBiking is highly recommended, with paved trails and paths suitable for all ages. Multiple users have praised the biking facilities.

BoatingBoating activities are supported with a car-top boat launch. Canoeing opportunities are also noted.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to diverse wildlife, including osprey. Meigs Point offers excellent spots for bird watching and observing other species.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding during heavy rain has been reported in user reviews as problematic for tent campers. Poison ivy is also present in certain areas.

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

Fire PolicyCampfires require a rented fire pit ($12 rental fee plus refundable $20 deposit).

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesHospital: Middlesex Hospital Shoreline Medical Center, approximately 4 miles away in Westbrook, CT. Police station: Madison Police Department, approximately 3 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling center is available within the campground. However, one user noted that dumpsters can overflow during busy periods.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to Long Island Sound, with access to sandy beaches and marsh ecosystems.

Camp HostNo specific information on campground hosts.

Weather at Hammonasset Beach State Park

Reviews

4.1

84 reviews

Satisfactory

Hammonasset Beach State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mixed, with praise for the beach and nature center but significant criticism regarding campsite privacy and restroom cleanliness. One user summarized, 'Great beach, but very noisy generators on the campground until 10PM.'

Review Summaries

Based on 84 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the spacious beach, boardwalk, and nature center. The biking trails and educational programs at Meigs Point are also frequently praised.

Based on 84 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include lack of privacy, poorly maintained restrooms, and noise disturbances. Some users criticized the enforcement of rules and campsite flooding during rain.

Based on 84 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bikes to explore paved trails. Consider off-season visits to avoid crowds. Be prepared for minimal privacy at campsites.

Based on 84 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer experiences are dominated by crowded conditions and noise, while off-season visits are noted as peaceful and ideal for long walks.

Based on 84 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Can’t beat a summer sunset at Hammonasset Beach State Park.' 2. 'The beach is lovely and, without the dregs who litter it with their junk, it would be idyllic.' 3. 'Bathrooms are a health hazard,...

Based on 84 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites like 'HAMMAONEU36' and 'HAMMAONEV10' are standard non-electric, accommodating up to 6 people. Most sites are noted for their lack of privacy.

Based on 84 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed accessibility reviews are available, though the park provides general ADA access features.

Based on 84 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not permitted in the campground or on the beach. Multiple users expressed disappointment about this policy.

Based on 84 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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