The park is open from 8 am to sunset. When the campground is open (mid-May through Labor Day) the gates are monitored after sunset. Only campers, and fishermen with passes may enter the park. In the off-season, the gates are unlocked at 8:00 am and are locked at sunset.
permitted in the picnic areas year round. From September 30 - April 1 ONLY, they are allowed on the beach leashed and under control. After Columbus Day pets are allowed in the campground until May 1.
{Meigs Point Beach at Hammonasset Beach State Park}
Hammonasset Beach State Park Madison
A visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park, is more than just another day at the beach. Connecticut's largest shoreline park offers over 2 miles of beach to enjoy swimming, strolling along the boardwalk, or just relaxing in the sun and surf.
The Meigs Point Nature Center offers programs and activities for park visitors on a year round basis. The Center hours are 10am to 5pm Tuesday – Sunday, from March through October, and 10am to 4pm Tuesday – Saturday, from November through February. For information on programs, please contact Nature Center staff at (203) 245-8743. To visit the Nature Center, bear to the left at the access road rotary, go halfway around the rotary and follow the signs toward Meigs Point. The Center is on the left across from the Meigs Point bathhouse. Parking is available near the building.
Please note the Nature Center telephone number is answered by Nature Center staff that spend time working outside of the office. Please leave a message and your call will be returned.
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 onto I-95 south entrance ramp and go approximately 1 mile to Exit 62, then turn left off the exit. Head south 1 mile down Hammonasset connector, go straight through the light crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road) into the park.
From the south area: 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 area: 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 area: 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.
Only campers, and fishermen with passes may enter the park after sunset. In the off-season, the gates are unlocked at 8:00 am and are locked at sunset.
{Original Pavilion - Hammonasset State Park} Hammonasset Boardwalk, circa 1925
"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.
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 come annually to enjoy Hammonasset Beach State Park.
Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth Location: 1.5 miles west of Killingworth Center on Route 80 Activities: Picnicking, Hiking, Ice Skating, Pond and Stream Fishing, Swimming
{Hammonasset Beach State Park} Hammonasset Beach State Park
Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme Location: 3 miles west of Niantic (Exit 72 from I- 95) Activities: Picnicking, Saltwater Fishing, Hiking, Scuba Diving, Camping, Interpretive Program, Field Sports, Cross Country Skiing, Saltwater Swimming
Sherwood Island State Park, Westport Location: 1/4 mile south of Exit 18 from I-95 Activities: Picnicking, Salt Water Swimming and Fishing, Field Sports, and Nature Programs
