Hammonasset Beach State Park
Madison, CT
Connecticut's largest shoreline state park, with a long sand beach, salt marsh, a boardwalk, a nature center and a short coastal trail. Arrive early on summer weekends, when the entrance can back up and the park fills.
Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, with 936 acres (about 380 ha) and roughly 2 miles (just over 3 km) of beach on Long Island Sound, is Connecticut's largest shoreline park. The state acquired about 499 acres in 1919, and the park opened in 1920, drawing more than 75,000 visitors in its first year. Today an estimated one million guests come each year. During World War II the site served as a US Army firing range and was closed for a time.
Activities include swimming, cycling, fishing, hiking and picnicking. The Meigs Point Nature Center, opened in 2016, has 4,000 sq ft (about 370 m²) of exhibits, including tanks with live marine animals, and an observation deck. The park has a large campground with about 550 sites, usually open from May to October. In summer, arrive early.
- Nearest town
- Madison, CT
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 41.2640, -72.5500
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Deer Lake CampCampsite6 mi from Hammonasset Beach State Park
- Wolf's Den Family CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Hammonasset Beach State Park
- Aces High RV ParkMotorhome stopover20 mi from Hammonasset Beach State ParkMotorhomes
- Salem Farms CampgroundMotorhome stopover20 mi from Hammonasset Beach State ParkMotorhomes
- Witch Meadow Lake CampgroundCampsite21 mi from Hammonasset Beach State ParkTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Wildwood State Park CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Hammonasset Beach State ParkTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Connecticut · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Hammonasset Beach State Park is in Madison, CT, at GPS 41.2640, -72.5500. It is about 31 mi from Mystic.
Can you camp near Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Boy Scout Camp, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Essex Village (10 mi), Gillette Castle State Park (12 mi), Chapman Falls, Devil's Hopyard (19 mi) and Yale University Campus (20 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hammonasset Beach State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)