Note; The trail will be extended from here southeast out to Salt Meadow Park in 2024. From the west/New York: Take I-95 north, Exit 62. Then, in 1920, Hammonasset Beach State Park was opened to the public, making the miles of white sand and the soothing Long Island Sound surf a popular destination for weekend beachgoers. 1288 Boston Post Rd South of I-95 Exit 62, Madison, CT 06443-3444, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Seafood, Nature & Wildlife Areas Educational sites, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Description Hammonasset Beach State Park charges an entrance fee for out-of-state registered vehicles. In addition to the natural beauty, there is great geological and historical significance. Head south 1 mile down Hammonasset connector, go straight through the light crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road) into the park. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Instead, you get tide pools, inter-tidal marshes, a shell beach, sand beaches, a moraine field (boulder-y beach), estuaries, wild rose dunes and a . So excited we were able to find a beach to go to! Out of state visitors must purchase a day pass. It's all included in new free parking for vehicles registered in Connecticut.. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hammonasset Beach State Park is a vast, public beach that stretches over 2 miles. 149. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. View campground details for Site: Mog054, Loop: Sites Moh. On this glorious last day of summer it seemed particularly beautiful. It gets full pretty early in the day, so if you want to spend a good amount of time here, plan your day accordingly and come here early, especially since the parking lots are at reduced capacity due to COVID. Find interpretive programs: Off Route 9, take exit 9. I would advise going as early as you can. Take a left off the exit and go approximately 1 mile. We had originally picked out a few other beaches. Very nice beaches,also nice area for walking. Why you should never feed waterfowl bread, Shoppers take advantage of Christmas Tree Shops closing, Health Headlines: How high temps can lead to headaches, Megan Rapinoe says shell retire after the NWSL season, Verstappen takes pole at British GP for fifth straight, At rainy Wimbledon, Alcaraz among those playing day, Cavendish crashes out of Tour de France in last attempt, Goalkeeper David de Gea announces he is leaving Manchester, Wembanyama debuts after two top-5 picks hurt in thrilling, Cornell Scott Hill Health Center Opens New Facility, Carter Mario Law Firm Kids and Pool Safety, Gary G. The Wine Guy: Must-Try Party Wines, Frank Pepes Pizzeria Napoletana: The Magic of Making, LynFit Nutrition: Hydrating the Right Way for Weight, Transform Outdoor Living Spaces with Premier Stone, 2022 Memorial Day weekend events in Connecticut, When will new FDA-approved Alzheimers drug be available, Coaster may have had crack for 1 week before closure, Man on scooter shoots randomly in NYC, police say,, Biden is heading to Europe. The first season attracted over 75,000 visitors. If you are traveling to Hammonasset State Beach from Hartford, take I-91 South to Route 9 South. Suggest you contact the park and to ask. The beach itself is VERY CLEAN. Take a hike, meet a snake, learn about forest heroes, and more! Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Visit the page on Rustic Cabins for more details. The signs were very confusing about how to pay for parking and what website to go on and use. On weekends, only the hotline is updated. Hammonasset Beach State Park is the perfect place to play in the sand or simply stroll along the boardwalk, enjoying the salty sea air and the views of Long Island Sound. Hammonasset Beach State Park. if you get there before 9am or after 5pm or on holidays or out of season, it is free. I called the park, but they don't know because it's a private contractor that rents them. At this state park, visitors can borrow beach wheelchairs free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Hammonasset's campground has 552 sites with many amenities, including restrooms, showers, a camp store, dump stations, and water. The salt marsh lies across the parking lot and the Nature Center is adjacent to that. Water is relatively calm so great for wading. The Park is handicap accessible, the park offers bathrooms, boardwalk, camping, parking, picnic tables, and surf chairs. Connecticut residents with Connecticut registered vehicles do not need to purchase a day pass since parking fees are eliminated through the Passport to the Parks program. We parked in Middle Beach parking lot. 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. July 11, 2022 | Anna Zarra Aldrich, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Choose from four-star accommodations right on the beach or a historic inn that's close to specialty shops and a celebrated theater. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. select a date. I have no real idea how the park is because I got totally frustrated by the stupid, crappy system for out of state visitors to pay to park in the park. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. There is so much to do and see at Hammonasset Beach Park. Lets go! If you are planning a family reunion, beach wedding, or another gathering, rent an. So is the water. Awfully dirty restrooms. The park gets great reviews for clean sandy beaches and beautiful water. In the end I got a timeout message and I left totally frustrated having wasted my time trying to visit and wishing I had gone somewhere else instead. [7] Officials estimate annual attendance at one million visitors. A kind frequent camper on a bike led us to our lovely grassy site. You can also launch your kayak here as well. Check current water status here. Here are some of our favorite ideas: [3], A new Meigs Point Nature Center was opened in 2016 to replace the center's original farmhouse site that had been in use for more than 40 years. We have limited space in the vehicle so if it's $5/night I'll rent one, but if it's $30/night I'll bring my own. Launch a carry-in boat, take a canoe trip, or fish from the stone breakwater. MADISON, Conn. (WTNH) Memorial Day weekend may get off to a damp start in Connecticut, but it should brighten up Sunday! The ParkConneCT program, which offers free shuttles and improved transit to many state parks and beaches during the summer, is returning this year, with the addition of free buses for the remainder of the year. Find available dates and book online with ReserveAmerica. [3][4] The state park offers beach activities, large campground, and nature center. Then, when you need to freshen up, the pavilion showers and a snack bar provide a nice reprieve from a day in the sun. I saw Miegs Point. She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. We have about 13 million visitors that are coming out to visit our state park system every year, said Katie Dykes, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. http://www.depdata.ct.gov/calendar/, Please input the date in MM dash DD dash YYYY format. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Please note the Nature Center telephone number is answered by Nature Center staff that spend time workingoutside of the office. Ocean Beach Park. How far is the parking area from the beach for handicapped people, using a wheelchair or walker. Ned Lamont said. The DEEP collects samples 1 - 2 times / week from the week before Memorial Day through to Labor Day and shares the information on its website or through its hotline: 1-866-CTPARKS (1-866-287-2757). We live in W. Hartford and it was going to be a perfect beach day! All this is compounded by the sheer amount of information you most provide just to pay for parking. Some of them have a pavilion with bathrooms and vending machines and showers. But Noe said he and Docker are already working on a second book, covering Hammonasset's history from the war to present day. From the east/Rhode Island: Take I-395 south onto I-95 south, Exit 62. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Are the bathrooms at Meig's Point open in the winter? No. How to get to Hammonasset Beach State Park by Train? Private sailing trips in the Thimble Islands, Branford, CT, Mattituck New York Guided Farm and Wine Country Bike Tour, Afternoon Cruise | Gansett Cruises in Newport, RI, Lighthouse and Mimosa Cruise of Narragansett Bay from Newport, Newport Trolley Tour with Breakers Mansion - Viking Tours, Maria Miles Massachusetts Visitor Information Center. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Day passes for out of state visitors should be purchased upon arrival at the park since many parks close to capacity on a frequent basis during the summer. Hammonasset Beach State Park is a public recreation area occupying two miles of beach front on Long Island Sound in the town of Madison, Connecticut. Meigs Point functioned as an aircraft range. The beach at Hammonasset State Park in Madison. Hammonasset Beach State Park (the United States), The most popular Connecticut attractions are the, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, "Appendix A: List of State Parks and Forests", "Largest tourist attractions in Connecticut", Report of the State Park Commission to the Governor 1920, Report of the State Park and Forest Commission to the Governor 1924, "State budget cuts may force Meigs Point Nature Center in Madison to close", WashingtonRochambeau Revolutionary Route, Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield, Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Glastonbury, Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret, Goodwin Forest Conservation Education Center, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hammonasset_Beach_State_Park&oldid=1123642364, Landforms of New Haven County, Connecticut, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 24 November 2022, at 21:38. It seems like the off season you don't have to pay. Master Gardener Program Supports Ecologically Sound Gardening at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Can I drive from a campsite and park at the beach? Check out tiny crabs, seashells, fish, and lobster. Turn right (south) onto Route 81; continue down Route 81 until you run into I-95. There is a daily parking fee for non-residents. Wow!! After 4 PM is $7 for non residents. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The locations listed below have fees that apply for out-of-state vehicle parking or camping. Three to four million guests visit Hammonasset State Park each year, making it the largest tourist destination in the state. The beach was beautiful. The facility offers 4,000 square feet (370m2) of exhibit space with observation deck and hands-on learning experiences. Anywhere from $9 to $23 during the season depending on the day of the week/weekend/holiday and whether you are a CT resident or not. The stone breakwater at the Meigs Point end of the park was built in 1955. Only campers, and fisherman with passes may enter the park. Improve this listing All photos (346) Top ways to experience nearby attractions FLESH at Mystic Dark Room 33 Recommended Theater Shows from MADISON, Conn. (WTNH) Memorial Day weekend may get off to a damp start in Connecticut, but it should brighten up Sunday! Summer activities include nature talks, bingo, movies, horseshoes, bocce and volleyball. Pets are not allowed in the campground and you cannot bring in your own firewood, as it could be harboring theAsian Longhorn Beetle, an invasive species. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Entrance fee for non residents $22 weekends/Holidays, $15 during the week. 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. Click on the Train route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules. Hammonasset Beach State Park Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews. The park's reputation drew tourists from across the continent as well as the state. Find available dates and book online with ReserveAmerica. A short trail that takes you along the rocky and sandy shoreline of Hammonasset Beach to Meig's Point. 1 Is Hammonasset Beach free for Connecticut residents? Starting from the Hammonasset Beach SP (Route 1) parking lot; Map Board located here. The Center hours are 10am to 5pm Tuesday - Sunday, from March through October, and 10am to 4pm Tuesday - Saturday, from November through February. From the south: Take I-95 north, Exit 62. ReserveAmerica.com occasionally posts affiliate products, which means ReserveAmerica.com will receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. I bet children would love it. I haven't been here in over 10 years. The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks in the U.S. A Comprehensive Guide to Los Angeles Beaches and Amenities, Deception Pass State Park: The Complete Guide, Emerald Bay State Park: The Complete Guide, Sonoma Coast State Park: The Complete Guide. 2 of the public beaches were only accepting resident passes. So, just bring some water shoes and you'll have a good time. This is definitely not a place to camp if you wish to get away from people and deep into the woods, but it's perfect for families wanting to partake in various campsite activities, like movie and bingo nights, pancake breakfasts, a Fourth of July bike parade, and weekly crafts for kids. Turn right (south) onto Route 81; continue down Route 81 until you run into I-95. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Hammonasset Beach State Park #1 in Best Beaches in Connecticut. We invite you to explore coastal Connecticut while relaxing at our comfortable, elegant bed and breakfast on the Connecticut shoreline. We will continue working with our technology providers to assess our options for bringing you this information. Turn rihgt onto I-95 south entrance ramp and go approximately 1 mile to exit 62, then turn left off the exit. And, the walking trails and two miles of white sand to stroll provide for a perfect outing, even if you don't want to get wet. It is first-come, first-serve. How Much Is Hammonasset Beach? Additional information can be found at the following address. It is the state's largest shoreline park and one of the most popular attractions in the state, drawing an estimated one million visitors annually. The tanks located "in the water" room are popular attractions for all family members. Awfully dirty restrooms (nobody cleaned through whole weekend we've been here). Beaches. more. 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. 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. Along with Hammonasset having a great campground, it also has two beaches. Page content has changed. It has concession stand, bathrooms, and volleyball poles. Looked interesting. What restaurants are near Hammonasset Beach State Park? Please check with the park for current rates. It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. Zero privacy. This is a must do when visiting the area. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. I would return in cooler weather. A king and a war are, An Afghan man who spent years helping US forces in, Protests grow as Israels far-right government advances, Six killed when small plane crashes, bursts into, Iowa GOP schedules Jan. 15 for leadoff presidential, Nosh Haven, now serving takeout in Greater New Haven, Blumenthal, CTDOT announce plans to combat roadway, Hartford Bonanza returns to Bushnell Park, 2 Conn. ice cream shops named on Yelps top 100 list, MTA police release photos of Union Station shooting, Waterbury police extradite homicide suspect from, Plainfield woman arrested for narcotics possession, CSP: Oil truck driver tested 6x above legal limit, L.A. teens duct tape prom dress turns heads, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Dont leave children unattended. From the East/Rhode Island area: Take I-395 south onto I-95, exit 62. Best place to come for beautiful sunsets. If you are renting a cabin the fire pit comes with the site. Hammonasset is also a popular place for camping and for visiting the park's nature center to learn about the area's flora and fauna (a good rainy-day activity.). Day passes are required for out of state visitors to Connecticut State Parks. Many visitorseven those who are not camping overnightpack and camp out on the beach for the entire day. Thats tough in the summer. Site reservations can be made ahead of time or in-person at the campground's store on a walk-up basis. . Purchasing a pass in advance does not guarantee entry once a park is closed to capacity. Hammonasset Beach Day Use Entrance, Connecticut. 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. Address 1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443, USA Phone +1 203-245-2785 Web Visit website The word "Hammonasset" means "where we dig holes in the ground" and refers to a piece of property where eastern woodland Native Americans farmed along the Hammonasset River and out towards the shore. This is really nice for out of state visitors. It wasn't too far of a walk to the beach. font size, Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Take a right off the exit ramp onto Hammonasset I-95 connector. There are several trails here for walking, jogging, and biking, and there's also space for picnicking, fishing, and camping. Yes they are during regular hours for the nature center. over a year ago Joan M Wolcott, Connecticut 0 Votes I thought it is free to go to hammonasett over a year ago Reviewed this attraction E C "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. Then, take Exit 9 and turn south onto Route 81. 78. They say there are approximately 3,500 to 4,000 drowning deaths per year in the U.S., and drowning is the leading cause of accidental deaths of toddlers ages 1 to 4. Monday - Wednesday: 8 am - 2:30 pm Thursday - Friday: 8 am - 6:30 pm Saturday and Sunday: 9 am - 12 pm Off Peak Season Monday - Friday: 9 am - 12 pm Some parks and forest areas do not charge a parking fee and others charge only for weekends and holidays. Hammonasset Beach State Park, with over 2 miles of sandy beach, has much to offer. Off Route 9, take Exit 9. Plenty of walking and bike pathways. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. Read it was a nature center. Off season we have used the fire pits at no cost when the camping season is over. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. Opinion: Our family has been making memories at Campland on the Bay for more than 30 years. Some of the features on CT.gov will not function properly with out javascript enabled. NOTICE: Twitter has introduced a new global policy that is preventing Twitter content from state agencies from being displayed on our web pages. Also, parking is free for CT Residents. Hammonasset Beach State Park is Connecticut's largest shoreline park. 1. When the campground is open (mid-May through Labor Day) the gates are monitored after sunset. Each room in the nature center is dedicated to a specific ecosystem in the park, complete with activities for both young and old. 2016 CT.gov | Connecticut's Official State Website, regular Go straight through the traffic light, crossing Route 1 (Boston Post Road). Beaches. Beach is wheelchair accessible. Take a right off of the exit ramp onto the Hammonasset Connector. In 1955, a stone breakwater was built at the Meigs Point end of the park. Also, don't forget to bring your wallet! It is a great beach.There are places to wash your feet-contrary to another reviewer. What attractions are near Hammonasset Beach State Park? 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. Flat, easy to ride. View all hotels near Hammonasset Beach State Park on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Hammonasset Beach State Park on Tripadvisor, View all attractions near Hammonasset Beach State Park on Tripadvisor, Hotels near North Madison Congregational Church, Hotels near The Sculpture Mile at Madison, Hotels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Motels near Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Points of Interest & Landmarks in Madison, The Grand Canyon of Europe and Its Lavender Fields Small group day Tour, Royal Delft: Delftblue factory & museum ticket, Halong Bay Full Day Trip with Fast Expressway Transfer Round Trip, Japanese whiskey tasting; relaxed and educational in the bar, A Night of Tacos and Mezcal in Mexico City, Eat and Drink Like a LOCAL : Restaurant, Tavern & Ramen Tour. 2 bedroom Apartment Brand New Listing Close to Beach & Downtown! We are fortunate to have a state park or forest within 15 minutes drive of every man, woman, and child in the state, Dykes said. No need for for a reserved parking spot. Additional programs may be offered, so be sure to check with the campground staff. What hotels are near Hammonasset Beach State Park? For information on programs, please contact Nature Center staff at (203) 245-8743. Entry fee is free after 4:00pm. Or rent a bicycle to ride around the area and do some exploring. For campsites, (excluding cabins) if you make your reservation within 3 days of your arrival you can book a 1 night stay. View campground details for Site: T08, Loop: Sites S1-10, T1-10, U24-32 at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut. With summer around the corner, Madisons Hammonasset Beach State Park is celebrating the opening of its 2022 tourism season. Lovely beach, plenty of room to spread out, lots of restrooms, a concession stand with a nice variety of items. July 11, 2022 | Anna Zarra Aldrich, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Master Gardener Program Supports Ecologically Sound Gardening at Hammonasset Beach State Park From butterfly gardens to erosion control, UConn Extension Master Gardeners show there's much more to Hammonasset beach than surf and sand 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Though it is a relatively small area, it offers a trail, observation points and benches to relax on. Clinton . If you plan to do some swimming or boating this holiday weekend or summer, Middletown police want you to stay safe. They subsisted on corn, beans, and squash, and by fishing and hunting. Follow the wide paved trail out along the service road to the main Park entrance road. Some of the park's trails are paved and can get hot on a summer day for barefoot walkers and dog paws. If you're looking for a more private setting, this is the perfect place to go. You can now make a reservation for the day before your arrival and up until 11 months in advance. View the Hammonasset Osprey Camera PLEASE NOTE: For current water quality alerts for this park, please visit www.ct.gov/deep/beachstatus Find available dates and book online with ReserveAmerica. From New York City or points south, take I-95 North to Exit 62. over a year ago Reviewed this attraction Perspecte. So there are 3 sections where the beach isthere is West Beach, East Beach, and Middle Beach. Perhaps it works from home on a PC, but not when you are onsite with your phone. [3], The park closed during World War II when the site became a U.S. Army reservation and active aircraft firing range. more. There are many different beaches in the state park. The large rocks on Meigs Point show signs of receding glacial ice from almost 21,000 years ago. Planes flew over Clinton Harbor, fired at the range, and then flew out over Long Island Sound. Camping The Hammonasset Beach State Park Campground will be open for the 2023 season from May 26 through October 9th. ReserveAmerica.com occasionally posts affiliate products, which means ReserveAmerica.com will receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. Westport, CT West Haven Clinton, CT East Lyme Stratford Fairfield Bridgeport Norwalk Old Saybrook Waterford, CT Belongs on List? I think thats great, Kristen Mullady of West Hartford said. All in all, there's something for everything. Im not a sun bather, but so peaceful to listen to the waves and birds. In 1898, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company bought Hammonasset and used it as a testing site for their new rifle. As Connecticut's largest public beach park, Hammonasset offers over 550 grassy campsites perfect for the nature enthusiast. Starting Memorial Day weekend, the state is also resuming ParkConneCT, a pilot program launched last year.