Hammonasset Beach State Park

About

Hammonasset Beach State Park operates Connecticut's largest public beach campground, featuring over 550 grassy open campsites and 8 rustic cabins spread across meandering loops near the beach. The campground provides modern amenities including flush restrooms, hot showers, a seasonal camp store, and dump stations for RV campers. The campground is open seasonally from late May through mid-October, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs up to 35 feet in length. The park sits along two miles of sandy beach on Long Island Sound, offering excellent beach access for swimming and relaxation. Campers can launch car-top boats including canoes and kayaks, and the park offers bicycling, fishing, hiking, and picnicking opportunities. The Meigs Point Nature Center provides environmental education programs for families. The campground operates with a maximum stay of 21 consecutive days, and reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Note that grills are not provided at Hammonasset campsites, so campers should bring camp stoves or portable grills. The campground is alcohol-friendly, unlike some Connecticut state forest campgrounds. The park draws approximately one million visitors annually and is a popular destination for families seeking a classic beach camping experience along the Connecticut shoreline.

Directions

From I-95, take Exit 62 and follow signs to Hammonasset Beach State Park. The campground is located within the park, with clear signage directing visitors to the camping area.