With 550 sites across multiple loops, Hammonasset State Park Campground operates seasonally from late May through early September along Connecticut's shoreline. The state-managed facility charges $20-$70 per night depending on hookup availability, with reservations strongly recommended given the high demand from families.
The campground draws crowds throughout its operating season, creating a lively atmosphere that appeals to families with children on bikes and scooters. Cynthia K. notes it's "loud, crazy busy & there's traffic noise from the beach road" during the day, though conditions quiet down at night. Most sites sit in open terrain with limited shade, though some loops offer better tree coverage than others. The Pequot Loop received criticism for older bathroom facilities, while other areas feature more modern bathhouses with family restrooms and outdoor dish-washing stations.
Ocean access remains a primary draw, with the beach just a 5-10 minute walk from any campsite. Kayakers can launch small boats from Meig's Point, and the park includes a nature center with exhibits and hiking trails through salt marsh areas. Wildlife sightings include deer, various bird species, and the occasional great horned owl. Sites vary from larger grassy areas to smaller, rockier spots, with full hookup sites along Beach Road filling quickly.
Campers must bring their own fire pits or rent them from the camp store for $20 deposit plus nightly fees. Most sites lack electricity, though water hookups are available at many locations. The campground provides multiple dump stations and allows pets, contrasting with some reviewer confusion about pet policies. For those exploring the broader region, camping areas near Clinton offer additional options within Connecticut's coastal corridor.
Description
Hammonasset Beach State Park is the largest of Connecticut’s shoreline parks. Two-mile beach, facilities for swimming, camping (third weekend in May to Columbus Day), picnicking, saltwater fishing, scuba diving, hiking and boating; concessions. Nature center and interpretive programs. Bicycle rentals available through Labor Day, rates begin at $10 per hour and range up to $75 per week, with discounts for children. Helmets provided free to use and are mandatory for riders 15 and younger. Note: Lifeguards on duty on Wednesday through Sunday. Pricing: Weekdays: free for CT vehicles; $15/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm. Weekends and holidays: free for CT vehicles; $22/out-of-state $7 after 4:00 pm William F. Miller Campground. 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Saltwater swimming and fishing. Individual fireplaces not provided. No pets.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Any reservation made 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.
The maximum length of stay at this park is twenty-one consecutive days. 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.
Location
Public CampgroundHammonasset State Park Campground is located in Connecticut
Directions
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 ont theo 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.
Address
1288 BOSTON POST RD (PO 271)
Madison, CT 06443
Coordinates
41.26411951426644 N
72.55969496811262 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/22/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/22/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/22/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 4/22/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/22/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 17 min from New Haven, CT
- 30 min from Norwich, CT
- 33 min from Bridgeport, CT
- 46 min from Waterbury, CT
