Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
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The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
60 within 3 miles
Attractions
15 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
594 reviews
Excellent
352
Very good
177
Average
37
Poor
9
Terrible
19
Dan
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Solo
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. At at least two points in the process, it is not apparent what you are to do next. Perhaps it works from home on a PC, but not when you are onsite with your phone. All this is compounded by the sheer amount of information you most provide just to pay for parking. 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. If their idea was to discourage out of state visitors, then they have succeeded.
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MDM
Norwalk, CT288 contributions
Sep 2021
Shame on Hammonasset Beach State Park (and all CT State Parks) for not offering a raincheck for rained-out campsite reservations. It's neither enjoyable nor safe to camp when there is heavy rain, thunder, and lightning (especially with children). I realize inclement weather is not your fault, but guess what, it's not the campers' fault either!
Shockingly, you tell reservation holders if they want to ask for an (un-guaranteed) exception to the no-cancellations policy they have to send a letter. Hello, it's 2021, who writes letters anymore? And what kind of environmental policy is it to ask people to waste paper sending letters??
Shockingly, you tell reservation holders if they want to ask for an (un-guaranteed) exception to the no-cancellations policy they have to send a letter. Hello, it's 2021, who writes letters anymore? And what kind of environmental policy is it to ask people to waste paper sending letters??
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerard G
East Lyme, CT26 contributions
Jul 2021
In the summer,I try to goat the off hours-no Fri Sat or sun.Also from 3to 5 Pm is less crowded. It is a great beach.There are places to wash your feet-contrary to another reviewer.
They also have horseback riding.Nearby is Donahues-an excellent restaurant.
We do not go there for camping,so I have no opinion about it.
It is extremely large and is free to all CT drivers.
They also have horseback riding.Nearby is Donahues-an excellent restaurant.
We do not go there for camping,so I have no opinion about it.
It is extremely large and is free to all CT drivers.
Written February 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olivias33
Southampton, NY234 contributions
Sep 2022
The signs were very confusing about how to pay for parking and what website to go on and use. It seems like the off season you don't have to pay. There are many different beaches in the state park. Some of them have a pavilion with bathrooms and vending machines and showers. There is also a place to camp and a nature center. You can also take a nice walk there.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gracie R
Mystic, CT153 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
Best place to come for beautiful sunsets. Plenty of walking and bike pathways. Entry fee is free after 4:00pm. This is really nice for out of state visitors. Be sure to bring your bike. Flat, easy to ride. I saw Miegs Point. Read it was a nature center. Looked interesting. I bet children would love it. Beaches looked nice. I’m not a sun bather, but so peaceful to listen to the waves and birds. Not crowded at all after 4pm. This is a must do when visiting the area. You can also launch your kayak here as well. I did not see any kayak rentals.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria del Carme... Z
Quito, Ecuador205 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I loved the beach and the water. It was not crowded, especially if you go to the very end of West Beach. The water was very calmed. Great for older people and kids. The bathrooms were far away, but the peace and quiet of the place was worth the distance. There is a small lagoon in the back. You can camp, and dogs on a leash are allowed in the camping site, although not on the beach. Our teens prefer more crowded beaches, so they were not very happy.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan N
2 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Great beach but awful service. Left a bag with expensive equipment and called ahead to have a staff check if it was still there. They refused to check and when we got there tried to charge us $22 to go in and get our stuff. Staff was yelling and made me walk across traffic to grab a bag. Awful customer service and I will not be returning
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brk07Dwn
New Haven, CT87 contributions
Aug 2022
Wow!! I haven't been here in over 10 years. What a beautiful place!! So there are 3 sections where the beach is...there is West Beach, East Beach, and Middle Beach. There is also a really nice boardwalk. We didn't walk too far on it because it was getting really hot but we did go on the beach and in the water. We parked in Middle Beach parking lot. It wasn't too far of a walk to the beach. There are also picnic tables nearby. The beach itself is VERY CLEAN. So is the water. We were there at around 10:00 and it was not crowded but the later it got, the more crowded it got. Also, parking is free for CT Residents. Looking forward to going back again and take a picnic this time.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bostonskii
Boston, MA58 contributions
Aug 2021
Zero privacy. Awfully dirty restrooms (nobody cleaned through whole weekend we've been here). Some campers are very noisy, including RV with loud TVs and generators till 1am (no rangers patrols).
Never ever again we come here.
Met some people who camp there already for 55 years.
May be they just don't know better places, and ready to suffer for generations tradition...
Beach nearby is great.
Never ever again we come here.
Met some people who camp there already for 55 years.
May be they just don't know better places, and ready to suffer for generations tradition...
Beach nearby is great.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TimeTraveler
New York69 contributions
Jul 2021
Lovely beach, plenty of room to spread out, lots of restrooms, a concession stand with a nice variety of items. WE spent a relaxing afternoon here. The enjoyed the walking path. Oh, and unlike another review, we did see places to rinse off one's feet after being on the beach. A very relaxed vibe, lots of families, some couples. No one blasting loud music! The only down side was the sand is full of shells, not comfortable to walk barefoot on. So, just bring some water shoes and you'll have a good time.
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Villageidiot58
Williamsburg, MA25 contributions
Are the bathrooms at Meig's Point open in the winter?
Yes they are during regular hours for the nature center. Closed on Mondays. You can enter the bathrooms after the center closes by the side door until 6 pm.
Kenneth E
Pittsfield, MA
Do i have to reserve a parking spot before coming
Brk07Dwn
New Haven, CT87 contributions
No. No need for for a reserved parking spot. It is first-come, first-serve. I would advise going as early as you can. We went by 9:30/10:00 and we were able to find a spot in middle beach (this is the 2nd exit out of the rotary.
sandylovesCT
Montgomery, NY158 contributions
How much is entrance for out of state car in October?
Finquin2354@yahoo.com
6 contributions
Can you pay at the beach or do you have to pay on line?
kzsull01
Windsor, CT365 contributions
When we went a couple of months ago, fees were collected at the entrance to the park.
Trevor J
Middletown, CT1 contribution
when are dogs allowed on the beach, is it the week after labor day? Or...?
Maria del Carme... Z
Quito, Ecuador205 contributions
I believe it is after September 30th. For more accurate info please go to their website
Sarah J
Sparta, NJ23 contributions
Is there an entrance/parking fee?
Maria del Carme... Z
Quito, Ecuador205 contributions
Yes! Check the website for updates after the summer months
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Claim your listingHammonasset Beach State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hammonasset Beach State Park
- Hammonasset Beach State Park is open:
- Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Hammonasset Beach State Park:
- (0.21 mi) Newly Renovated Carriage House Near Town & Beaches!
- (0.25 mi) 2 bedroom Apartment Brand New Listing Close to Beach & Downtown!
- (0.35 mi) Beech Tree Cottages
- (1.81 mi) Scranton Seahorse Inn
- (2.92 mi) The Homestead Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Hammonasset Beach State Park:
- (0.23 mi) Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
- (0.23 mi) Pho Madison
- (0.29 mi) Donahue's Madison Beach Grille
- (0.33 mi) The Clam Castle
- (0.30 mi) Dunkin'
- Attractions near Hammonasset Beach State Park:
- (1.89 mi) RJ Julia Booksellers
- (1.32 mi) Lucky Hook Charters
- (1.77 mi) Indian River Marina
- (2.04 mi) Chamard Vineyards
- (1.63 mi) Meigs Point Nature Center
Hammonasset Beach State Park Information
Excellent Reviews | 352 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 177 |
Hammonasset Beach State Park Photos | 347 |