Hammonasset Beach State Park is a family-friendly recreation area with 2 mi (3.2 km) of sandy beachfront on Long Island Sound in Madison, Connecticut. The park is located about 30 minutes from New Haven and is named after the Hammonasset tribe of the eastern woodland Indians. The Indian word "Hammonasset" literally means "where we dig holes in the ground," which serves as a reference to the tribe's agricultural way of life.
This largest shoreline park represents one of Connecticut's most popular attractions and draws around one million visitors each year.
Here in Hammonasset Beach State Park, you will find over 550 grassy campsites, a nature center, and numerous beach activities such as scuba diving, saltwater fishing, hiking, and boating. You can also rent a bicycle through Labor Day with rates beginning at $10 per hour.
Once closed to the public, Hammonasset Beach State Park was reopened to beach lovers after World War II and quickly began to break attendance records. The park is especially crowded in summer, but you can always discover a spot for tanning. It is also an excellent place for a quiet stroll by the sea on mild days in the off-season. Hammonasset Beach State Park is open daily from 8 am and until sunset.
Practical info
What are some popular activities to do at Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Visitors to Hammonasset Beach State Park can enjoy several activities, including hiking, scuba diving, saltwater fishing, and boating. The park offers more than 550 campsites and a nature center. Rental bicycles are available to visitors through Labor Day, with rates starting at $10 per hour. Hammonasset Beach State Park is an excellent place to relax and enjoy a variety of beach activities. Show more
Can you rent bicycles in Hammonasset Beach State Park? How much does it cost?
Hammonasset Beach State Park offers rental bicycles for visitors to explore the area. The rental service is open through Labor Day, and the cost is $10 per hour, which includes a helmet and a lock. Bicycles are an excellent way to view the park's surroundings and the Long Island Sound's stunning vistas. Show more
Where is Hammonasset Beach State Park located in Connecticut?
Hammonasset Beach State Park is situated on the Long Island Sound in Madison, Connecticut. It is roughly 30 minutes from New Haven and has a two-mile sandy beach. The park is easy to reach by car, and there is adequate parking. Visitors can also access the park by train, which operates a station located nearby. Show more
When is the best time to visit Hammonasset Beach State Park?
Hammonasset Beach State Park is best visited during the off-season or when mild weather is expected in summer. The park tends to be crowded in the summer months, making it difficult to find a serene spot. The park is accessible daily from 8 am until sunset, and guests can relish a range of activities like beachcombing, camping, and hiking, all year-round. Show more
What is the origin of the name 'Hammonasset'?
Named after the Hammonasset tribe of the eastern woodland Indians, the word 'Hammonasset' originated from their native language. The title refers to the tribe's way of life, which involved the agricultural practice of digging holes in the ground to develop their crops. In memory of the Hammonasset tribe's cultural legacy, the park was named after them. Show more
