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Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach is located on Route 1 in Madison, Connecticut just south of I-95 Exit 62. The park offers camping, hiking, swimming, fishing and bird watching. Hammonasset is open year round and charges for parking during the summer season but generally only on nice weekends in the spring and fall.
The State owned beach which stretches out for a good two miles along the Long Island Sound coast consists of 919 acres of salt marsh, field and beach.
Camping
The park has over 500 campsites available mid May through October, but it is a wise idea to get there early. There is usually a waiting line early in the day. It is a great place to camp if you enjoy the beach. The sites are not on the beach, but it is an walk down to the water. Last I knew reservations for camping were by mail only and needed to be prepaid. Give them a call for the current policy, the phone numbers are below.
Fishing
The fishing at Hammonasset is really good. During the summer season when the beach is being used for swimming fishing is restricted to the West Jetty, Meigs Point and the rocky shore that stretches east to Clinton Harbor. There is a carry in boat launch at Meigs Point.
The type of fish you will catch is dependent on when you visit the park. When the water begins to warm up in March you will begin to catch Flounder. As the season progresses the Flounder become more numerous and the Bluefish will begin to appear in small numbers. In May Mackerel will travel the area in schools and Blackfish will have appeared. Striped Bass will be around for some really good sport and really good eating too. All in all you may catch Skates, Eels, Sandsharks, Sea Robins, Cod, Snapper Blues, Weakfish as well.
Hiking/Biking
Well, the park isn't exactly a hikers paradise, but the area provides some great nature walks and of course a stroll along the beach. The west end of the park has a boardwalk that makes walking easy. There is bike path that is off of the main road that travels along the beach.
Bird Watching
It's spectacular here. It's not uncommon to see Hawks here, nesting on the provided platforms. Snowy Egrets and Great Blue Herons will be slowing stalking their way through the salt marshes while Terns dive and swoop in a never ending show.
Hammonasset is really an all around good park. Good for the family, the sun worshiper as well as the person who just wants to get out and enjoy a nice day at the beach. There are pavilions for picnics, handicap rest rooms with flush toilets and facilities. There is a camp store near the west beach for refreshments. At Meigs Point you'll find a Nature Center that is sure to fascinate the younger members of your party.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
P.O. Box 271
Route 1
Madison, CT 06443
Office
203-245-2785
Campground
203-245-1817