Hammonasset Beach Hours & Fees
Hammonasset Beach State Park is open 8:00 a.m. to sunset, every day, all year. From Memorial Day to Columbus Day it stays open 24 hours for campers and people fishing. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Entry is free for Connecticut cars; out-of-state cars pay a parking fee from April 1 through October 31.
Hours at a Glance
Daily Park Hours
DEEP opens the park every day from 8 a.m. until sunset. Sunset moves a lot through the year, so closing time does too: hours later in June than in December. Check the sunset time for the day you're going and plan to be back at your car before it.
Don't try to beat the gate. DEEP's fishing rules say no car is let into the day-use areas between 6:30 and 8 a.m.
Open 24 Hours for Camping and Fishing
From Memorial Day to Columbus Day, the park stays open around the clock for two groups: registered campers and people fishing. Night fishing is allowed along the whole beach during that peak season. In the off-season, October to May, the beach is not open to night fishing. Details are on our fishing page.
Anglers who drive in at night need a vehicle permit to park and fish. Anyone who walks in at night has to be carrying fishing tackle and a marine waters fishing license, and has to be fishing.
Is Hammonasset Open in Winter?
Yes. The park is open every day of the year, 8 a.m. to sunset. Connecticut cars still park free in winter. From November through March, DEEP lists no out-of-state parking fee either. Dogs are allowed on the beach itself only from September 30 to April 1 (see rules).
Lifeguard Hours
DEEP posts lifeguards at Hammonasset in summer. For 2026 its lifeguard program ran from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with guards working daily shifts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. DEEP also says coverage on any given day depends on the time of day and how many guards it has, so swim only where guards are posted.
After-4 p.m. Rate
Out-of-state cars arriving after 4 p.m. pay $7 instead of $22 or $15, when the ticket booth is open, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. On a long summer evening that still leaves hours of beach before sunset.
Nature Center and Campground Hours
- Meigs Point Nature Center: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April to October); Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November to March). Closed Mondays. Free.
- Campground: Friday, May 28 to Monday, October 11, 2027 (noon). Cabin check-in is from 2 p.m. and check-out by 11 a.m.
- Park office: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., (203) 245-2785.
Fees in Brief
Connecticut plates: free. Out-of-state plates, April 1 through October 31: $22 weekends and holidays, $15 weekdays, $7 after 4 p.m. in summer. How to pay, the season pass and the $75 penalty for not paying are all on our parking page.
Closures
Swimming areas can close for bad water quality (see water quality), and DEEP clears the water and the beach when there's lightning or thunder. DEEP advises arriving early or on a weekday to avoid closures. DEEP's park page carries current notices.
Hammonasset Hours FAQ
What time does Hammonasset Beach open and close?
It opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset, every day of the year. From Memorial Day to Columbus Day it's open 24 hours for campers and people fishing.
Is Hammonasset open in the winter?
Yes, 8 a.m. to sunset, all year. Connecticut cars park free; DEEP lists no out-of-state fee from November through March.
What time do lifeguards start at Hammonasset?
DEEP's lifeguards work daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. shifts from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Coverage depends on staffing, so swim only where guards are posted.
Is Hammonasset cheaper after 4 p.m.?
For out-of-state cars, yes: $7 after 4 p.m. when the booth is open, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Connecticut cars are always free.