Camping ...
Camping has always been a part of the Hammonasset experience. Over the years the campground location and number of campsites has changed. For many years camping took place to the east of the Meigs Point Nature Center and on Willard Island. Most sites were reserved for long-term campers, many staying all summer. In 1962, there were 860 long-term campsites but only 122 short-term sites. The camping experience was becoming available to only a few, and lobbying began to increase the number of short-term campsites so more Connecticut inland residents could have a seaside camping experience. A new campsite was built at Cedar Knoll in 1970 and the old sites were abandoned. During construction, many Indian artifacts were uncovered. Apparently, the site had been a campground in the past. In the 1970's, long-term camping began to be phased out, so that by 1975 there were only 50 long-term sites among a total of 459 sites. Today all of these sites are short term. The campground is served by a camp store and modern restrooms and showers. Reservations are made through the state reservation system on the web site of the Department of Environmental Protection.
Trails ...
The mostly level Willard Island loop trail traverses dense vegetation, including some old orchard trees, on its way to an observation platform at the edge of the marsh. A self-guiding booklet is available at the trailhead to identify some of the plants seen along the trail.
The flat Cedar Island trail travels through level woods along the north moraine, not over large rocks like the Meigs Point trail, to a wooden boardwalk over some of the marsh. The boardwalk may be replaced in the future with an observation platform. Along the trail large boulders are scattered through the woods and a few more peek out of the marsh grasses between the end of the trail and the Hammonasset River. This moraine continues on the other side of the river.
Hammonasset Park Home ...
Geological History ...
Human History ...
Plants & Animals of Hammonasett ...
Further Reading ...