Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertFebruary 5, 2026 · Updated May 10, 2026

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is a public state park in Connecticut near Groton in New London County. Spanning 16 acres and established in 1953, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.

Quick Facts

Location & Getting There

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is located near Groton, Connecticut. The park’s coordinates are 41.3500, -72.0833.

Things to Do

Connecticut’s compact state park system packs diverse experiences into a small state — from Long Island Sound beaches and tidal marshes to Appalachian ridgeline trails, glacial lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Activities include swimming at supervised lake and ocean beaches, hiking along the Blue-Blazed Trail system that connects many state parks, fishing in stocked trout streams and coastal waters, camping in forested settings, biking rail-trails and park roads, nature study at wildlife management areas, rock climbing at Ragged Mountain, kayaking coastal estuaries, and exploring historic sites from Revolutionary War battlefields to industrial-era heritage.

Best Time to Visit

Connecticut parks are at their best from May through October. Summer (June–August) brings peak beach season along Long Island Sound and warm lake swimming inland. Spring delivers azalea and mountain laurel blooms (Connecticut’s state flower), plus rushing waterfalls. Fall foliage in Connecticut peaks mid-to-late October and can be spectacular along ridgeline parks like Sleeping Giant and Talcott Mountain. Winter offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and peaceful forest hiking when trails are less crowded. All Connecticut state parks are free for pedestrians year-round; vehicle parking fees ($10–$22 for non-residents) apply at beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Visitor Tips

Connecticut state parks are free for walk-in visitors year-round. Vehicle parking fees ($10 residents / $15–$22 non-residents) apply at beach parks during summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Inland parks are typically free year-round. Camping is available at select parks — reservations through ReserveAmerica. Connecticut’s compact size means most parks are within a 90-minute drive of any point in the state, making day trips easy. Dogs are allowed on leash but prohibited at swimming areas.

Explore More Connecticut State Parks

Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Connecticut. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Connecticut guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Wildlife & Nature

Fort Griswold’s hilltop location overlooking the Thames River and Long Island Sound creates excellent conditions for watching fall raptor migration. Hawks, eagles, and falcons follow the Connecticut coastline during September and October migration. The monument grounds support coastal-adapted vegetation — beach roses, bayberry, and salt-spray rose thrive in the exposed conditions. Peregrine falcons have been spotted hunting the area — these fastest animals on Earth (reaching 240+ mph in a diving stoop) nest on bridges and buildings along the Connecticut coast. The Thames River below supports a recovering marine ecosystem — lobsters, blue crabs, and striped bass have benefited from cleaner water.

Nearby Attractions

USS Nautilus — the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine — is a free museum at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton. Mystic Seaport Museum recreates a 19th-century maritime village with the last wooden whaleship. Mystic Aquarium features beluga whales and penguin encounters. Fort Trumbull State Park across the Thames River in New London offers complementary Revolutionary War history. Olde Mistick Village provides colonial-style shopping. New London is home to the US Coast Guard Academy and hosts the annual Harvard-Yale Regatta — America’s oldest intercollegiate sporting event.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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