Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnstable
Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary
- Barnstable
- 37 Acres
Plan Your Visit
Sampsons Island is part of the undeveloped Sampsons Island/Dead Neck barrier beach system located just off the Cape Cod mainland. Piping plovers, least terns, and common terns routinely nest on the island’s beaches, tidal flats, and salt marsh, earning it an Important Bird Area designation. In spring and summer, access to the island is limited the Cotuit Bay side beach. Other island beaches are closed to boats and pedestrians to protect nesting areas.
Hours
Cotuit Bay Beach
- March-September
- dawn to dusk
Admissions
Contact
Barnstable, MA
Managed by Mass Audubon Cape Cod and Coastal Waterbird Program
Property Regulations
- Foot travel only; please stay on trails (day passes are available for powered mobility devices)
- Dog walking and horseback riding are prohibited; please leave all animals and pets at home (service animals welcome)
- Camping, collecting, smoking, hunting, fishing, releasing of animals, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.
- Commercial photography needs prior approval; please see all photography guidelines.
Facilities
Stay Connected with Sampsons Island
Don’t miss a beat on all the ways you can get outdoors, celebrate nature, and get involved.