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Sandy beach with grass on one side and ocean on the other
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.

Directions to Sampsons Island
Hours
Cotuit Bay Beach
  • March-September
  • dawn to dusk

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