Public Beach and Facilities

The public section of Sandy Neck, often referred to as Bodfish Beach, offers a traditional beach experience with several amenities:

• Lifeguards: The beach is lifeguarded in season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Restrooms & Changing Facilities: There are restrooms and changing facilities available for public use.
• Concession Stand: A concession stand is open during the summer season.
• Accessibility: The beach has some accessibility features, but it's not fully accessible.

Parking and Permits

Parking at Sandy Neck requires a permit, and the rules differ for the main parking lot and the off-road vehicle (ORV) area.

• Public Beach Parking Lot:
• A day pass or parking permit is required in season (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
• The day pass can be purchased at the Gatehouse.
• Barnstable and Sandwich beach parking permits are honored at this public lot.
• When the lot is full, only five vehicles are allowed to wait in line. Drop-offs are not permitted when the lot is full.
• The fee for a Barnstable non-resident weekly permit is $110 (as of 2025).
• Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Beach:
• To drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle on the beach, you must have an ORV permit.
• Cost (as of latest information): $100 for Barnstable residents and $250 for non-residents.
• Required Equipment: To purchase a permit and access the beach, your vehicle must have specific equipment, including an approved spare tire, a tow device, a jack, a support board, a shovel, a low-pressure tire gauge, and a bucket for campfires.
• Oversand Camping: Camping in a self-contained vehicle is permitted for up to 96 hours with a valid ORV permit and an additional nightly fee.

Other Important Rules

• Dogs: Dogs are prohibited from the main public bathing beach from May 15 to September 15. However, they are allowed on the ORV corridor and hiking trails year-round, as long as they are leashed.
• Campfires: Campfires require a permit, which can be purchased at the Gatehouse.
• No Refunds: The park has a strict no-refund policy, regardless of weather, beach conditions, or personal emergencies.
• Hours: Public parking lot business hours are generally 8 AM to 5 PM in season, while ORV beach hours are from 8 AM to 10 PM. All vehicles must leave the park by 10 PM.
• Behavior: Verbal abuse or aggressive behavior toward staff or other patrons can result in removal from the beach and permit revocation.

For the most up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to check the official Sandy Neck Beach Park website or call the Gatehouse at (508) 362-8300.