Scusset Beach > Bourne Beaches ~ Cape Cod

Cape Cod Beach Guide

Bourne Beaches ~ Cape Cod

Scusset Beach

Scusset Beach Shack
Bourne, MA

Lifeguard
Public Restroom
Picnic Area
Snack Bar
Permitted Parking
Fishing

Scusset Beach is a large, state-run beach located in Bourne, MA, at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal on Cape Cod Bay. It's part of the Scusset Beach State Reservation, offering a wide, sandy shoreline with scenic views of the bay and passing ships in the canal. The waters here are generally clear and can be cool, but are often calm, making it suitable for swimming, especially for families with children. A long stone jetty at the entrance of the canal is popular for fishing and offers unique views.

Key Features and Facilities:

Beach: A beautiful, sandy saltwater beach stretching nearly half a mile.
Lifeguards: Yes, lifeguards are on duty during the summer season.
Restrooms & Showers: Well-maintained bathhouse facilities with restrooms and outdoor showers are available.
Snack Bar: A concession stand/snack bar operates during the summer months.
Accessibility: The beach has an ADA-compliant boardwalk over the dunes, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and beach wheelchairs available for use (it's advisable to call and reserve one in advance).
Fishing Pier: A popular fishing pier extends into the canal, complete with its own parking lot, restrooms, and picnic tables with grills. Surf casting is also permitted at dusk along designated sections of the beach.
Recreational Trails: The park provides access to a 7-mile paved service road along the north side of the Cape Cod Canal, which is excellent for bicycling, walking, jogging, and skating, with opportunities for ship and wildlife watching. A trail to Sagamore Hill offers commanding views.
Camping: Scusset Beach State Reservation offers both RV sites (98 with hook-ups) and a few tent-only campsites, making it a popular destination for camping. RV sites are open year-round, though off-season camping has limited facilities.

Parking Information:

Daily Parking Fee: A daily parking fee is charged from May 24 through October 13 (8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily).
Massachusetts Residents: $14 per vehicle.
Non-Massachusetts Residents: $40 per vehicle.
Mobile Payments: Daily parking fees can be paid via the YODEL app.
Annual Parking Passes: You can purchase a Massachusetts State Park Annual Parking Pass, which costs $60 for MA residents and is valid for one calendar year at most Massachusetts state parks, including Scusset Beach. These can be purchased online through YODEL.
No RV Parking Restrictions: RV parking is not allowed in the main beach or jetty parking lots from May 14 to September 15.
No Town Stickers: Unlike some town-owned beaches in Bourne, town-issued beach stickers are not valid at Scusset Beach, as it is a state park.
Free Entry for Walkers/Cyclists: Beach entry is free for walkers and cyclists.
Pets: Pets are generally not allowed on the beach itself, but are permitted on a leash (up to 10 feet) on the Canal Access road.