Sandy Point State Reservation

Parker River Wildlife Refuge Rd., Ipswich

(978) 462-4481 for park operations/emergencies

(617) 372-6730 for group bookings/interpretive programs

Due to a road improvement project being conducted by the Parker River Wildlife Refuge, Sandy Point State Reservation will have limited access for the month of May. Monday – Thursday the road will be completely closed to all traffic (vehicle, peddle & foot). Friday-one lane will be open to all traffic until noon and then from noon through the weekend the road will be completely open to Sandy Point by all means of travel.

Sandy Point is at the very southern tip of Plum Island, a classic Atlantic Ocean barrier island. The 77-acre park is among the state's most beautiful and popular coastal beaches. It is also an important nesting area for the piping plover, a threatened species, and the least tern, a species of special concern in Massachusetts. Passive recreational activities include walking, beachcombing, fishing and birding. Access is through the abutting Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

Things to know before you go…
The reservation is open sunrise till sunset. Parking is allowed only in two designated areas, which together hold 50 cars. When these lots are full, the reservation is temporarily closed. Pedestrians have free access to the beach, but must stay clear of all fenced areas.

To provide maximum protection for endangered species, the federal government may close the entire beach at Parker River Refuge. Call 978 465-5753 for dates. Access to the State Reservation is still available, with special restrictions during the summer breeding season.

Hunter access to the island portion of the refuge and Sandy Point State Reservation is permitted from 5 to 5:45 a.m. and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hunter exit is permitted only after 8:30 a.m., emergencies excepted. Parking at Sandy Point State Reservation is limited to 15 spaces. Sandy Point hunters are asked to check any harvested deer at the state-approved refuge check station located at refuge headquarters, 6 Plum Island Turnpike.

Park Directions
Sandy Point State Reservation is located on the northeastern coast of Massachusetts.

From the South: Sandy Point is located 35 miles (56.3 kilometers) north of Boston near the City of Newburyport.

From Route 95 take exit 57 and travel east on Route 113, then continue straight onto Route 1A South to the intersection with Rolfe's Lane for a total of 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers). Turn left onto Rolfe's Lane and travel 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) to its end. Turn right onto the Plum Island Turnpike and travel 2.0 miles (3.2 kilometers) crossing the Sgt. Donald Wilkinson Bridge to Plum Island. Take your first right onto Sunset Drive and travel 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) to the entrance of Parker River Wildlife Refuge.

Sandy Point State Reservation is located at the end of the refuge. The park is approximately 6 miles from the entrance to the Refuge.