The town's Prince Cove boat ramp at 235 Cedar Tree Neck Road, Marstons Mills, on the Marstons Mills River. Launching is free; parking needs a resident sticker, with limited pay parking at the adjoining town marina.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker $8 per vehicle, $16 per vehicle with trailer; $150 seasonal pass
Swimming
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Barnstable beach gates open 9am and lock at 9pm; lifeguards run 9am to 5pm from late June, and parking fees are collected 9am to 3:45pm (Craigville from 7:30am). Posted hours at the entrance win if they differ.
Dogs
No dogs at all on any Barnstable beach or recreation area May 15 through September 15; outside that window leashed dogs are welcome. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Allowed now · ban starts May 15Fishing
Allowed spring-early summer best for striped bass and bluefish
Kayak
Allowed year-round, launch via the ramp area
Getting in
Parking
Resident sticker
Cost$8 per vehicle, $16 per vehicle with trailer; $150 seasonal passStickerBarnstable resident parking sticker, or pay parking at the town marina
Prince Cove Marina lot
Details unconfirmed
Prince Cove Marina lot
Cost$8 per vehicle, $16 per vehicle with trailer; $150 seasonal pass
limited pay parking at the adjoining town marina; launching itself is free
Access points along this beach
Boat ramp
single ramp with floating dock
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Prince Cove in Barnstable open today?
Prince Cove is not monitored right now. MA DPH samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts no advisories or all-clears off-season, so there is no swim status to report. Swimming off-season is at your own risk.
Is there parking at Prince Cove, and what does it cost?
Resident sticker ($8 per vehicle, $16 per vehicle with trailer; $150 seasonal pass). Prince Cove Marina lot
Can you swim at Prince Cove?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Prince Cove off-season: the state samples beach water Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming off-season is at your own risk; check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Prince Cove?
No dogs at all on any Barnstable beach or recreation area May 15 through September 15; outside that window leashed dogs are welcome. That's the town-wide default; watch for posted signs here.
Is there an entry fee at Prince Cove?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Prince Cove?
Yes, parking here uses a resident sticker. $8 per vehicle, $16 per vehicle with trailer; $150 seasonal pass.