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
Allowed water tested by the state
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.
Banned now · back September 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?
Open, no advisory on record in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
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?
Yes. Prince Cove has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
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.