An unmarked, locals-known cove where Bay Road meets Route 28 on Pleasant Bay, prized for warm, shallow, current-free water and as Chatham's only summer dog beach. There is a roadside pull-off and nothing else, so bring everything you need.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot Free, no sticker required
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Chatham beaches and their lots are closed 10pm until one hour before sunrise; lifeguards run 9am to 4:30pm daily, June 20 through August 31. That's the town default unless posted otherwise.
From June 20Season
Open access, no gate; year-round.
Dogs
The only beach in Chatham that allows dogs during the May 1-Sep 15 restricted season, limited to before 9am and after 6pm; no sticker required.
Banned now · back Sep 15Kayak/Paddleboard
Allowed year-round, calm protected water
Kayak/Paddleboard
Allowed year-round, calm protected water; popular with windsurfers too
Managed by
Chatham Recreation & Beaches Division
508-945-5175 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree, no sticker required
Roadside area near Bay Rd / Rte 28 (unmarked)
Details unconfirmed
Roadside area near Bay Rd / Rte 28 (unmarked)
CostFree, no sticker requiredSpacessmall, informal roadside pull-off
Access points along this beach
Roadside area near Bay Rd / Rte 28
Unmarked, free parking
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Jackknife Harbor by month, in °F| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| Water °F | 40° | 39° | 42° | 49° | 55° | 63° | 69° | 68° | 66° | 60° | 50° | 44° |
|---|
Monthly averages from NOAA, Chatham (2022 to 2024). Today's reading is in the conditions above.
Common questions
Is Jackknife Harbor in Chatham 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.
Can I bring my dog here in summer?
Yes - Jacknife Harbor is the only Chatham beach that allows dogs during the May 1-Sep 15 restricted season, but only before 9am and after 6pm; no parking sticker needed.
Are there restrooms here?
No, the cove is a rustic, unmarked pull-off with no restrooms or picnic tables of any kind.
Can I bring my dog here in summer?
Yes, this is the only Chatham beach that allows dogs during the May 1-Sep 15 restricted season, but only before 9am and after 6pm; no parking sticker needed.
Is there parking at Jackknife Harbor, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free, no sticker required). Roadside area near Bay Rd / Rte 28 (unmarked)
What's the water temperature at Jackknife Harbor?
Water at Jackknife Harbor averages about 39°F in February and 69°F in July, based on NOAA readings at Chatham from 2022 to 2024. For today's temperature, see the conditions above.
What rules should I know at Jackknife Harbor?
No lifeguard; exposed sandbars and shallow pools at low tide.
Can you swim at Jackknife Harbor?
Yes. Jackknife Harbor has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Is there an entry fee at Jackknife Harbor?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Jackknife Harbor?
A beach sticker applies to parking here. Free, no sticker required.