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
Water not monitored off-season
Hours
Chatham beaches and their lots are closed 10pm until one hour before sunrise; lifeguards run 9am to 4:30pm daily, late June through the end of August. That's the town default unless posted otherwise.
Season
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.
Allowed now · ban starts May 1Kayak/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?
Jackknife Harbor 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.
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?
There is no MA DPH swim status for Jackknife Harbor 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.
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.