An 18-acre town-owned dike and dune/salt-marsh strip across Morris Island Road that has separated Stage Harbor from Chatham Harbor since the late 1950s. It is one of the named access points onto the South Beach barrier system that leads toward Monomoy, alongside the adjoining federal refuge's mainland trail.
What to expect
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
Season
Open year-round, 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, under the town's standard conservation-land rules.
Dogs
Leashed dogs permitted only in the off-season, September 16-April 30, matching the adjoining Monomoy refuge's Morris Island rule; not permitted May 1-September 15.
Birdwatching
Allowed year-round; dune and salt-marsh habitat
Managed by
Town of Chatham Conservation Commission
508-945-5100 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Free lot
CostFree
Morris Island Road dike shoulder
Details unconfirmed
Morris Island Road dike shoulder
CostFreeSpacesroadside pull-off, limited
Access points along this beach
Morris Island Road dike
the dike itself is a named access point onto the South Beach barrier system
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Morris Island Dike and Beach 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 Morris Island Dike and Beach in Chatham open today?
open to the public; water quality here is not monitored by MA DPH (updated 2026-09-13). MA DPH is the authority. Check the status the morning you go.
Is this the same as the Monomoy refuge trail?
It's adjacent and connected but town-owned rather than federal: the dike separates Stage Harbor from Chatham Harbor and leads on foot toward South Beach, while the neighboring Morris Island unit of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge has its own trailhead and visitor parking at 30 Wikis Way.
Is there parking at Morris Island Dike and Beach, and what does it cost?
Free lot (Free). Morris Island Road dike shoulder
What's the water temperature at Morris Island Dike and Beach?
Water at Morris Island Dike and Beach 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 Morris Island Dike and Beach?
The property sits entirely in the coastal floodplain; conditions and shoreline shape shift with storms. Standard Chatham conservation-land rules apply: no motor vehicles, no open fires without permission, no camping, no alcohol.
Can you swim at Morris Island Dike and Beach?
Morris Island Dike and Beach is town-owned and its water is not monitored by MA DPH, so there is no official swim status. Check conditions posted at the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Morris Island Dike and Beach?
Leashed dogs permitted only in the off-season, September 16-April 30, matching the adjoining Monomoy refuge's Morris Island rule; not permitted May 1-September 15.
Is there an entry fee at Morris Island Dike and Beach?
No, entry is free.