Sandy Point is the southern tip of Plum Island, a state reservation reached only by driving through the Parker River refuge, where swimmers get both an ocean beach and a calmer river-side option at the point.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $5 day pass per car
Swimming
Water not monitored by DPH
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Entry fee
$5/day parking (cash), or $20/year annual pass at the refuge gatehouse.
Dogs
Not allowed in the designated swimming area from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. Outside that window and that area a dog on DCR land must be caged, bridled, or restrained on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet,…
Banned now · back September 15Managed by
Department of Conservation and Recreation (reached via Parker River NWR entrance)
WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$5 day pass per car
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge lot
Details unconfirmed
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge lot
Cost$5 day pass per car
Access is through the refuge, which sets the fee: $5 a day by car, free on foot or by bike, $20 for an annual refuge pass.
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Sandy Point State Reservation in Ipswich 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 there parking at Sandy Point State Reservation, and what does it cost?
Paid lot ($5 day pass per car). Parker River National Wildlife Refuge lot
Can you swim at Sandy Point State Reservation?
Sandy Point State Reservation 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 Sandy Point State Reservation?
Not allowed in the designated swimming area from May 1 through September 15 unless posted otherwise. Outside that window and that area a dog on DCR land must be caged, bridled, or restrained on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, never unattended or at large, and its waste carried out.…
Is there an entry fee at Sandy Point State Reservation?
Yes, $5/day parking (cash), or $20/year annual pass at the refuge gatehouse.