A two-mile barrier beach on Buzzards Bay with a paved accessible path, bathhouse, and campground next door. It's the South Coast's biggest ocean beach and fills its lots on summer weekends by mid-morning.
What to expect
Parking
Paid lot $14/day MA-registered, $40/day non-MA (roughly May 23-Oct 12)
In effect now · free after Oct 12Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Sunrise to sunset, year-round
Season
Open year-round, sunrise to sunset
Entry fee
$14/day MA-registered, $40/day non-MA, charged roughly May 23-Oct 12; fee paid via YODEL app at entry, no cash. Annual/lifetime senior passes accepted. Fills fast summer weekends/holidays. Separate from the campground fee.
Accessibility
ADA accessible: beach access mats, floating beach wheelchairs, paved walking path along the beach; cobblestones may prevent reaching the water in a beach wheelchair at some points
Lifeguard
On duty in season; sources vary between July 1-Labor Day 10am-6pm and Memorial Day-Labor Day 9am-5pm
Dogs
Not permitted on the beach April 1-September 15 (service animals excepted); pets allowed at the campground
Banned now · back September 15Getting in
Parking
Paid lot
Cost$14/day MA-registered, $40/day non-MA (roughly May 23-Oct 12)StickerMA state parks annual pass or lifetime senior pass accepted
DCR fee lots along the 2-mile beach
DCR fee lots along the 2-mile beach
Cost$14/day MA-registered, $40/day non-MA (roughly May 23-Oct 12)
Access points along this beach
Main fee gate
main entrance off John Reed Rd where the YODEL parking fee is collected
Campground
DPH sampling point on the Horseneck shoreline adjacent to the DCR campground; no separate parking, entrance, or facilities beyond the main reservation.
What's here
Facilities
Showers
outdoor foot-wash showers at the bathhouse · seasonal
Concessions
seasonal snack concession near the beach facilities · seasonal
Changing rooms
changing rooms at the bathhouse · seasonal
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Common questions
Is Horseneck Beach in Westport 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 to Horseneck?
Not on the main beach April 1-September 15 (service animals excepted). Dogs are allowed at the adjoining campground on leash, and at Gooseberry Neck year-round under a separate, more relaxed policy.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes for the paved beachfront path, with beach access mats and floating wheelchairs available. Cobblestones at some points may still block reaching the water.
Is there parking at Horseneck Beach, and what does it cost?
Paid lot ($14/day MA-registered, $40/day non-MA (roughly May 23-Oct 12)). DCR fee lots along the 2-mile beach
Are there restrooms at Horseneck Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What rules should I know at Horseneck Beach?
Barrier-beach location can close the reservation (including the campground) on short notice for severe weather.
Can you swim at Horseneck Beach?
Yes. Horseneck Beach 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 Horseneck Beach?
Yes, $14/day MA-registered, $40/day non-MA, charged roughly May 23-Oct 12; fee paid via YODEL app at entry, no cash. Annual/lifetime senior passes accepted. Fills fast summer weekends/holidays. Separate from the campground fee.