A river-mouth beach on South Shore Drive where Bass River meets Nantucket Sound, also called Smugglers Beach, with a boat ramp, fishing deck and bathhouse next to the sand; the current near the inlet is the main thing to watch for.
What to expect
Parking
Resident sticker $25/day non-sticker, free with resident sticker; free spring/fall
Swimming
Allowed water tested by the state
Hours
Gate locked 10pm, opens 8am.
Season
Open year-round; gated lot locked 10pm-8am; parking fee applies in summer only, free spring and fall.
Accessibility
Town lists facility as handicap accessible; mat/wheelchair specifics not detailed.
Lifeguard
Lifeguards on duty in summer; exact daily hours not posted.
Dogs
Prohibited May 15-Labor Day per town-wide saltwater beach rule; leashed dogs allowed the rest of the year.
Allowed now · ban starts May 15Fishing
Allowed Year-round
Kayak/Canoe/Sup
Allowed Year-round via boat ramp
Managed by
Town of Yarmouth Recreation/Parks Division
508-398-2231 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Resident sticker
Cost$25/day non-sticker, free with resident sticker; free spring/fall
South Street lot
Details unconfirmed
South Street lot
Cost$25/day non-sticker, free with resident sticker; free spring/fallSpaceslarge (count not posted)
Boat trailer parking also available.
Access points along this beach
South Street gate/lot
Main entrance and parking
Boat ramp
Trailer launch into Bass River
What's here
Facilities
Restrooms
Bathhouse on-site
Concessions
Mobile food concession
Dock
Boat ramp and fishing deck
Tides & weather
Tide and sun: NOAA astronomy · forecast: NWS, up to 7 days
Show the full year
Average water temperature at Bass River 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 Bass River Beach in Yarmouth 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.
Is there overnight parking?
The lot gate is locked 10pm-8am.
No beach-specific bonfire policy is posted; the town's general open-fire ordinance covers only private-property cooking fires.
Are there restrooms at Bass River Beach?
Public restrooms are listed near the beach. Seasonal hours are common, so they may be closed off-season.
What's the water temperature at Bass River Beach?
Water at Bass River 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 Bass River Beach?
Tidal current near the river inlet can be strong. No alcohol on any beach, parking lot, or town property.
Can you swim at Bass River Beach?
Yes. Bass River Beach has no swimming advisory in the latest MA DPH posting (updated 2026-09-13). Check again the morning you go.
Are dogs allowed at Bass River Beach?
Prohibited May 15-Labor Day per town-wide saltwater beach rule; leashed dogs allowed the rest of the year.
Is there an entry fee at Bass River Beach?
No, entry is free.
Do you need a beach sticker to park at Bass River Beach?
Yes, parking here uses a resident sticker. $25/day non-sticker, free with resident sticker; free spring/fall.