🌤 Weather at Horseneck Beach State Reservation by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–68 °F | 60–84 °F | 37–75 °F | 22–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at New Bedford Coop, 10 mi away, elevation 18 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a public state park in Massachusetts near Westport in Bristol County. Spanning 815 acres and established in 1956, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Massachusetts |
| Nearest City | Westport |
| County | Bristol County |
| Park Size | 815 acres |
| Established | 1956 |
Location & Getting There
Horseneck Beach State Reservation is located near Westport, Massachusetts. The park’s coordinates are 41.4875, -71.0383.
Things to Do
Massachusetts state parks span from the wild outer beaches of Cape Cod and the islands to the forested Berkshire hills and Connecticut River Valley. Activities include swimming at ocean and freshwater beaches, hiking through deciduous and mixed forests, fishing in coastal waters and stocked ponds, camping in woodland settings, biking paved and gravel rail-trails, kayaking coastal marshes and inland rivers, rock climbing at select parks, birding along the Atlantic Flyway, and exploring rich historical sites spanning from the Pilgrims to the American Revolution. The Cape Cod National Seashore and nearby state parks offer world-class beach experiences.
Best Time to Visit
Massachusetts parks follow classic New England seasonality. Summer (June–August) is peak season for ocean and lake swimming — Cape beaches are busiest July through August. Fall (September–October) brings legendary New England foliage, peaking early October in the Berkshires and mid-to-late October closer to the coast. Spring (April–May) offers wildflowers, rushing streams, and fewer crowds. Winter provides peaceful forest hiking, cross-country skiing, and dramatic winter ocean scenery at coastal parks. Cape Cod and the Islands are most crowded from Memorial Day through Labor Day — consider shoulder season visits for a more relaxed experience.
Visitor Tips
Massachusetts state parks and forests charge a parking fee ($5–$20) at most locations during peak season. A Massachusetts Parks Pass ($60/year) covers parking at all DCR-managed properties. Beach parks fill early on summer weekends — arrive before 10 AM or risk being turned away. Camping reservations are made through ReserveAmerica. Cell service is unreliable in many rural parks, especially in the Berkshires. Ticks carrying Lyme disease are prevalent — wear long pants, use DEET, and check thoroughly after every hike.
Explore More Massachusetts State Parks
Horseneck Beach State Reservation is one of many outstanding state parks in Massachusetts. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Massachusetts guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Demarest Lloyd State Park is a short drive away, and Fort Phoenix State Reservation is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Horseneck Beach State Reservation: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 100 sites — 100 fully asphalted back-in sites; sites 1-68 have electric hookups (STANDARD ELECTRIC, up to 42 ft equipment length). Every site has a paved parking spur, picnic table, fire ring and grill. Fees: $24/night MA resident non-electric, $30/night MA resident electric; $70/night non-resident (flat). Comfort station with flush toilets and hot showers; dump station on site. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets generally permitted at the campground (leashed, max 4 per site) with a valid rabies vaccination certificate required at check-in. No dogs or other pets (except service animals) allowed on the beach April 1-Sept 15. |
| Reservations | Via ReserveAmerica (massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com) or phone 877-422-6762; campground phone (508) 636-8817. Reservations 1 day to 4 months in advance; same-day until 2 p.m. on arrival date. Walk-in registration not permitted. |
| Special sites | Sites 63-100 (beach-road sites) have a 7-night maximum cumulative stay from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Dump station, playground, basketball/volleyball courts, dishwashing station and boat ramp on site. No generators allowed. |
| Season notes | Camping available from the first week of May until Columbus Day. |
Camping questions about Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Can you camp at Horseneck Beach State Reservation?
Yes. Horseneck Beach State Reservation has 100 campsites. 100 fully asphalted back-in sites; sites 1-68 have electric hookups (STANDARD ELECTRIC, up to 42 ft equipment length). Every site has a paved parking spur, picnic table, fire ring and grill. Fees: $24/night MA resident non-electric, $30/night MA resident electric; $70/night non-resident (flat). Comfort station with flush toilets and hot showers; dump station on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Horseneck Beach State Reservation?
Via ReserveAmerica (massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com) or phone 877-422-6762; campground phone (508) 636-8817. Reservations 1 day to 4 months in advance; same-day until 2 p.m. on arrival date. Walk-in registration not permitted.
Are pets allowed at the Horseneck Beach State Reservation campground?
Pets generally permitted at the campground (leashed, max 4 per site) with a valid rabies vaccination certificate required at check-in. No dogs or other pets (except service animals) allowed on the beach April 1-Sept 15.
Source: mass.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Horseneck Beach State Reservation
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at Horseneck Beach State Reservation?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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