Photo: Botteville, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Sandy Point State Reservation by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–66 °F | 54–80 °F | 31–72 °F | 18–42 °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 Beverly, 9 mi away, elevation 65 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Sandy Point State Reservation is a 77-acre beach reservation of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) at the southern tip of Plum Island in Ipswich, Essex County.
Quick Facts
| State | Massachusetts |
| Town | Ipswich |
| County | Essex County |
| Park Size | 77 acres |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Dogs | Not allowed |
Location & Getting There
Sandy Point State Reservation lies at the southern tip of Plum Island in Ipswich. DCR gives its address as Parker River Wildlife Refuge Road, Ipswich, MA 01938, and notes that parking is available. The park’s coordinates are 42.7027, -70.7763.
Sandy Point is not the same property as Plum Island State Reservation, a separate DCR parcel at the island’s northern end near Newburyport.
Things to Do
DCR lists swimming, fishing, hunting and educational programs at Sandy Point. The coastal beach is the main draw for swimming and sunbathing. Facilities are restrooms, and a beach wheelchair is available.
Hunting Access
According to DCR, hunters may enter the island portion of Sandy Point State Reservation and the nearby Parker River National Wildlife Refuge between 5:00 and 5:45 a.m. and between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and may only exit after 8:30 a.m. Hunter parking is limited to 15 spaces, and harvested deer must be checked at the refuge headquarters.
Rules
The reservation is open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs and alcohol are not allowed.
Source: Massachusetts DCR, Sandy Point State Reservation (read November 6, 2026).
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. 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
Sandy Point 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.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Willowdale State Forest (a short drive away) and Halibut Point State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Sandy Point State Reservation
- Pets allowed?
- Not allowed. DCR lists no dogs at Sandy Point State Reservation.
- 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 Sandy Point State Reservation?
Not allowed. DCR lists no dogs at Sandy Point State Reservation.
Beyond that, Massachusetts’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Sandy Point State Reservation
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
