Sampsons Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Sampsons Island is a wild barrier beach located just off the Cape Cod mainland with significant nesting areas for terns, piping plovers, egrets, herons, and gulls. Habitat types range from tidal flats and salt marsh to sandy beach and pine-oak upland. The island is undeveloped and uninhabited, making it a destination for local residents interested in an oceanside picnic or stroll on the beach. From May through September, the island is patrolled by Mass Audubon’s Coastal Waterbird Program staff who protect nesting areas, lead nature walks, and ensure compliance with sanctuary regulations.

Location:
Barnstable, MA

For more information:
cwbinfo@massaudubon.org

Trail Hours:
Trails open every day, dawn to dusk.

For Your Safety

• Do not feed any animals
• Stay on trails to avoid ticks and poison ivy
• Do not smoke anywhere on the sanctuary
• Do not pick or collect plants or crops without permission

Avoid Conflicts with Wildlife

• Do not bring pets, leashed or unleashed, on to the site
• Picnic only in designated areas
• Do not bring motorized vehicles or bicycles onto the site
• Hunting, fishing, or trapping are not permitted

Admission:
Free for Mass Audubon members;
$10 day fee for non-members