About Sampsons Island

Sampsons Island © Ellen Jedry
© Ellen Jedry

Sampsons Island is part of the undeveloped Sampsons Island/Dead Neck barrier beach system located just off the Cape Cod mainland. Piping plovers, least terns, and common terns routinely nest on the island’s beaches, tidal flats, and salt marsh, earning it an Important Bird Area designation.

In spring and summer, access to the island is limited to the Cotuit Bay side beach. Other island beaches are closed to boats and pedestrians to protect nesting areas.

Acres

37

Trail Mileage

No formally designated trails

Location

Barnstable, MA
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Managed by Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary and the Coastal Waterbird Program

Hours

The island is managed as a bird sanctuary; access is limited to the Cotuit Bay beach March through September, dawn to dusk.

Admission

Donations appreciated