The great Outer Beach described by Thoreau in the 1800s is protected within the national seashore. Forty miles of pristine sandy beach, marshes, ponds, and uplands support diverse species. Lighthouses, cultural landscapes, and wild cranberry bogs offer a glimpse of Cape Cod's past and continuing ways of life. Swimming
Yes — your pass gets you in.
Your pass covers the $25 park entrance fee.
- Fee type Entrance fee — The standard per-vehicle park entrance fee. Entrance - Private Vehicle: $25Entrance - Motorcycle: $20Entrance - Per Person: $15
- HoursBeaches, parking areas, and trails are open year-round between 6 am and midnight.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 508-255-3421 · caco_information@nps.gov
The national seashore is located in eastern Massachusetts on Cape Cod and is accessed via Route 6. The park is 20 miles east of Hyannis, MA.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Cape Cod National Seashore — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
Yes Does the America the Beautiful pass work at Cape Cod National Seashore?
Yes — your pass covers the entrance fee here.
Yes Can you fish at Cape Cod National Seashore?
Yes — fishing is one of the listed activities here. You’ll need a valid state fishing license.
Yes Can you swim here?
Yes — swimming is available at Cape Cod National Seashore. There are typically no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk and check conditions.
Yes Can you camp at Cape Cod National Seashore?
Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.
Depends Can you have a campfire?
Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Atlantic White Cedar Swamp, Beech Forest, Buttonbush, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Cape Cod National Seashore. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
Nearby sites
James T. Weliver; U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Northeas / CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
CheckThis U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cape Cod Canal
CheckArmy Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.
