Cape Cod National Seashore Beach Access Roads
Atlantic beach driving on Cape Cod's pristine outer shore
The 40-mile network of sand tracks along Cape Cod National Seashore’s outer beach from Race Point to Nauset offers some of the East Coast’s most accessible beach driving. The route runs parallel to the Atlantic through constantly shifting dunes, with access points at Race Point, Head of the Meadow, and Coast Guard Beach. Ballston Beach and Nauset Light provide key landmarks along this dynamic coastline where tides and storms reshape the driving surface daily.
Moderate difficulty when done right, but the sand will humble overconfident drivers fast. Four-wheel drive mandatory, tires aired down to 15-18 PSI, and recovery gear essential for the inevitable dig-out. Valid ORV permit required ($150 annually), with strict seasonal closures for shorebird nesting March through August. Best accessed May-September during low tide windows. The payoff is camping steps from surf, seal watching, and some of the most pristine Atlantic coastline left in New England.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 40 mi / 64.4 km |
| Duration | 1-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 150 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD with sand driving capability |
| Nearest town | Provincetown, Massachusetts |
| Land manager | National Park Service |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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