Sampsons Island is part of the undeveloped Sampsons Island and 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 as necessary to protect nesting areas.

No formally designated trails

Kayak trips to the island through Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary offer rare opportunities to safely see up close the sanctuary’s rare plovers, terns, and other birds such as American Oystercatchers.

The sanctuary can be reached by private boat from local marinas or town landings. Please note, however, that there are no established landing areas on the island.

The island is managed as a bird sanctuary; access is limited to the sandy beach daily, from dawn to dusk.