Scusset Beach State Reservation facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Scusset Beach State Reservation
Cape Cod Canal with Scusset Beach at right
Scusset Beach State Reservation Location in Massachusetts
Location	Sandwich, Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States
Area	459 acres (186 ha)
Established	1957
Governing body	Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
Website	Scusset Beach State Reservation

Scusset Beach State Reservation is a fun public park located in the town of Sandwich. It's in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. You can find it at the eastern end of the Cape Cod Canal. This land used to be part of a military base called Sagamore Hill Military Reservation.

The park has a beautiful beach and places to camp. A cool feature is Sagamore Hill. This hill was once a meeting place for Native American tribes. Later, it became a site for coastal defenses during World War II. There's also a long stone jetty that stretches about 3,000 feet (914 meters). This jetty separates the canal from the beach.

Even though most of Sandwich is on Cape Cod, this part of the town is on the mainland side of the canal. The state park is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. They work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to run the park.

Fun Things to Do at Scusset Beach

Scusset Beach State Reservation offers many exciting activities for visitors. It's a great place to enjoy nature and have an adventure.

Enjoy the Beach and Dunes

The park has a half-mile (0.8 km) of sandy beach. It also features beautiful sand dunes along Cape Cod Bay. The beach is easy to access for everyone. There's a boardwalk that meets ADA rules. You'll find restrooms and showers that are also wheelchair-friendly. There are snack bars for treats and lifeguards on duty during certain seasons to keep everyone safe.

Explore Trails and Roads

• A trail leads up to Sagamore Hill. This trail is about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) long. From the top, you get amazing views of the canal's east entrance and the bay.
• There's also a paved service road. It runs for about 7 miles (11 km) along the north side of the canal. This road is perfect for bicycling, walking, and skating. It's also a great spot to watch ships pass by and look for wildlife.

Camping Adventures

Scusset Beach State Reservation is a popular spot for camping.

• The park offers 98 camping spots for RVs (recreational vehicles).
• There are also five spots available for tents.
• You can camp during the off-season on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. However, some facilities might not be available then.
• If you camp at Shawme-Crowell State Forest, you can also easily visit Scusset Beach.

Fishing and More Activities

Fishing is a popular activity here.

• You can fish from a pier that goes into the canal.
• There's also a breakwater and the canal frontage road where you can cast your line.
• At dusk, you can try surf casting along special parts of the beach.
• The park also offers educational programs. These programs teach visitors about the area's nature and history.
• Sometimes, restricted hunting is allowed in certain areas.