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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Return to Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

Rules and Policies

Updated November 13, 2026

When visiting Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, you're entering a protected home for wildlife. Help keep the refuge safe and enjoyable for everyone by respecting wildlife, protecting sensitive coastal habitats, and following refuge rules and regulations.

Hours and Access

The refuge is open year-round, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Public access is limited to designated areas, and visitors must respect posted closures and restricted habitats.

  • Morris Island: Visitors can access designated trails and beaches from the parking area at 30 Wikis Way in Chatham. Portions of the trails may be inaccessible during high tide.
  • Offshore islands: North Monomoy, South Monomoy, and Minimoy are accessible only by boat. Seasonal wildlife closures may restrict public access.
  • Protected habitats: Dunes and other restricted areas are closed to public access except along designated routes. Closures may change throughout the year to protect nesting, feeding, and resting wildlife.

Protecting Wildlife and Habitats

  • Pets: Pets are prohibited year-round on North Monomoy, South Monomoy, and Minimoy islands. On Morris Island, dogs are prohibited from May 1 through September 15 to protect nesting wildlife. Leashed dogs are permitted on designated Morris Island trails from September 16 through April 30.
  • Leave No Trace: Carry out everything you bring in, including trash, fishing line, and personal belongings.
  • Respect wildlife: Never feed, approach, or disturb wild animals. Observe shorebirds, seals, and other wildlife from a safe distance.
  • Protect sensitive areas: Stay within designated public access areas and follow all posted wildlife closures.

Permitted Recreational Activities

The following activities are permitted in designated areas, subject to applicable regulations and seasonal closures:

  • Hiking, walking, and jogging
  • Wildlife watching and birding
  • Photography
  • Natural and cultural history tours
  • Recreational fishing
  • Recreational shellfishing with appropriate permits
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming and beach use

Additional restrictions may apply depending on the activity and location. 

Prohibited Activities

To protect the refuge's sensitive coastal habitats and wildlife, the following activities are prohibited:

  • Bicycling
  • Camping and picnicking
  • Over-sand vehicle use
  • Fires and fireworks
  • Jet skiing and kiteboarding
  • Mussel harvesting
  • Horseshoe crab harvesting
  • Launching, landing, or operating drones

Drones: Launching, landing, or operating aircraft, including unmanned aircraft (drones), from or on lands and waters administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is prohibited under 50 CFR 27.34.

Wheeled carts are also prohibited within the Monomoy Wilderness. Visitors should avoid beach tents, umbrellas, radios, grills, and ball sports to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Hunting and Firearms

Hunting is permitted only in designated areas and must comply with applicable state, federal, and refuge-specific regulations.

Visitors possessing firearms must comply with Massachusetts laws. Firearms are prohibited inside refuge buildings, including the visitor center, visitor contact stations, and restrooms. Hunters should contact refuge headquarters for information about specific restrictions and exceptions.

For additional information, visit our Hunting page.

For a complete list of permitted and prohibited activities, refer to the appendix of the refuge's Comprehensive Conservation Plan.

Federal wildlife officers play an important role in protecting wildlife, natural resources, and visitors throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System. Working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies, officers enforce federal and state laws and refuge regulations to help ensure these protected lands remain safe for wildlife and people.

Report a Violation

Help protect our refuges by reporting suspected wildlife crimes, illegal activities, or violations of refuge regulations.

Call: 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477)

Report Online: Submit a Wildlife Crime Tip

When reporting a violation, provide as much detail as possible, including the location, date, time, and description of the incident. Never approach or confront individuals engaged in suspected illegal activities.

For emergencies or immediate threats to public safety, call 911.

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