Dogs at Sherwood Island
Dogs are allowed at Sherwood Island State Park only in the off-season, from October 1 to April 14, and must be on a leash. From April 15 to September 30, DEEP does not permit pets anywhere in the park, including the beaches, lawns and parking lots. In the cool months the park is one of the best places on the Fairfield County shore to walk a dog on the sand.
Dog Rules at a Glance
The Dates
DEEP's park page lists two seasons:
- April 15 to September 30: not permitted. No dogs, even on a leash, even in the car while you picnic.
- October 1 to April 14: yes, on a leash. Leashed dogs may walk the beaches, the grassy paths and the woods.
The switch dates are firm. Plan a spring visit for before April 15 and a fall visit from October 1.
Off-Season Walks
From October to mid-April the park is quiet, parking is free for every car from November, and the long beaches are open for walking.
- East Beach to the salt marsh: walk the sand, then the grassy paths by the Nature Center and marsh. Keep dogs out of the marsh itself; it is nesting and feeding ground for birds.
- West Beach and the woods: the west side has forested paths and the disc golf course (walking trails).
- Sherwood Point: the 9/11 Living Memorial is a place of remembrance; keep dogs close and quiet there.
Good Dog Etiquette Here
- Keep the leash on. Shorebirds rest on the beach in winter, and off-leash dogs flush them.
- Bag and carry out waste; bins can be sparse in the off-season.
- Bring water. There is no shade on the beach and fountains may be off in winter.
- Watch for anglers on the jetties and the beach in the off-season, when the whole beach is open to fishing.
What About Summer?
If you are bringing a dog to the Westport shore between mid-April and the end of September, Sherwood Island is out. The town beaches are no better in summer: Westport bans animals from Compo, Burying Hill and its other beaches, including their parking areas and lawns, from April 1 to September 30, with narrow exceptions such as leashed dogs going to boats at Ned Dimes Marina. See Westport beaches for the town rules.
Service Animals
Service animals are not pets. DEEP rules on pets do not apply to trained service animals assisting a person with a disability.
Before You Go
Check hours (8 a.m. to sunset) and weather. Out-of-state cars pay the parking fee through October 31 (parking).
Why the Summer Ban?
DEEP does not explain the dates on the park page, but the summer ban matches the busiest swimming season and the months when shorebirds nest and raise chicks on Connecticut beaches. Sherwood Island is a crowded summer beach with picnic areas on both sides, a salt marsh and a Nature Center, and a dog-free summer keeps the sand and lawns clean for swimmers and children. In the off-season, with the crowds gone, the rule relaxes to leashed dogs. The same logic is why Westport keeps dogs off its town beaches from April 1 to September 30.
Dogs at Sherwood Island FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Sherwood Island State Park?
Only from October 1 to April 14, on a leash. From April 15 to September 30 DEEP does not permit pets.
Can I bring my dog to Sherwood Island beach in the summer?
No. Pets are not permitted anywhere in the park from April 15 to September 30.
Can dogs go on the beach at Sherwood Island in winter?
Yes, on a leash. Between October 1 and April 14 leashed dogs may walk the beaches and paths.
Are dogs allowed at Compo Beach?
Not from April 1 to September 30. Westport prohibits animals at its beaches in that period, including parking lots and lawns.