Sherwood Island FAQ
Short answers to the questions visitors ask most about Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut. Each answer links to the page with the full details and sources. The park is run by CT DEEP; for anything urgent or not covered here, call the park office at (203) 226-6983.
Visiting
The essentials are on parking & fees, hours and plan your visit. For the beach itself, see the beach guide; for the memorial, 9/11 Living Memorial.
Activities
Nature Center · Fishing · Disc golf · Walking trails · Bird watching · Pavilion & shelter
Nearby
Compo Beach · Burying Hill Beach · Westport beaches compared · Things to do in Westport
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sherwood Island State Park free?
Free for cars with Connecticut plates. Out-of-state cars pay $15 on weekdays, $22 on weekends and holidays, or $7 after 4 p.m., from April 1 to October 31; a season pass is $112.
What are the hours at Sherwood Island?
8 a.m. to sunset, every day of the year.
Where is Sherwood Island State Park?
On Long Island Sound in Westport, Connecticut, at the end of the Sherwood Island Connector off I-95 exit 18.
Can you swim at Sherwood Island?
Yes, in the marked swimming areas at East Beach and West Beach. DEEP posts a water-quality report weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Are dogs allowed at Sherwood Island?
Only from October 1 to April 14, on a leash. Pets are not permitted April 15 to September 30.
Is Sherwood Island really an island?
No. DEEP says it "isn't really an island"; it is a point of land between Long Island Sound and tidal creeks.
Why is Sherwood Island famous?
It is Connecticut's first state park, with land first bought in 1914, and home to the state's official 9/11 memorial.
Where is the 9/11 memorial at Sherwood Island?
On Sherwood Point, between East Beach and West Beach, facing the Manhattan skyline. Park in the pavilion lot.
Can you see New York City from Sherwood Island?
On a clear day, yes, from the shoreline.
When is the Nature Center open?
Seasonally, Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Is the Sherwood Island pavilion open in 2026?
No. DEEP closed the main pavilion for the 2026 season. The East Beach picnic shelter (up to 64 people) can be reserved May 1 to September 30.
Is there food at Sherwood Island?
The pavilion snack bar is closed for 2026, so bring your own. Picnic tables and grills are on both sides of the park.
Can you fish at Sherwood Island?
Yes: Sherwood Point and the East and West jetties from April 15 to September 30, and the whole beach from October 1 to April 14, 8 a.m. to sunset.
Does Sherwood Island have disc golf?
Yes, an 18-hole course on the west side and a short beginner course near the Nature Center, free and first come, first served.
Can you drink alcohol at Sherwood Island?
No. Sherwood Island has an alcohol ban.
Is Sherwood Island wheelchair accessible?
DEEP lists accessible parking, restrooms, picnic tables, the 9/11 Memorial and free beach surf chairs.
Can you camp at Sherwood Island?
No. DEEP lists no campground at Sherwood Island; the park is day use, 8 a.m. to sunset.
Is Sherwood Island better than Compo Beach?
For most visitors, yes on cost: Sherwood Island is free for Connecticut cars, while Compo charges non-emblem cars $45 to $70 a day in season.
How big is Sherwood Island?
235 acres, with more than a mile of beach.