Rules & Regulations

Sherwood Island State Park follows Connecticut's state park regulations plus a few park-specific rules. The ones visitors most often need: the park is open 8 a.m. to sunset; alcohol is banned; dogs are allowed only from October 1 to April 14, on a leash; swim only in the marked areas; fish only at Sherwood Point and the jetties from April 15 to September 30; and buses seating 30 or more need a DEEP permit.

Hours and Fees

• The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset (hours).
• Out-of-state cars pay a parking fee from April 1 to October 31. The fee is owed even when the ticket booth is closed, must be paid by 10 p.m., and an unpaid fee can bring a $75 infraction (parking).

Alcohol

Sherwood Island is on DEEP's list of state parks with an alcohol ban. No beer, wine or spirits anywhere in the park, including picnic areas and the beaches.

Dogs and Other Pets

• April 15 – September 30: pets not permitted.
• October 1 – April 14: allowed on a leash.

See dogs for details.

Swimming

• Swim only in the marked swimming areas at East Beach and West Beach.
• Check DEEP's weekly water quality report in season.
• DEEP's statewide beach regulations and swimming safety rules are on its swimming page.

Fishing

• April 15 – September 30: fishing only at Sherwood Point and the East and West jetties.
• October 1 – April 14: the whole beach, 8 a.m. to sunset only.
• A Connecticut marine waters fishing licence is required for anyone 16 or older (fishing).

Groups and Buses

A DEEP bus permit is required for mid-size and full-size buses seating 30 or more passengers. Groups can reserve the East Beach picnic shelter (up to 64 people) from May 1 to September 30 (pavilion and shelter).

Recreation

• Disc golf is first come, first served; give way to picnickers (disc golf).
• Fly model aircraft only in the model aircraft area.
• Stay on paths in the salt marsh and away from nesting birds (bird watching).

Respect the Memorial

The 9/11 Living Memorial is Connecticut's official memorial. Keep voices low, do not climb on the stones, and keep dogs close in the off-season.

Carry In, Carry Out

Use the bins provided, or take your trash home when they are full. Leave shells and stones for the next visitor where you can; take photos instead.

Who Enforces the Rules

DEEP park staff and DEEP Environmental Conservation Police. For anything not covered here, ask the park office at (203) 226-6983 or see the contact page.

Town Beach Rules Are Different

Westport's town beaches next door have their own rules, set by the town rather than DEEP. They differ in a few places visitors notice: alcohol is allowed only in Compo's South Beach picnic area, animals are banned from April 1 (two weeks earlier than at Sherwood Island), glass, smoking and vaping are prohibited, and cars need a town emblem or a daily pass. If you are moving between beaches in one day, check both sets of rules (Compo Beach, Burying Hill).