6 Beaches On Cape Cod That Allow Beach Driving (OSV/ORV)
Driving on the beach is one of the most incredible things to experience on Cape Cod. Cruising along through the dunes to the pristine seashore is unlike anything else. Fortunately, there are several beaches on Cape Cod that allow beach driving. All of the beaches that allow beach driving require permits and require operators to follow many rules and regulations. The passes are often referred to as off-road vehicle (ORV) or over-sand vehicle (OSV) passes. If you are able to secure one of these precious passes, you are in for a lot of fun!
If you are new to beach driving on Cape Cod, there are a few things you should be aware of:
Piping Plovers: The piping plover is a small, stocky, sand-colored bird resembling a sandpiper. They became a protected species under the Endangered Species Act on January 10, 1986. The plover populations along the Atlantic Coast are designated as threatened. Piping plovers are known to breed on the beaches of Cape Cod each summer and this causes some issues for people looking to drive on said beaches. Ultimately, in recent years, the OSV/ORV beaches of Cape Cod are typically closed from late June to early August due to piping plover nestings. This is extremely important to consider if you are visiting the Cape and hoping to drive on a beach. It is very unlikely you will find an open beach during the peak summer month of July because of the piping plovers.
Gear: If you seek to obtain an OSV/ORV Beach Permit on Cape Cod, you will need to have the proper safety and recovery equipment. Each beach has its own required gear, so please refer to each town's website. That said, nearly all demand cars are equipped with 4-wheel drive, a full-size spare tire, low-pressure gauge, heavy-duty towline or chain, tide chart, driving regulations, jack, jack support, shovel, and recovery boards. If you have a self-contained vehicle you will likely need a fishing rod, self-contained toilet, and water supply. It is also a wise idea to pick up some automatic tire deflators to make airing down easy and an air compressor so you don’t depend on town air compressors.
Tire Pressure: All over sand beaches on Cape Cod require drivers air their car tires down to at least 15 PSI. Airing down is extremely important to keep you safe and the trails in good condition. By airing down, drivers are able to have better flotation and keep their vehicles from sinking or slipping.
Leave No Trace: Be sure to not leave anything behind during your adventures. Many of these drive on beaches do have dumpster you can use at the trailheads. These trails will only remain open as long as we respect them and preserve them.
Race Point Beach
When I think of beach driving on Cape Cod, my first thought is Race Point Beach. Race Point offers everything someone could want when it comes to beach driving. Beach drivers can start by parking at the Race Point Over Sand Station where permits can be secured. The station offers 7-day permits along with annual permits. They issue permits for cars and also self-contained vehicles such as RVs, camper vans, and 4-wheel sprinter vans. ORV permits are $50 for 7 days and $150 for the year. Self-contained vehicle permits are $75 for 7 days and $225 for the year. Permits are limited and only issued to 4-wheel drive vehicles or self-contained recreational vehicles that possess a valid state registration, inspection sticker, insurance, tires meeting standards outlined in their brochure, and all required accessory equipment. Learn more about ORV Permits at the National Park Service webpage.
Race Point is included as part of the National Seashore ORV system which spans for miles along the National Seashore. The status of ORV trails can be viewed online at the NPS ORV Map. After securing a permit, vehicles will have to air down their tires to 15 PSI. Then the journey can begin! When driving on Race Point Beach, beach drivers can opt to drive along the beach or through the dunes. Both routes are absolutely beautiful and lead to Race Point Lighthouse. Of course, you are welcome to pull over anywhere on the beach to make a camp for the day. After enjoying Race Point Beach, vehicles should make their way back to the ORV station. There are air pumps at the station for refilling tires.
Learn more about Race Point Beach ORV Permits at the National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/orv-permits.htm
High Head Beach
High Head Beach is another beach open to National Seashore ORV permit holders. The ORV trailhead can be found at the end of High Head Road located just off Route 6 in North Truro, Massachusetts. At the end of the dirt road, beach drivers will find the sandy High Head Beach Road. After airing down car tires, drivers can go through the dunes and after about a quarter-mile, arrive at the beach.
This pristine area of the National Seashore offers miles of driving in both directions. Most beach drivers will go along the seashore for a little before finding a spot to enjoy a day at the beach. Unload some beach chairs and enjoy one of the most remote beaches on Cape Cod. There is truly no place like High Head Beach. It is one of my all-time favorite spots to be.
Learn more about High Head Beach ORV Permits at the National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/orv-permits.htm
Nauset Outer Beach
Before you drive on Nauset Outer Beach, an OSV permit must be obtained. Check out the Orleans town website for the latest rules and regulations. OSV permits are only given to 4-wheel drive cars that have full-size spare tires and all listed safety equipment. Additionally, a fee is required. After obtaining a permit, you are free to drive out.
The Nauset Outer Beach trails transport drivers through pristine beach dunes dotted with a few cottages that have stood for decades. There are several trails that take drivers from the dunes onto the beach. The first trail is often the most popular and the crowds thin out further down the beach. There is nothing quite like cruising through the dunes and on the beach. After you find your spot, back your car towards the beach and enjoy the incredible beach. When your beach day has come to an end, cruise back to the OSV Station and use one of the 4 air pumps to fill up your tires.
Learn more about Nauset Beach Over Sand Vehicle Permits at the town of Orleans website: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/583/Over-Sand-Vehicles
Callahan’s Pass
Callahan’s Pass is another drive-on beach option in Orleans. By driving down Callahan’s Pass, beachgoers can access the northern section of Nauset Beach. Unlike Nauset Outer Beach, Callahan’s Pass is only accessible to Orleans Residents. Callahan’s Pass also has fewer amenities than Nauset Outer Beach. There is no official OSV Station or public air compressors. Ultimately, Callahan’s Pass is a wonderful beach driving option for Orleans residents and it offers them great access to the remote northern section of Nauset Beach.
Learn more about Callahan's Pass OSV Permits at the town of Orleans website: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/583/Over-Sand-Vehicles
Sandy Neck
Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable is another great beach for off-road vehicle driving on Cape Cod. While the majority of the ORV beaches on the Cape are along the Atlantic Ocean side, Sandy Neck is along Cape Cod Bay. As with all other drive-on beaches, permits are required for driving on Sandy Neck Beach. Beach drivers must possess safety gear, read through instructions, and then pay a fee. Annual fees for ORV Permits are $95 for residents and $220 for non-residents. There are also options to purchase less expensive permits good after Labor Day or Memorial Day. Self-contained vehicles such as RVs and truck campers are charged per night.
After securing a Sandy Neck ORV Permit, you will be ready to hit the trail. After checking in at the Gate House and airing down tires, drive a few hundred feet down the road and then turn on to the ORV trail. The sandy trail brings drivers quickly through the dunes and then right onto the beach. While many other ORV beaches on Cape Cod have a lot of dune driving options, Sandy Neck is all about driving on the beach. There are about 4.5 miles of beach open to drive on, so you are bound to find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy a beach day.
During the summer months, Sandy Neck Beach is one of the best places to be. The water is often calm, clear, and warm. Due to the water conditions and also the smooth beach driving, this is probably the best spot to drive if you are bringing young children. When you are done at the beach, pack up and head back to the gatehouse. There are air compressors offered right at the beach to help you fill up quickly and get back to boring paved road driving.
Learn more about Sandy Neck ORV Permits at the town of Barnstable website: https://sandyneck.town.barnstable.ma.us/orvbeach/.aspx
Crowes Pasture
Crowes Pasture is another awesome off-road vehicle beach on Cape Cod Bay. This drive-on beach can be found in Dennis, Massachusetts. Crowes Pasture is open to residents of Dennis and non-residents. Requests for permits can be filed online. To get a permit, drivers must have a 4-wheel drive car, several safety and recovery items, and pay a fee. As of 2025, permits cost $165 for residents and $330 for non-residents. Permits are issued for the whole year and there are no shorter duration passes available.
After obtaining a permit and sticking it to your front bumper, you are ready to head off on the beach! To reach the beach, Crowes Pasture features nearly a mile of driving through dense forest and on dunes. The beach itself is not as long as other drive-on beaches, but there is usually plenty of space for all cars to have breathing room. Crowes Pasture expands greatly at low tide when the tidal flats appear and go out for nearly a half-mile. Cars are allowed to drive along the tidal flats and that is definitely one of the coolest aspects of Crowes Pasture. Of course, prioritize safety and be confident in your driving abilities. If you get stuck out on the beach, you are looking at spending many hundreds (if not thousands) to get towed out.
Learn more about Crowes Pasture Off Road Vehicle Permits at the town of Dennis website: https://www.town.dennis.ma.us/290/Off-Road-Vehicle-ORV
Conclusion:
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the 6 beaches on Cape Cod that allow over-sand driving. Driving off-road on these beaches is truly an unforgettable experience. Cruising through the dunes to pristine stretches of beach is something every local and visitor of Cape Cod should experience. Although getting the permits is not easy or cheap, it is well worth the hassle. If you make it out to any of these beaches this year, please let me know in the comments below! I love hearing about people's off-road journeys!