Ultimate guide to driving on Nauset Outer Beach in Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod
Looking to drive off-road on Cape Cod? Nauset Outer Beach in Orleans has incredible over sand vehicle trails that allows beachgoers to drive through the dunes and along a pristine beach. There is truly nothing quite like going off-road. It is so freeing to have miles of open space to cruise and truly endless views.
Nauset Beach has been a beloved spot for locals and visitors for decades now. The area around Nauset Beach first started being developed in the late 1800s. While many homes were constructed near the beach, some cottages were even built right on the beach. These cottages, known as camps, were primarily used for hunting, fishing, and relaxing.
Nauset Beach used to stretch all the way to Chatham Lighthouse, before 2007 when Hurricane Noel broke through the beach creating North Beach Island. Many of the camps on what is now North Beach Island have been removed. Fortunately, many of the camps on Nauset Beach have remained standing. When driving on the beach, you will pass several of these camps. They each have unique histories and designs. They remain privately owned and seem to be used often.
The Nauset Beach Camps are the reason why the Nauset Beach driving trails ever existed. These homeowners needed a way to access their cottages and a trail through the dunes and along the beach was the only viable route. Over the years, many locals and visitors began using the trails, not to access camps, but to access the remote beach areas. The towns of Orleans and Chatham decided to establish an official Nauset Outer Beach Oversand Permit to regulate beach driving. The towns also built an air-down and air-up area, a check-in building, and four high-speed air compressors. Several people are employed each summer to monitor the trails and check in with every driver.
Both cars and self-contained campers can secure Nauset Beach OSV permits. Campers, including RVs, sprinter vans, and truck campers, must pay a higher fee and are required to carry some extra gear. There are also a few camper-specific rules that must be followed. I will cover more about this later in the guide.
Orleans Residents and visitors can apply for permits at: https://www.town.orleans.ma.us/583/Over-Sand-Vehicles
Chatham Residents can apply for permits at: https://www.chatham-ma.gov/
Nauset Beach Oversand Trail Map
The Nauset Beach Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) trails start at the southern end of the Nauset Beach parking lot. After airing down vehicle tires to 15 PSI, beach drivers can go down a short and sandy path to the OSV Gate House. Here, drivers can check in with beach rangers and get updated about current conditions. Then, drivers are free to hit the trails!
The over sand trails at Nauset Beach are typically just one-lane and there are many pull-over spaces along the way. It is extremely important to remember that the returning vehicles always have the right-of-way. So, if you are heading out, you must find a pullover space when a car approaches you and is heading off the beach.
The Nauset Beach OSV trails are pretty flat, but there are a fair amount of little hills and plenty of bumpy terrain. Be sure to secure all beach gear and all beachgoers too. When it comes to leaving the dunes and reaching the beach, there are currently 8 trails. They are labeled in order of distance from the gatehouse. So, the first beach trail option is 1. Trail 1 is often the most popular because it is simply the easiest and quickest to reach. On hot summer days, you are lucky if you can find a parking spot here. Along with cars, many campers set up at Trail 1 for several days at a time.
Continue driving down the dunes to reach the other trails or consider just cruising down the beach to reach the other areas of Nauset. It is important to note that sections of the beach are often closed for a number of reasons. First, is erosion. Erosion is always causing changes to Nauset Beach. For example, trail 2 has not been open for several years now due to erosion occurring in the area at a rapid rate. Trails are also closed for conservation efforts whether it be shorebird nesting or dune restoration projects. Either way, be sure to check in with the ranger at the gatehouse to understand what trails are open and any closed-off sections of the beach too.
The end of the beach is known as the point. This is a beloved part of Nauset Beach that is always changing. You truly feel like you are at the end of the world when you are out here. The point, as you might imagine, is surrounded by water in almost all directions. It offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean along with Pleasant Bay, Chatham Harbor, and North Beach Island. This is truly one of the coolest viewpoints you can reach by driving on Cape Cod.
Nauset Beach Oversand Required Equipment
When it comes to securing a Nauset Beach OSV Permit, there are a few pieces of required equipped equipment.
1. 4-wheel Drive Vehicle
This should come as no surprise, but to drive out on Nauset Beach, you must have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The most popular vehicles found on the beach are Jeep Wranglers, Toyota 4Runners, Ford Broncos, and various trucks. It is best to have a vehicle with a high clearance if possible. That said, I have seen Subaru Foresters and other small SUVs make the drive.
2. Regulations
All vehicles must have a copy of the Nauset Beach OSV Rules and Regulations on board. They should also have a printed and signed copy of the Habitat Conservation Plan (H.C.P.).
3. Shovel
A shovel is required. Most drivers opt for foldable options which can easily be stored in trunks or under seats.
4. Tow Rope
A chain, cable, or other towing device is required. They must be at least 14 feet long and have a minimum load strength of 1,400 pounds (chain size 5/16”, cable 1/4", nylon 3/4", polypropylene 3/4", hemp 1"). The towing device should be equipped with grab hooks or other suitable attaching devices on both ends.
5. Jack Support
A jack support board or similar is required. This recovery board must have a surface of at least 144 square inches and be more than 18 inches long. It should be at least 1.5 inches thick too. Solid wood or other materials of equal strength and durability are permitted. Many OSV Permit holders equip their cars with foldable jack pads to minimize storage space while others have full-size traction boards with jack life bases.
6. Jack
Standard size and type which comes with the vehicle is required.
7. Tire Guage
Tire gauges are necessary to ensure drivers get all tires to 15 psi or lower. Many cars have built-in tire gauges and those are accepted. If you purchase a handheld tire gauge, be sure it can register a minimum of 10 psi. Oftentimes, OSV rangers will ask to check your tire gauge to ensure you are at least at 15 psi before heading out.
8. Tire Size
Tire size is extremely important to ensure you can safely make it through the sand. The minimum wheel diameter is 13 inches and these should have a tire section width of 185. 14-16 inch wheels should have a tire section width of at least 215.
9. Full-Size Spare Tire
A spare tire is necessary to be issued a permit. But not just any spare time, you must have a FULL SIZE spare. This can be a hurdle for some people hoping to secure OSV permits. From stock, not all cars come equipped with full-size spares. Even a Jeep Grand Cherokee, doesn’t have a full-size spare. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Ultimately, the Nauset Beach OSV Rules state cars must be equipped with a spare tire meeting the same standard as other tires required for the type of vehicle in which it is carried.
Additional Items Required for Self-Contained Vehicles
10. Rod and Reel
Self-contained vehicles must have one rod and reel for each occupant over 12 years of age.
11. Permanently Mounted Beds
Self-contained vehicles must have permanently mounted beds and not just temporary ones.
12. Permanently Mounted Self-Contained Water or Chemical Toilet
Self-contained vehicles must have self-contained water or chemical toilets. All self-contained vehicles must store all their water on board and properly dispose of it after leaving the beach. There is no gray water disposal provided at Nauset Beach and absolutely no dumping is allowed.
Nauset Beach Oversand Rules
To be a Nauset Beach OSV Permit holder, there are a number of rules which must be followed. Along with having all the required equipment, drivers must follow the rules listed below. These rules were set in place to keep everyone on the beach safe and to make sure it is enjoyable to all. For the most updated list of rules, go to the Orlean’s town website. Rules are set by the Orleans Natural Department.
*Be aware, I am sharing the rules for Nauset Beach South. This is the publicly accessible driving section of Nauset Beach. Nauset Spit, accessible via Challan’s Pass, has a few different rules.
1. Hours
Nauset Beach OSV Permit Holders can access the open areas of the beach from 6am to 11pm every day. It is important to note that closures of areas and the entire OSV Beach do occur, especially during piping plover nesting season. Be sure to check the town of Orleasn website and subscribe for notifications to get word of any closures. Extended hours are offered to drivers who are actively fishing. Additionally, self-contained vehicle hours are different than traditional car hours. Self-contained vehicles can stay on Nauset Beach Sout for a maximum of 96 hours and a 72 hour period must elapse before they return to the beach.
2. Speed Limit
The speed limit for vehicles driving on Nauset Beach is 15 mph. This is the maximum speed allowed and it is strictly enforced by rangers. The speed limit in the vicinity of shorebird nests is 5 mph.
3. Tire Pressure
All tires on vehicles must be deflated to 15 psi or lower. Tire gauges are checked at the gatehouse by rangers. Deflating tires is important for distributing the weight of the vehicle to a wider footprint, putting less pressure on the sand. Driving low helps keep the trails smooth for everyone and allows you to drive safely. Town air compressors are provided seasonally at the entrance to the OSV trail.
4. Motor Vehicle Operation
The provisions of Chapter 90, Massachusetts General laws apply to the operation of all Nauset Beach over-sand vehicles. Essentially, this means everything required on the road, is required to operate on the beach.
5. Right of Way
Vehicles driving off the beach always have the right of way. There are ample pullover spots along the trails for drivers heading out to make space.
6. Leave No Trace
There are no trash receptacles after leaving the gatehouse. This means all beachgoers must carry out whatever they bring. There are dumpsters at the gatehouse and at the Nauset Beach parking lot, for disposing of trash. If you bring your dog to the beach, be sure to clean up after them as well. If you light a fire, be sure to douse hot coals and extinguish ashes.
7. Dogs
Dogs are allowed at all times on Nauset Beach South, in open areas. Dogs can be anywhere from Trail #1 to the southern tip. Dogs are prohibited north of Trail #1 from April 1st through Labor Day because that is considered part of the public Nauset Beach. Dogs in the OSV areas should be leashed at all times and they can be a maximum of 30 feet long. Dogs should not chase after any birds and should be well-mannered.
8. Closed Areas
Preservation and conservation efforts can lead to some areas of Nauset Beach being closed. This can be due to endangered shorebirds nesting, dune restoration, erosion, and several other factors. Vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited in symbolically fenced and signed areas. Additionally, no vehicle may park on the OSV trails. Additionally, no car should drive on the beach north of Trail #1.
9. Low Beach Driving
Low beach driving seaward of the mean high tide line is closed to OSV traffic on Nauset Beach South from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend until the first Friday of November unless otherwise announced. While low beach driving is open, driving above the high tide mark in a closed area is prohibited. Speeds must be reasonable while low beach driving.
10. Limits
While there are miles of beach on Nauset Beach South, the open areas do fill up on nice summer days. Beach drivers are often allowed to queue up and wait for open spots. But sometimes there is a capped number of vehicles allowed for the day. The number and types of vehicles allowed on the beach at one time change each year.
11. Camp Owners
As mentioned above, there are a number of private cottages that still stand right on the beach. These beach camps are private property and trespassing is not allowed.
12. Sleeping
Sleeping in the open and the use of camping tents between 8pm-8am is prohibited. Sleeping is only allowed in self-contained vehicles.
13. Fire
No open fires are allowed. Contained cooking fires in grills are permitted. Be sure to douse colas and extinguish ashes before leaving. No trace should be left.
14. Events
Groups of more than 20 persons must apply for and carry a special permit. These event permits do not cost anything. They simply allow the rangers to be organized for such a large group. One person will be named on the permit as the contact and will be responsible for all the activities of group members. Be sure to apply for event permits 48 hours in advance. The Orleans Natural Resources Manager issues the permits and, in some cases, will designate a specific area for the event.
15. Rafts
Rafs, tubes, inflatables, and other similar types of swimming or bathing devices are prohibited on Nauset Beach South.
16. Fishing
Fishing gear must be kept at the water’s edge at all times while fishing. A single person is limited to 5 rods in use at any time. Per vehicle, a maximum of 12 rods can be in use at any time.
17. Shellfishing
Orleans and Chatham both offer shellfishing permits and have rules and regulations. These rules and regulations apply to their respective sections of Nauset Beach.
18. Private Property
All visitors must respect private property whether that be other cars, boats, or camps.
19. Prohibited Vehicles
Two-wheeled vehicles, including motorcycles, minibikes, mopeds, and snowmobiles, as well as ATVs and trailers, are not allowed. Towing paragliders is also prohibited. Airplanes and helicopters are forbidden, except in cases of emergency.
20. Kites/Drone
Kites and drones are not allowed from April 1 through Labor Day. Dates are subject to change.
21. Alcohol
Alcohol is not allowed on any areas of Nauset Beach.
Nauset Beach OSV Permit Pricing
Pricing for Nauset Beach OSV Permits ranges depending on where you are located and what type of vehicle you are driving. Prices are also subject to change each year. This post contains prices for the 2024 permits which are good from 6/30/2024-6/30/2025.
Orleans Resident
Orleans Resident Over Sand: $136
Orleans Resident Self-Contained (Camper): $136
Chatham Resident
Chatham Resident Over Sand: $90
Chatham Resident Self-Contained (Camper): $90
Non-Resident
Non-Resident Over Sand: $386
Non-Resident Self-Contained (Camper): $466
Nauset Beach Oversand Piping Plovers
Piping plovers are small, stocky, sand-colored birds that resemble sandpipers. They were once common along the Atlantic Coast for much of the 19th century but nearly disappeared as they were hunted for the millinery trade. The population of piping plovers continued to decrease as shorelines became more developed and recreational use of beaches rose after WW2. On January 10, 1986, the piping plover became a protected species under the Endangered Species Act. This act protects the plovers and it is enforced on Nauset Beach.
Each spring, pipping plovers return to their breeding grounds. Although this process starts in late March or early April, it can take several months until the plovers are done. Eggs hatch in about 25 days and surviving young fledge and fly in about 30 days. If a nest is disrupted, renesting occurs and resets the process.
While many beaches section off areas where piping plovers nest, the Nauset Beach OSV trails operate differently. They completely shut down during peak nesting season and then re-open with some precautions. The trails are typically closed from June to late July. In 2024, the trails closed on May 31 and re-opened on July 22. Losing out on the trail for nearly two months of peak summer days is not fun, but it is necessary to protect these birds. Please understand this before purchasing a permit.
Nauset Beach Oversand Recommended Gear
These are a few other items, that I recommend you bring to help you have the best time on your over-sand trips!
#1 - Automatic Tire Deflators
One of the greatest things to purchase if you plan to go over sand a couple of times a year is a set of automatic tire deflators. Deflating tires manually is a time-consuming task. Automatic tire deflators can be set on all 4 tires and simultaneously deflate the tire. The best part is, they stop deflating right at 15 psi! So, there is no need to continually check the tires with a gauge either. Automatic tire deflators are a must! I recommend JT’s Tire Deflators. They are made in the USA and
#2 - First-aid Kit
Safety is always the most important thing. A first aid kit should be in every car that decides to trek over sand. I say this because cuts and injuries are common at the beach and when you are miles from the nearest lifeguard or aid station, a first aid kit will come in handy. I have needed bandaids many times while out on Nauset Beach. I also once used a pair of gloves and some scissors to free a bird from a fishing line. You can't go wrong with a first aid kit! Even a small one can pay off big time!
#3 - 30 foot dog leash
Dogs are always welcome on Nauset Beach South whenever the trails are open and in all open areas. The rules state that dogs can be on a leash up to 30 feet long. I know my dog loves having a lot of leeway to run around, so I always pack a 30-foot leash in my car for her. I often tie the leash to my umbrella or to my car. This allows her to roam free instead of being tied to her usual 5-foot leash.
#4 - Air Compressor
On hot summer days, hundreds of cars can be out on Nauset Beach South at any given time. And all of these cars have to air up and air down. Airing down is easy, but airing up.. that’s a different story. There are only 4 air compressors provided adjacent to the gatehouse. During the summer, lines for the air compressor form, and dozens of cars can be in the queue at any given time. Some people are quick with the air compressors and others are inexperienced and take a lot of time filling up their tires. For these reasons, I recommend purchasing a portable air compressor so you can skip the line and fill up in the parking area. Also, during the off-season, the town air compressors are sometimes not working or shut off. An air compressor is a must!
#5 - Boogie Boards
Kids and those young at heart will definitely want to play in the waves of Nauset Beach. One of the best ways to enjoy the waves is with boogie boards. While there are plenty of surfers and paddlers out on the beach, boogie boards are easy to use and pack. Consider using your boards during low tide to enjoy optimal conditions.
Nauset Beach Oversand Tips
#1 - Air Down Even More
While 15 psi is the recommended tire pressure, many over-sand pros will tell you that this is the maximum your tires should be at. In fact, many would say that going below 15 psi to 10-11 psi is actually optimal. Airing down your tires helps you get more traction and float better over soft sand. If you feel your car sinking or slipping, consider airing down even more.
#2 - Nauset Recovery
Driving miles through the dunes and onto the beach is a true thrill. It is also not covered by insurance or AAA. If something happens to your car out on the beach, you will need to have it recovered. If you simply need a jump, other beachgoers often are willing to help. If you simply need a quick winch to get out of the sand, the Orleans Natural Resources trucks can help. But what if your car suffers a bigger failure on the beach and requires towing? That is where Nauset Recovery comes in. Be sure to have their number down in your phone because it is one of the only services of its kind. Dennis, the owner, will tow your car safely off the beach.
#3 - Slow Down
The speed limits were designed to keep beachgoers safe and the trails in good condition. Always remember that 15 mph is the speed limit. If you are going above this speed, you will be risking losing your permit and also causing damage. One of the biggest reasons to slow down is to avoid getting into accidents with other drivers. There are a lot of blind corners along the one-way dune trails and you do not want to be going full speed around them. Go slow while your tires are low.
#4 - Understand Rip Currents
Rip currents are found on Cape Cod on many of the Atlantic Ocean-facing beaches, such as Nauset. Rip currents occur near beaches where waves break. A rip is a strong and narrow current that moves directly away from the shore by cutting through the lines of breaking waves. These currents are known to be hazardous for swimmers. If you are caught in a rip current, it is essential to understand how to get out of it and back to shore. Especially, when on a remote, non-lifeguarded beach like the oversand section of Nauset Beach. To get out of a rip current, swim parallel to shore and then back to the beach.
#5 - Full Gas Tank
This one should come as no surprise, but trust me, some people forget. Be sure to have a full gas tank before heading out on Nauset Beach. If you are heading all the way out, you definitely are going to want to have a good amount of gas just to be sure you can make it out and back safely. The closest gas station is a few miles from the trailhead, so it is always best to fill up before heading out.
What about Callahan’s Pass?
The northern section of Nauset Beach also allows cars and they can access this area through the road known as Callahan’s Pass. This beach is referred to as Callahan’s Pass, Nauset Beach North, or Nauset Spit. No matter what you refer to it as it differs from the Nauset Beach South OSV program. Callahan’s Pass is different because only Orleans residents are able to use it. Any Orleans resident with a Nauset Beach sticker can drive on Callahan’s Pass along with Nauset Beach South. The same rules and regulations are enforced at Callahan’s Pass. In recent years, the north beach has been facing serious erosion issues which has shut it down for months on end. As of 2024, the trail is back open and residents are enjoying this special area.
Conclusion
Driving on Nauset Outer Beach in Orleans is an unforgettable Cape Cod adventure, offering stunning ocean views, prime fishing spots, and a true off-road experience. By following the proper regulations, securing the necessary ORV permits, and preparing for the ever-changing beach conditions, you can enjoy a safe and responsible journey along this pristine stretch of shoreline. Whether you're a seasoned ORV enthusiast or a first-time visitor, respecting the environment and fellow beachgoers ensures that this cherished coastal treasure remains accessible for years to come. So pack your gear, air down your tires, and get ready to explore one of Cape Cod’s most scenic and iconic beaches!
Have questions? Leave a comment below!