when can you drive on east beach?

[Mr. Sandman]

I thought it was the 15th last year...anyone know?

[Saltheart]

Call Burlingame Park and they can tell you for sure. I believe it opens weekend after Labor Day but call to be sure.

[JohnR]

I'm pretty sure it was yesterday the 15th... Still need an OSV permit, right?

[179]

I was trolling off of East Beach Sat. Morning and there were trucks already on the beach so I am sure it's now open. I am pretty sure you still need the off-road pass which are avail at Burlingame State Park office.......

[Mr. Sandman]

Yep, your right, its open, went down last evening with the kids and caught a few blues... At one point they came in so close that even the little guy (5) was able to cast to them and hook up.

Yes, you need a permit. I get one every year (50 bucks) as I like to beach-it rather often during the summer midway out to the breacway to avoid the crowds.... and fish it during the spring and fall. Considering there is no fee to go to the beach after you get the permit, in my case, anyway it pays for itself. I can't tell you how may times I got down there to see cars being turn away because the lot is full and then we head on out ("for free", as my kids say) on the sand road to a unspoiled and nearly vacant beach...

I think the state needs to patrol that beach more often, (particually in Sept on the weekends) as I saw a number of vehicles with no permit driving rather fast. Nailing these guys with big fines could generate some needed rev for that place, and protect this surf fishing resource. The vehicles with rods on them seemed to be obaying the rules and all the ones I saw had permits, I was happy to see that. There are not "that many" beaches we can still drive on.

[179]

Yeah you are correct on the policing issue. I live in Charlestown and have bought the pass for the past 3-years, I didn't this year because I bought a boat and figured I wouldn't be spending much time out there in the truck.

Last season though especially this time of year you could find a handfull of non-passed vehicles out there. They would also be the ones leaving trash, parking on the grass, speeding up and down, and getting stuck in the middle of the trail.

Another reason I decided against buying a pass this season was that several times I couldn't get on the trail last season as it was full. It bothered me that I living in Charlestown was not able to use the beach because it was typically loaded up with Ct, NY, and NJ vehicles.

The fishing should really begin to pick up there now, especially at Fresh Pond Rocks.....

[Don M]

The entrance to the sand trail at East Beach is the only one that is open all year long. Between September 15th and May 15th you can drive the entire beach. From May 16th throughout the summer you can drive east to the Charlestown Breachway from 6:00 PM until 7:00 AM without paying additional summer parking fees. If you wish to go down the back track during the day you must pay the daily parking fee.

[Mr. Sandman]

I drove the back track at least 15 times this summer and stopped at the booth most times and never paid a fee. Half of the time they just wave you by once they see your sticker.