Sandy Point Nature Preserve
Town: Stonington
Pets: NOT PERMITTED
Year Preserved: 1982
Acres: 35
Lat.: 41°19’54.0″N
Long.: 71°53’48.6″W
photo courtesy of Beth Sullivan
2026 Season Passes
Permits are required during the summer season for usage. 2026 Season Passes for Sandy Point will be available, online only, through the USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service) at the following website: https://rhodeislandpermits.recaccess.com/
The COMO will no longer be involved. For questions, you can contact the management team at rhodeislandcomplex@fws.gov.
More Info
Sandy Point Island, accessible by boat only, is a beautiful 35 acre barrier island in Little Narragansett Bay, about 1.5 miles in length. Only the western tip is in CT and the remainder is Rhode Island. Access is by water only and it is surrounded by shifting sand bars. It is managed as a wildlife refuge and since 2015 is actively monitored by USFWS as part of the National Refuge System. The USFWS biologists are always eager to answer questions and engage the public to help with stewardship when they visit the island.
It is a spawning ground for Horseshoe crabs and it hosts nesting American Oystercatchers, Piping Plovers and Least Terns, all protected species. It is a significant migratory bird habitat as well.
Public access and use will be determined by the USFWS. Areas may be roped off and closed to the public during nesting season. No dogs are allowed on the island at any time. Fires and overnight camping are prohibited.
Read More
A Season of Changes on Sandy Point
Sandy Point – Looking Ahead to Warmer Days
Sandy Point Sees a Different Kind of Activity
Earth Map
