Lanes

Technically part of the town of Yarmouth, Lanes Island is located just off of mainland Freeport at the mouth of the Royal River. Easily accessible from nearby Winslow Park and from boat launches up the Royal River, the island is rimmed by mudflats that limit access at lower tides. Nevertheless, its gentle shoreline and sandy beaches make it a popular destination for boaters of all kinds and abilities.

The best access to Lanes is via two primary landing beaches; a sandy beach on the west end near the mouth of the river, and a small gravel beach at the northern end of the southeastern shore. There are no trails on the island, but the shoreline is easy to navigate. The extensive surrounding mudflats are frequented by local shellfish harvesters. Several oyster farms are within a few hundred feet of the island. Visitors with pets are asked to be vigilant about cleaning up pet waste to protect the health of the mudflats and the livelihood of the harvesters.

This sandy island has been dramatically impacted by coastal erosion and rising tides. Calving bluffs are unstable. DO NOT CLIMB SANDY BANKS for your safety and to not exacerbate erosion. Access to the eastern campsite may be lost with future storms.

Camping is allowed at two places on the island; a well-established site atop the steep embankment along the western shore, and a reservable group site on the east end of the island. The group site can accommodate up to 15 people and is available for up to two nights maximum. Visit the [Lanes Island Preserve](mcht.org/preserve/lanes-island) page for more information and to make a reservation.