Rules & Regulations

The main rules at Halibut Point State Park: no swimming in or entering the quarry for any reason, dogs only on a leash, and no alcohol, fires or grills, bikes or scooters, camping, drones or metal detectors. You also may not take anything away, including shells, rocks, plants and tide-pool animals. These are DCR's rules for the state park, and The Trustees post the same list for their reservation next door. The park is open 8:00 am to sunset.

Swimming: Not Allowed

DCR prohibits swimming in the quarry or entering it for any reason, and its brochure adds "anytime." The Trustees repeat it. Rockport's town beaches are the place to swim.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on a leash. DCR's park page lists dogs as allowed, its brochure rules out off-leash pets, and its hiking guidance sets a 10-foot maximum leash and asks you to pick up after your dog. The Trustees require a leash at all times on their side too. Some DCR programs, like the fall plant walk, say no dogs, so check a program listing before you bring one.

Food, Drink and Fires

• Picnicking is allowed; DCR lists picnic areas and invites you to picnic on the ledges.
• No alcoholic beverages anywhere in the park or reservation.
• No fires, charcoal or grills.
• Carry in, carry out: take all trash and belongings home, per DCR.

Bikes, Scooters and Boards

Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and hoverboards are not allowed inside the park. DCR's brochure puts it as "walk your wheels." The Trustees say their reservation is free for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Drones, Metal Detectors and Camping

DCR and The Trustees both prohibit drones and metal detectors. There is no camping at Halibut Point, and the park closes at sunset.

Take Nothing

DCR prohibits removing park resources and spells out what that means: animals, tidal or other, flowers, plants and rocks, and its brochure adds shells. Never throw rocks. The Trustees ask the same on the shore, where the tide pools are.

Stay Off the Grout Pile's Sides

The grout pile is the mound of waste granite on the quarry loop. DCR's brochure warns, in capitals, not to climb its sides because the stones are unstable and dangerous.

On the Trails

• Stay on designated trails and follow posted signs.
• Keep groups to 12 people or fewer, DCR asks.
• Check for ticks on yourself, your family and your pets after a visit (The Trustees).
• Hunting is not permitted on The Trustees' reservation.

Photography Sessions

The Trustees ask portrait photographers, or their clients, to become Contributing Level members and request permission before a portrait session on the reservation.

The Official Rules

DCR's park page is the source of record for the state park's rules; The Trustees' page covers their reservation. Read October 17, 2026.