What time can my caterer, tent company or other vendor have access to the property?
Our exclusive caterers & vendors have contracts with The Trustees of Reservations that specify set up and breakdown times.  An exclusive use fee is charged to the caterer and this charge may be passed on to the client.  Other vendors (i.e. entertainment) who are not on our exclusive list must have prior approval from the Private Event Department before your event to be permitted access to the property.  Please call 978-356-4351 ext. 0 Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM.

Can I bring my own caterer or company in-house food service?
Our list of exclusive caterers have a contract with The Trustees of Reservations, therefore no outside food vendors are allowed.

Can I  bring my own BBQ?
For the safety of our beautiful estate, no BBQs, hibachis, open pits or bonfires are permitted.

Can I bring my own food?
Yes, if it does not require cooking.  No refrigeration is available.  Please bring your own trash bags.

When can my guests arrive?
Guests are welcome to arrive at contract beginning time.  All events must end by contract stated time.  The Trustees of Reservations Ranger is in charge of the grounds.  Guests must abide by the Rangers and The Trustees of Reservations rules and regulations. 

What happens if it rains?
All events are RAIN or SHINE.  We strongly recommend tenting for this reason.  Refunds will not be given in the event of rain.  No rain dates will be given unless purchased in advance as your back up date.  All deposits are non refundable and non transferrable to another date.

Can we bring our own tent or pop up tent?
For the safety of our guests, only exclusive tent vendors are permitted to provide tents on the grounds.  Strong wind conditions sometimes prevail and we want to ensure a safe area for our guests.  The tent company is required to provide a tent permit.  This fee may be passed on to the client.

Can we stay until sunset or past our contract time?
All event times are 11 AM - 5 PM.  You may purchase 1 hour of overtime until 6 PM in advance through the Private Event Deparment at the time you coordinate your contract.  Your guests will be asked by the Ranger to please depart the surrounding lawn and beach areas by the end of your contract time.  We recommend if your guests would like to stay longer they can visit Crane Beach at the end of Argilla Road. 

How much is parking?
Steep Hill Beach has ample free parking.  Buses are also permitted on the grounds.  Please let us know if buses will be arriving for your event so we can appropriately prepare for their arrival.

After we clean up, where does the trash go?
A dumpster is provided for your use at the entrance to Steep Hill Beach parking area.  Please place all trash in the dumpster, as trash left on the ground will attract wildlife and is harmful to the property and its visitors.  A small sliding door on the left side of the dumpster is at shoulder height for your convenience.  Any trash left behind will result in a $250.00 clean up fee to the user.

What are greenhead flies?
Greenhead flies are biting insects that are found along coastal areas adjacent to large salt marshes.  At Steep Hill Beach greenheads are present for a 2-3 week period in late July and early August.  During this time their abundance fluctuates daily.   You may contact our main beach management office to inquire about conditions 978-356-4354 ext. 5.

Does DEET spray work on greenhead flies?
No, but it does help discourage mosquitoes.

Is the lawn area sprayed for mosquitoes?
The Trustees of Reservations is a land conservation organization and we do not spray pesticides.

Can we bring in our own mosquitoe spray and fog the lawn area?
No, this is not permitted.  We recommend either towelettes wipes or OFF coils (they are like incense).
 
Am I allowed to bring my dog or other pet?
No.  The wildlife on our property, including nesting birds, may be disturbed by animals not natural to our property.  With that in mind, dogs and other pets are not allowed. 

Are there restrooms available?
Men and Women restroom facilities are available; however, there is no running water or electricity at the site.  Hand sanitizer is provided.  The toilets are an eco-friendly composting system.

Is there electricity on site?
We do not have electricity on site and we do not permit generators on site to hook up lights, music or other devices.  

Can I have a band or DJ at my event?
For the courtesy of our surrounding neighbors and guests at the beach, Bands, DJ's and other forms of amplified music are not allowed.  Steel drum bands, guitars or other non-amplified music is permitted.  You are permitted to bring your own CD,
iPOD or radio. 

If we rent both lawns can we have a Band or DJ?  Sorry, no amplified music.

May we serve alcoholic beverages at our event?
Alcohol may be brought onto the property and may be served and consumed within the designated picnic lawn areas above Steep Hill Beach.  Alcohol is not allowed on the beach front.  Please review our alcohol policy.

May I bring my boat or kayak to Steep Hill Beach?
For our guest's safety, access to Steep Hill Beach by boat is prohibited; boats and kayak'smay not be launched from the beach.  Please contact ERBA Essex River Basin Association 978-768-3722 or www.erba.com for a private Castle Neck River tour.  Be sure to mention your Steep Hill Beach rental!

Can we bring inner tubes or other flotation devices?
All flotation devices, including wind surfers and boats, are prohibited at Steep Hill Beach.

How do we reserve a volleyball set?
You do not need to reserve a volleyball set in advance.  We have one available for each party.  Just ask the Ranger on site when you arrive.  We also provide the volleyball.  You can set up the Volleyball net on the beach. Please return the set to the Ranger at the end of your event.

Are other games permitted?  Yes.  Do you provide them for our party?  No.
Croquet and badminton are allowed on the lawn areas.  Horsehoes are only permitted on the beach.  For the safety of others, please set up the horseshoes in an area away from guests.  Lawn darts are prohibited. 

Can we hire a professional to set up inflatable bouncy toys?
Unfortunately the inflatable toys are not permitted.  These devices ruin the lawns.

Can we hire a professional crafts person or entertainment vendor i.e. clown?
Yes!  We want you to have fun!

Questions?  Please call our Event Department 978-356-4351ext. 0 Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM.