Ultimate Guide to Camping on Cape Cod (2024)
Camping on Cape Cod is an affordable accommodation option that gets you closer to the Cape’s best outdoor experiences.
Almost every town on the Cape has at least one campground – Harwich, Chatham, and Orleans are the only exceptions.
There are more than 25 campgrounds ranging from primitive sites to luxury glamping and full-service RV resorts. So, depending on the experience you want, the campground you choose will make a big difference.
So, where do you even start the process of choosing the best campground for your trip? Use this guide to camping on Cape Cod to help you decide.
Happy camping!
How to Camp on Cape Cod
From hiking the bare necessities into off-the-grid sites to comfortable setups with all the creature comforts. The following five types of camping are available on Cape Cod.
So, what type of camping is right for you?
Primitive Camping
Primitive camping is off-the-grid with little to no amenities. Campers typically hike to these sites instead of driving to them and carry in all the gear and food (and usually potable water) they will need for the duration of their stay.
If you are interested in primitive camping, check out Washburn Island and Sandy Neck Beach.
Car Camping
This is the type of camping we are most familiar with. Car camping is when you park right next to your campsite, pitch a tent (or sleep in your car or trailer). The campgrounds typically have amenities like showers, potable water spouts, and flush toilets.
Car camping gets you close to the outdoors without sacrificing too many creature comforts. Pack whatever you need for a good night’s sleep or a delicious camp meal, as long as you have room in your car!
Most campgrounds on Cape Cod accommodate car campers, so keep scrolling to see all the campgrounds on Cape Cod from which you can choose!
Must-Have Equipment For Camping on Cape Cod
Aside from the basics – tent, sleeping bag, headlamp, etc., here’s a list of camping gear you must pack!
- insect repellent (with lemon eucalyptus)
- sun protection (sunscreen, hats, etc)
- collapsible water container
- reusable water bottle (Yeti is my go-to)
- sweatshirt
- sandals
- bathing suit
Glamping
Glamping is glamorous + camping, much like staying in a hotel room in the forest. The Insta-worthy, luxurious setups with queen size beds and electricity inside canvas tents.
You won’t need to bring much with you, as almost everything you need will be provided at glamping locations, including linens and cooking supplies.
If you want to spend a weekend glamping on Cape Cod, check out the options at Autocamp Cape Cod.
Cabin or Yurt Camping
Though much different than other types of camping, cabins and yurts still get you closer to nature. You may sleep with an actual roof over your head, but you are still roughing it in most cases.
Cabins and yurts usually have basic kitchens with some cooking equipment. Ask what is provided ahead of time, so you know what to pack! You will likely need to bring your own bed linens or sleeping bags.
Check out the yurts available at Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Nickerson State Park, or the other Mass State Parks nearby.
RV Camping
RV camping on Cape Cod will be your home (on wheels) away from home. There are so many RV parks on the Cape, which all provide water and electricity hookups for a comfortable stay.
This is a very popular way to camp on Cape Cod – many families reserve their spots for the entire summer, so reserve your spots early!
Where to Camp on Cape Cod
Where you camp on the Cape will depend on the type of vacation you want to have.
Camp in Bourne, Falmouth, or Sandwich if you want to visit Martha’s Vineyard or make day trips over the bridge.
- This area is also good for biking along the Shining Sea Bike Path or the Cape Cod Canal.
- Historic sites abound in this area, including the Museums at Aptucxet, the Hoxie House, and the Dexter Grist Mill.
- You’d be close to the historic Sandwich Village and the Sandwich Boardwalk.
- Visit the Nobska Lighthouse, Woods Hole, and Falmouth’s beautiful beaches.
Camp in Barnstable, Mashpee, or Yarmouth if you have children (or children at heart) to entertain.
- There’s something for everyone at Skull Island in Yarmouth – mini golf, a driving range, and go-Karts, to name a few.
- Learn about things to do at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Mashpee.
- Explore Hyannis Main Street or Mashpee Commons. Window shop and eat at any of the wonderful restaurants.
- Catch the ferry in Hyannis for a day trip to Nantucket.
Camp in Truro, Wellfleet, Provincetown, or Brewster to unplug and enjoy nature.
- Enjoy the pristine beaches and unique trails of the Cape Cod National Seashore.
- Experience the tidal flats in Brewster, where you can walk a mile into the bay and see sandbars, clam beds, and tidal pools exposed at low tide.
- Kayak, bike, or hike in Nickerson State Park.
Set up camp in Dennis or Eastham for prime access to outdoor adventures.
- Go kayaking on Bass River or Nauset Marsh – two of the best places to kayak on Cape Cod.
- Easily access the Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking and hiking through cranberry bogs and marshes.
Massachusetts State Parks on Cape Cod
State parks are the most affordable camping option for Massachusetts residents, with primitive sites starting at $8 per night and car camping, trailer, or RV sites up to $22 per night. Some state parks also have yurts or cabins that cost $45 for Mass residents.
Prices for those with out-of-state license plates range from $54-$70 per night for car camping, trailer, or RV sites, and $140 per night for yurts or cabins.
It’s also a really affordable option for campers from out of state! Here are the Massachusetts State Park campgrounds on Cape Cod:
- Scusset Beach State Reservation (Sandwich)
- Shawme-Crowell State Forest (Sandwich)
- Washburn Island (Falmouth)
- Nickerson State Park (Brewster)
- Wellfleet Hollow State Campground (Wellfleet)
Campgrounds By Town
Campgrounds in Bourne
Campgrounds in Sandwich
- Lawrence Pond Village Campground – As of publication, the website is broken, and no one answered the phone number listed on their Facebook page.
- Sun Retreats Peter’s Pond (formerly Peter’s Pond RV Resort)
- Dunroamin’ Trailer Park
- Scusset Beach State Reservation
- Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Campgrounds in Falmouth
- AutoCamp Cape Cod
- Sun Outdoors Cape Cod (formerly Cape Cod RV Resort)
- Washburn Island (how to make reservations)
Read More: Best Things To Do in Falmouth
Campgrounds in Mashpee
Campgrounds in Barnstable
Campgrounds in Yarmouth
Campgrounds in Dennis
- Old Chatham Road RV Campground
- Sun Retreats Cape Cod (formerly Camper’s Haven RV Resort)
Campgrounds in Brewster
Campgrounds in Eastham
Campgrounds in Wellfleet
Campgrounds in Truro
Campgrounds in Provincetown
Pests to Watch Out For!
Deer & Lone star Ticks
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other diseases. Avoid tick bites!
COYOTES
Eastern coyote (or coywolf) live on Cape Cod. While they typically hunt for small mammals, they will nab a pet that has strayed from its owner. Keep your animals leashed and in your line of sight at all times, and they will not be a problem.
Poison Ivy
This plant thrives on Cape Cod! Remember “leaves of three, let it be” and don’t stray from the trail, and you should be fine.
MOSQUITOS
Cape Cod has seen a rise in disease-carrying mosquitoes over the years, including West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Zika virus, Dengue virus, and Chikungunya virus. Do what you can to prevent transmission.
Camping at the Cape Cod National Seashore
Often the first question asked about camping on Cape Cod is, “what are the good campgrounds in the Cape Cod National Seashore?” Unfortunately, the Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS) does not have campgrounds but does allow beachfront self-contained-vehicle (SCV) camping!
The CCNS website states, “An SCV is defined as a vehicle with a self-contained water or chemical toilet, and permanently installed gray and black water holding tanks with a minimum 3-day holding capacity.”
SCV camping is restricted to the ORV corridor on Race Point Beach in Provincetown from July 1 through Labor Day, and a permit is required.
Learn more about beach camping at the Cape Cod National Seashore, obtaining a permit, and other rules and regulations.
Massachusetts Campgrounds Near Cape Cod
For those who want to explore more of Massachusetts, these campgrounds are close enough for day trips to the Cape and Islands, but you can easily visit Boston and other towns on the south shore, south coast, or even Rhode Island.
- Myles Standish State Forest (Carver)
- Sandy Pond Campground (Plymouth)
- Indianhead Resort (Plymouth)
- Maple Park Campground and RV Park (Wareham)
- Gateway to Cape Cod RV Resort (Rochester)
- Boston/Cape Cod KOA (Middleboro)
Cape Cod Summer Camps for Kids
Going to sleepaway camp are some of my favorite childhood memories!
Cape Cod summer camps for kids have it all – the best counselors (I used to be one!), swimming, arts and crafts, archery, ropes courses, and nights around the campfire.
Here are the best day camps and overnight camps for kids on Cape Cod.
- YMCA Cape Cod Camps (different locations)
- YMCA Camp Burgess and Hayward (Sandwich)
- Camp Farley (Mashpee)
- Boy Scout Camp Greenough (Yarmouth)
- Camp Wingate Kirkland (Yarmouth)
- Brewster Day Camp (Brewster)
- Girl Scout Camp Favorite (Brewster)
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Hi Brittany, thanks for this informative article. Would you have info on what each type of camping these came sites offer? More specifically, I’m looking for glamping options on Cape Cod in early September. Thank you
The only campground that I think would be considered “glamping” is Autocamp Cape Cod – check out the section on glamping. Otherwise, they are all considered primitive, car camping, or rv campgrounds.