Camping in Cape Cod with hiking
Unlock the undeniable charm of Cape Cod Bay with comfortable campsites near the beach.
- Cape Cod
Popular camping styles for Cape Cod
Under $50
Available this weekend
7 top campgrounds in Cape Cod with hiking
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in Cape Cod with hiking guide
Overview
With its beautiful beaches and New England charm, camping near Cape Cod is an absolute delight. Go biking along Cape Cod Rail Trail, relax by the water at Cape Cod National Seashore, search for sea glass in Scusset Beach State Reservation, and charter a boat to go fishing in Nantucket Sound by Martha’s Vineyard. Accommodations in the region range from rustic tent campsites in Shawme-Crowell State Forest and Nickerson State Park to luxurious RV resorts with hookups and full glamping amenities. Blending natural beauty and rich history, camping near Cape Cod offers a captivating retreat for all.
Where to go
Nickerson State Park
About 20 miles east of Cape Cod is Nickerson State Park. It offers hundreds of campsites for tent camping and RVs, plus small and large yurts and amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and hot showers. This 1,900-acre park in Brewster is best known for its clear, sandy-bottomed freshwater kettle ponds, formed by glaciers thousands of years ago. The ponds are excellent spots for swimming and trout fishing. Shoot hoops at the basketball court, explore biking trails through pine and oak forests, and look for yellow warblers, hairy woodpeckers, and red-tailed hawks.
Cape Cod National Seashore
Managed by the National Park Service, Cape Cod National Seashore spans a 40-mile stretch of protected coastline, starting in Eastham and including areas like Wellfleet and Truro. Several beaches dot the coast along Cape Cod Bay, like Corn Hill Beach, Ryder Beach, and Fisher Beach. The protected area also includes forests, ponds, and salt marshes for more nature exploring. While overnight camping on the seashore itself is not permitted, there are nearby camping areas and private RV parks offering wifi and equipment rentals.
Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Near Cape Cod Canal to the west, Shawme-Crowell State Forest in Sandwich offers a quiet family-friendly campground among pitch pine and scrub oak. While RV campsites lack full hookups, campers do have access to an on-site dumping station. Campground amenities include showers, flush toilets, a playground, and picnic tables. Explore over 15 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails, listen for songbirds like the tufted titmouse and northern cardinal, and learn more about local wildlife at the nature center.
Scusset Beach State Reservation
About 25 minutes south of Plymouth, Scusset Beach State Reservation features a campground steps from its namesake beach. Strolling along the 1.5 miles of beachfront, Hipcampers can search for jewelry-grade sea glass to add to their collections. Go swimming in Cape Cod Bay under the eye of on-duty lifeguards from Juneteenth to Labor Day. Enjoy saltwater fishing from the pier, on the long jetty, or at Pip’s Rip, a shallow gravel bar where anglers can wade out in the water. The pet-friendly campground features RV campsites with water and electric hookups, plus tent camping spots for a more rustic feel.
