Nickerson State Park is situated on the edge of Flax Pond and is home to over 400 campsites making it a great place for camping near Boston. Tent campers, RV-ers, and yurt lovers will all find the perfect spot here for their next Massachusetts adventure. Experienced Nickerson campers recommend getting a reservation early for peak summer months as these high-demand spots are snatched up quickly. 

 Situated near the National Seashore, Nickerson’s beachy environment welcomes campers who are looking for a unique experience. The park’s location in Cape Cod contributes to its popularity thanks to access to iconic lighthouses, sport fishing, some of the country’s tastiest seafood, and more! Make your way throughout the park and the cape by biking the scenic 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail. Enjoy views of white pines and spruce trees, cedar swamps, and countless kettle ponds along the way. 

 So bring your bike, kayak, and lots of bug spray – you’re about to have a good time.

Nickerson State Park Campground

We loved this campground and have stayed with our two kids multiple times in the past three years. It is both basic and has everything you could need for car camping with your family (a camp store, small hikes to the kettle pond beaches, bike trails, playground) without being commercial. We love this place. My only two complaints are that despite its size it can fill up early and one of our trips was timed during the season of too many caterpillars (early July). But this place is great and close to lots of other fun things if you want to venture off the park too!

Great, convenient campground for family Car Camping

Solid state park.  The yurts kind of suck.  Kind of dirty, but would keep you real dry if it got wet.  Actually ended up camping outside of the yurt.  Glad we had it but also glad we didnt have to sleep in it.  

Cape Cod!

The campground was very conveniently located and the camp sites were not very close together which was a nice difference from the hustle and bustle of Cape Cod. Definitely would return despite the bugs.

Centrally Located

Woodsy pet-friendly family camping with easy access to Cape Cod attractions. Our family of four plus one pet enjoyed biking, hiking, and pond swimming during our three night tent stay. Sites are grassy and tree-lined offering some privacy. Bathrooms were clean and showers were warm and spacious. We kept ourselves occupied within the park for most of our stay, but enjoyed venturing out to spend time enjoying the National Seashore, and outstanding sea food joints. Since camping means being close to nature be sure to bring bug spray and be prepared to deal with a bit of sand. In all, this state park made for a fun family outdoor adventure!

So Much to Do!

We listed late summer after most of the normal tourist attractions had shut down for the season. The campground was well maintained and staffed despite it being the start of the shoulder season. The sites are nicely separated though some are a bit challenging to find. We enjoyed our spot and had a nice buffer between our site and others. We did have several evening visitors, up close and personal. So if you stay here be ware that the skunks are very active. At one point there was one inside our tent vestibule. However, we left them alone (we were also visited while sitting around our fire one evening) and they returned the favor.

The restrooms and showers were quite clean and the property appeared to be well kept. I really appreciated and enjoyed the close proximity to the biking trails. It was nice to ride all the way to the Salt Pond Visitors Center.

Great spot for visiting the national seashore

This campground is very nice. Clean and has lots of space in campsites. The facilities are also very clean. It has lots of bike trails and hiking trails to go on. Which we went on some hiking trails. Is very close to cape attractions and beach. 

Very nice place

We had a great experience here and loved being able to hike down to Cliff Pond to swim and wander around. As long as you stay clear of the poison ivy, you will have a great time!

Great campground!

--Campground Review--

Came to Nickerson with the knowledge that it's not like the places I usually like to stay. Family friendly, accessible sites, grounds bigger than the town I live in... not exactly what I look for in a Campground. I was pleasantly surprised! Because I came later in the season (the Campground is closed after September 30) and midweek, I was treated to quiet seclusion in a very nice little walk in site down by the pond.

I am told that this place place fills up FAST in the summer-- so a reservation is usually smart.

The bathrooms were not what I would call clean (thus the missing star), but they were functional. Unlimited (and FREE) hot showers can be found in area 2 of the park. The bike system in this Campground is truly awesome and allows access to the whole park- great place for a good ride!

*PRODUCT REVIEW*

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test out some pretty sweet gear on my camping adventures. This time did not fail. If I'm being honest-- I'm the girl who only uses the flashlight that can be found swiping up on my phone. I never really understood the need for a legit flashlight. The LEDlenser M10 may have rocked my world a little bit- here's why:

First of all-- the thing is the perfect size. Not cumbersome at all. I especially appreciated the clips on it-- they held tight on my shorts and i didn't loose it the whole trip, which gives it two thumbs up in my book. I lose everything.

Second of all-- It has three adjustable illumination levels. I'm talking a reading light, a looking for your dog in the dark without blinding your neighbors light and even a extremely bright trying to find the next trail marker in the pitch dark light. (As a backpacker, I find all of these extremely useful!)

Third, it holds its batteries very well. I never had to worry about it dying on me, and with the rechargeable battery, it's an easy plug in to ensure it never runs out.

I never thought I'd be so excited about a flashlight-- but the M10 is pretty sweet.

http://www.ledlenserusa.com/mt10-509.html#start=3

Ranger Review: Ledlenser M10 Flashlight at Nickerson State Park

Definitely my favorite campground on Cape Cod. Great location. Large, private, quiet sites. Beautiful area.

We we stayed here with a group of friends for my birthday. Maybe I have rose-tinted glasses when it comes to my birthday, but this was a great campground. Lots of space, beautiful greenery, and you can visit the ponds right on the grounds.

It’s also quite central on the Cape (compared to Shawme) so you can explore very easily.

As always I need to do a PSA on ticks: it’s Cape Cod, so be vigilant about protecting yourself from ticks. Lyme disease is no joke.

My favorite Cape Cod campground

We stayed three days at the park in August in section 6X. The sites in the park are varied. I deliberately picked our site (#146) in 6X because it looked like it was one of the larger sites and had more privacy. Which it did. The sites along that section were quite large, spacious and wooded. Many of the sites in the park are right on the roads. These were large enough that you could set up your tent or trailer further back off the road and still have a good amount of space. Next to us was a large 5th wheel camper which took up most of the site so even the large sites are hard for the very large campers. Our loop was very quiet, which we appreciated. Each site had a fire pit and picnic table. There were potable water spigots around the campground loop as well as at the dumpstation. There are also dumpsters and recycle bins throughout the park. 

The bathrooms were pretty clean. The bathhouse which is located near the front of the loops for 6 and 6X were not. But the shower stalls were plentiful (probably 10 in the bathhouse in the women's side) and free. There was good pressure and hot water. Take note, though, the bathhouse only had one toilet. 

The check in was easy and informative. There are ranger programs and that information is posted at the camp store, the check in and the bathhouse. The camp store is well stocked and you can get ice and firewood there. 

We enjoyed the bike paths and the kettle ponds while we were there. If you have kayaks or floats, definitely bring them. The kettle ponds are great for small water craft. And there are plenty of bike paths throughout the park as well as the Cape Cod rail trail. 

I was concerned that we would feel crowded and the park would be loud. But our section was just fine and we had a wonderful visit.

It's all about the section you choose

Area 5, Site 17. 
On the edge of the smaller flax pond, beautiful site, great view of the lake. One of the smaller sites, we had two small 3 man tents which fit fine with a car, but if you had more gear might be tight. Very open to neighbouring site on one side. 

lakeside camping

We love this campground, and have been coming here for a few years. It’s dog friendly, and even though dogs aren’t allowed on the swimming beaches, you can bring them to different parts of the pond for swimming, and no one gives you trouble. The restrooms are clean, and the showers have hot water. There’s two large ponds for swimming and boating, and paved and unpacked trails for hiking and biking. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through the park, and is a great way to get around. The park is large, with about 7 different camping areas, and it always feels quiet an peaceful, even in the middle of a busy tourist season on the Cape. Oh, and you can have a campfire, you just need to buy your firewood at their adorable camp store. I camped at a different campground on the Cape years ago, and campfires were not allowed, so being able to have one is a big plus for Nickerson!

Quiet setting on busy Cape Cod

It is at the edge of the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike Path from where you can access both bay side and ocean beaches by bike. it is also walking distance to a bayside beach. There is a bike rental place close to the park. The trails in the park are lovely, though hillier than the cape cod bike trail. There are so many things to do when staying there, including the John Wing Island (behind the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History), and even swimming or relaxing at one of the ponds in the park. The rangers offer various activities during the week. We have gone every year for 14 years! and will continue to do so! The sites are wooded. There is poison ivy so beware.

fabulous campground with beautiful scenery, bike trails, swimming, hiking

I've been coming to Nickerson St. Park with my family for several years now and find I'm happy just staying there instead of running all over the Cape to hit beaches, P-Town, etc. The clean, freshwater swimming at the kettle ponds (which are usually uncrowded and within less than a minute's walk from our campsite) is incredible. The bike path and network of trails through the park (that connect to the beautiful 22 mile long Cape Cod Rail Trail) make for great bike riding and early morning running. Water is convenient to all the tent sites, and I really don't have any big criticisms on the park! this year, they seem to have sandblasted the inside bathroom doors as there's been some poorly drawn graffiti there over the years, but no more! There are multiple camping loops (7) for various sized groups/vehicles/campers, etc,. All in all, Nickerson is a true gem as far as state parks go.

convenient awesome peaceful way to visit cape cod....

Nice campsite, great location.  
We have camped there twice.  The last time was a site on Flax Pond.  It was beautiful.  The edge of the pond was pretty overgrown, so fishing was challenging.  I would recommend bringing a boat or waders if you can.  There is a great lobster place within a mile.  

Great park in a great location 

This place is beautiful! There are great sites, gorgeous ponds for swimming, trails for hiking, trails for hiking, nearby beaches, and more! Huge area with all the recreation you can dream of. This spot fills up quick so reservations well ahead of time are needed. Can’t wait to come back! 

Amazing campground with everything you need 

Two words: Plan ahead.

Nickerson is popular for many good reasons. The facilities are clean and well maintained. The amenities are wonderful, and the accessibility to all of the Cape’s gem-like offerings make this the best way to get your Cape fix on a budget. 





Most affordable way to experience Cape beauty!

Beautiful woodsy campground and a very short drive up the coast to the beach. We only got to spend one night here, but we were so pleased with the privacy and size of the sites. There is a very nice trail system in the park as well. Would return! 

Freaking Gorgeous 

We were lucky to find a spot open in Nickerson State Park in mid August. We were pleasantly surprised with the privacy of our camp spot and how easy it was to get everywhere. There is plenty of great biking in the park and all around the Cape Cod area (rail trail!). The camp store was great for some last minute things we forgot, and there are easily accessible showers and restrooms with hot water (and very clean!). All in all, we had a fun time and it didn't seem super crowded even though the park was booked solid.

Great for Biking!

Beautiful campground, plenty of sites, crystal clear ponds for swimming and kyacking! Excellent bike trails! Friendly staff! Can't believe this is cape cod I felt like I was in the woods can't wait to visit again!

Beautiful campground w/excellent bike trails!

This park is huge! The 418 mostly wooded sites are divided into 7 sections and even more loops. You can find walk-in sites, tent sites, RV sites or yurts. The only thing missing is hook-ups. Water is readily available and there's a dump station, but you won't find electric. I liked some of the sites on the top and backs of the loops in the Section 6 area.

  

The attraction for me is the central location on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Additionally, a number of beaches on Cape Cod Bay are only a couple of miles away, so you can easily bike over and avoid the parking struggle. There are bike trails in the park as well, but hillier than those outside the park. You can fill many hours hiking, geocaching, fishing, boating, and swimming. If you don't have a bike or a boat, they'are available to rent in or near the park. If you are seeking the dunes and expansive coastal beaches, you will need to leave the park and contend with traffic, but there's plenty to keep you busy without ever leaving the park.

  

Of note, the rates are quite reasonable for MA residents, but significantly higher for out of state campers. Even so, it's a bargain for the prime location!

Woods, ponds, and proximity to beaches at an affordable price

This is a wonderful campground. It is huge but us spread out so doesn’t feel too crowded. A couple of things we found inconvenient:

\- sites are far away from the water - it is a trek to get to any beaches. 

\- many sites have few trees so you can see right into your neighbors site.

Great campground on the cape!

I highly recommend hiking the Cliff Pond loop trail - it is fairly flat and an easy hike with a nice breeze coming off the water. I saw a bald eagle take off from a tree above my head. And there are plenty of white sand beaches to cool off in the water.

  

Most of the campsites are pretty close to each other, but you can find some with some privacy and even trails to Cliff Pond.

  

The bathrooms are very clean and nice.

  

Potable water fountains throughout campground.

White sand crystal clear beaches with pine tree shade

Very popular campground on Cape Cod with lots to do in and around it

Great Campground

We gave a 4 star mostly because of lack of privacy between sites.  But we had a good time,  just beware the air is heavy and makes it hard to breathe and makes you sleepy.

We camped in area 6 at Nickerson state forest campground,  the campsites are right in top of each other.  There isn't any foliage between sites for privacy the place feels like a festival, everyone is so crowded.  The beaches are beautiful but are a hike through hiking trails some straight down at a 80° walking path trail.  There is poison Ivy everywhere, so be careful.  There are plenty of bathrooms throughout but not all have dishwashing sink.  The only shower house is at the entrance to the area 6, so bit of a walk.  There is a park store for necessaries and wood but its a 45 min hike from area 6.  Other then all that not many bugs, haven't had to deal with mosquitoes either.  The beaches have shallow spots up to 500 ft. Out in the lake, but watch out because there are deep drop-offs here and there.  We are enjoying our time here besides all that I shared with you. 

This state park is a family favorite located on the cleanest and most beautiful kettle ponds I’ve ever had the pleasure of swimming in! Perfect for exploring cape cod and all of it’s wonder