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Best Campgrounds near Barnstable Town, MA

433 Reviews

Cape Cod's northern shores near Barnstable Town, Massachusetts feature a diverse range of camping options primarily concentrated along the peninsula's scenic coastline. Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground in Sandwich operates year-round with wooded sites accommodating tents, RVs, and even yurts. Nickerson State Park Campground in Brewster ranks among the most popular destinations with its kettle ponds and access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Private options include Sweetwater Forest and Shady Knoll Campground in Brewster, while Bourne Scenic Park offers canal-side camping with views of passing boats. Most campgrounds are situated within 15-30 minutes of Barnstable Town, providing convenient access to beaches, historic sites, and Cape Cod's charming villages.

Reservation requirements vary significantly by season, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Massachusetts state parks charge substantially higher fees for out-of-state visitors, a policy frequently mentioned in camper reviews. Summer weekends bring heavy traffic, especially near the Sagamore Bridge, making midweek or shoulder season visits preferable for many. As one camper noted about Nickerson State Park: "We came to the Cape on off-weekend days so we did not have to deal with traffic." Tick prevention is essential in warmer months, particularly at coastal sites. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours from approximately 10:30 pm to 7:30 am, and many state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, which surprises some visitors.

Beach access represents a significant draw for campers in the region. Scusset Beach State Reservation provides direct ocean access with sites overlooking Cape Cod Bay, though most tent sites are limited to specific areas. Sandy Neck Beach Park offers primitive camping with more seclusion. The Cape Cod Rail Trail connects several campgrounds to beaches and towns, making cycling a popular activity. "There are bike paths in the park and the park is located on the main bike trail on the Cape. We have biked to ice cream shops, restaurants and a nearby beach," reported one Nickerson visitor. Campground amenities vary widely, with private resorts typically offering full hookups, pools, and organized activities, while state parks provide more natural settings with basic facilities and often more spacious sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Barnstable Town, Massachusetts (53)

    1. Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground

    20 Reviews
    Sandwich, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 888-0351

    $17 - $55 / night

    "I like this campground because it is close to home.  There isn't much to do here within the campground.  It has two areas.  The one nearer the camp entrance is smaller than the second. "

    "We have stayed here during our exploration around cape cod. It's a but farther away from the main location, but we loved the quiet and tranquility of this campground."

    2. Nickerson State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Orleans, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3491

    $22 - $55 / night

    "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."

    "We even got the Massachusetts resident discount with his home address. When we arrived, it was a very easy check in. They gave us directions to our site and even to the store to buy fire wood."

    3. Peters Pond RV Resort

    7 Reviews
    Forestdale, MA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 477-1775

    "Convenient location, beautiful pond on beautiful cape cod, Ma. My family has gone there for years with neighbors and always enjoyed our stay."

    4. Bourne Scenic Park

    13 Reviews
    Buzzards Bay, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 759-7873

    "Bike path along the canal, easy access.

    Lots of playgrounds for different ages

    Bounce pad (in-ground)

    Pool

    Stair access to canal bike path."

    "Bourne Scenic Park is conveniently located near many of Cape Cod’s attractions including beaches, golf courses, historic landmarks, restaurants and shopping. "

    5. Sweetwater Forest

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3773

    "Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent. The camp store was well stocked and offered hot coffee and a variety of grocery items."

    "Nothing but positive things to say, if you haven’t tried it, defintely do. C loop sites our favorite, but really not a terrible site in the place, depending on what you camp in."

    6. Shady Knoll Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3002

    $50 - $88 / night

    "There’s a great walking trail connected to the campground. They have good access to the bay beaches and the Cape Cod Rail Trail- although you do have to drive ona busy road to get there."

    "Well situated within Brewster, with a great small grocery store a two minute walk from the campground entrance."

    7. Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins

    11 Reviews
    North Falmouth, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 548-1458

    "Nice campground, but need to get sites away from the backside of the pool, street noise is too loud"

    "That being said, we use this mostly as a location to do other things- Old Silver Beach is 10 minutes down the road as is the Shining Sea Bike path."

    8. Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites

    4 Reviews
    West Barnstable, MA
    5 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "The park has 5 dispersed sites located 3-4 miles from the trailhead with picnic tables and an outhouse."

    "All around a great place to camp"

    9. Scusset Beach State Reservation

    7 Reviews
    Sandwich, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 888-0859

    $22 - $34 / night

    "It's located close to the Sagamore Bridge on the mainland side. Traffic can be messy in the summer, especially on weekend days!

    The campground itself is a haven for RVs."

    "State run campground located at beginning of cape cod route 6. The sites can accommodate large rvs and tents. They are dog friendly however, not allowed on beach during peak summer season."

    10. Bay View Campground

    7 Reviews
    Buzzards Bay, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 759-7610

    "We had originally reserved Site 98 but there was a large rock and tree roots making it challenging to position our van. We were able to move to Site 95 which was much better."

    "Nice spot, close to the canal for fishing and some local ponds."

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179 Photos of 53 Barnstable Town Campgrounds

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433 Reviews of 53 Barnstable Town Campgrounds

Guide to Barnstable Town

Camping near Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Swimming: Explore the scenic trails around Nickerson State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Hikes around the ponds and swimming is lovely," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Family Activities: At Normandy Farms Campground, families can enjoy a variety of activities. A reviewer said, "It has so many things for the kids to do," highlighting the campground's family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, are close to beautiful beaches. One visitor noted, "Not far from Roger Wheeler Beach & Scarborough Beach," perfect for a day in the sun.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Wompatuck State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest," indicating that while they may not be perfect, they are functional.
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered at sites like Shawme Crowell State Forest. One camper said, "The privacy, facilities, and nearby local places to go and explore exceeded our expectations."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Boston/Cape Cod KOA said, "Staff and Management are available to help," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Busy in Summer: Campgrounds like Nickerson State Park Campground can get crowded during peak season. One reviewer noted, "This campground gets very busy in summer," so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Wompatuck State Park Campground, may lack certain amenities. A camper mentioned, "There is NO market," so be sure to bring your supplies.
  • Pricing for Non-Residents: If you're coming from out of state, be aware that prices can be higher. A review for Massasoit State Park Campground stated, "The upcharge is ridiculous," which is something to consider when budgeting.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds like Normandy Farms Campground that offer plenty of activities for kids. A parent shared, "Everyone is so friendly," making it a welcoming environment for families.
  • Plan for Privacy: When booking, consider sites that offer more space. A camper at Shady Knoll Campground mentioned, "Sites have quite some privacy and are shaded," which can be great for family gatherings.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along bug spray and sunscreen, especially for campgrounds near water. A visitor at Myles Standish State Forest noted, "Bug spray and fans are a definite when sitting outside due to mosquitoes."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RVers should be aware that some sites may not be level. A review for Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground mentioned, "Our fifth wheel front jacks are on the ground and two of the four wheels are off the ground," so be prepared with leveling blocks.
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during summer. A camper at Boston/Cape Cod KOA advised, "I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. A visitor at Shawme Crowell State Forest mentioned, "Beaches, biking, and hiking all close by," making it easy to enjoy the area.

Camping near Barnstable, MA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Barnstable Town, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Barnstable Town, MA is Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 20 reviews.

What parks are near Barnstable Town, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Barnstable Town, MA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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