Camping in Brewster, Massachusetts provides direct access to diverse Cape Cod ecosystems, from coastal pine barrens to freshwater kettle ponds formed by glacial retreat. The eastern Atlantic climate brings mild summers averaging 78°F with higher humidity and cooler 40-50°F spring and fall temperatures. While area campgrounds fill quickly between June and August, mid-September offers fewer crowds with water temperatures still warm enough for swimming.
What to do
Biking adventures: Access the Cape Cod Rail Trail directly from multiple campgrounds for car-free exploration. At Nickerson State Park Campground, the extensive bike trail system connects to the entire park. "This is a great park for mountain biking, there are trails everywhere. Check NEMBA website for a trail map," notes Duane B., highlighting the off-road options beyond the paved rail trail.
Beach exploration: Take a short walk from North of Highland Camping Area to experience Head of the Meadow Beach. "There is a short 5-10 min walk to Head of The Meadow Beach which is part of the NPS. The Cape Cod National Seashore was beautiful. We went to the beach there every evening and were greeted each time by seals!" shares Michelle O., describing the wildlife encounters possible at this less crowded beach access point.
Freshwater fishing: Try your luck at Sweetwater Forest's pond, where fishing opportunities abound without the crowds of ocean beaches. "There is a pond, but it is not swimmable due to the snappers, but when you are on the cape, there is always the ocean to find. The snapper pond is great for fishing too," explains Michelle D., providing a practical alternative for anglers.
What campers like
Quiet camping environments: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at specific campgrounds despite Cape Cod's popularity. At Sweetwater Forest, "This was the quietest campground during 'quiet hours' that I've ever visited. Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent," notes Grace M., highlighting the contrast with busier tourist areas.
Convenient town access: Some campgrounds offer easy access to Cape Cod towns without requiring a car. "This place was basically in town!! It was so great to walk into town every day. It was well maintained," reports Ilana F. about Coastal Acres Campground, describing the pedestrian-friendly location that reduces driving needs.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and showers matter to campers visiting glamping close to Brewster, Massachusetts. "The comfort stations were clean and the showers have hot water and there's an outdoor sink & counter to wash dishes," reports Kelly R. about her experience at Sweetwater Forest, noting the practical amenities that enhance longer stays.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Choose carefully when booking as site quality varies significantly within the same campground. At Dunes' Edge Campground, "Sites 43-47 looked nice as did 85-87 and the bungalows looked really cute from the outside," recommends Veronica C., who also notes that "sites 28, 30, 31, and 31a looked particularly unwelcoming--super tiny!"
Fire restrictions: Campfire policies vary widely between Cape Cod campgrounds and require advance planning. "No fires are allowed in the campground itself due to fire restrictions, but you can easily get beach fire permits to have one on the beach," explains Ashlee L. about North of Highland Camping Area, providing a workaround for campers seeking the campfire experience.
Limited tent sites: Tent campers face greater competition for sites at many campgrounds that cater primarily to RVs. "The campground itself is a haven for RVs. There are 5 'wooded' tent sites, where campers are allowed to have tents as well as a fire on the site," explains Angela T., providing critical information for tent campers planning their glamping close to Brewster, MA experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds offer better family facilities than others. At Peters Pond RV Resort, "Kids loved the little pool slide. Also enjoyed the golf cart rentals," shares John D., highlighting family-friendly amenities beyond standard camping facilities.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with children, consider site location relative to restrooms. "The desk clerk was one of the friendliest people I've ever met, and extremely helpful – he walked us through picking the best site available by asking us what our preferences were (did we want to be near the restrooms, close to the beach path, what size tent did we have, etc)," explains Ashlee L. about North of Highland Camping Area's family-conscious approach.
Off-season advantages: Consider shoulder season camping for families seeking fewer crowds. "School started late so we were able to book after the holiday in September. Weather was still warm. Pool was good, pond was great. It was not crowded that time of year, so it was very enjoyable," recommends John D. about Peters Pond RV Resort, highlighting the benefits of timing your family visit.
Tips from RVers
Navigating tight spaces: Many Cape Cod campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "This campground is pretty tight if you have a big rig, but our 24ft was just fine. It's a big hill with a tight squeeze to enter the campground," warns Rae M. about Dunes' Edge Campground, providing practical sizing information for RV planning.
Water and electric connections: RVers should check connection types before booking. At Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground, "No hookups, but there is a dump station," notes Jean C., indicating that self-contained operation is required despite the campground being suitable for larger vehicles.
Site privacy considerations: Some RV sites offer substantially more privacy than others. "C loop sites our favorite, but really not a terrible site in the place, depending on what you camp in. Only drawbacks are that there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance," advises Paul H. about Sweetwater Forest, sharing valuable site selection guidance for larger vehicles.
