Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers tent and yurt camping options within 15 minutes of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. The campground sits on pine forest terrain with relatively flat, sandy campsites at approximately 80-100 feet elevation. Winter temperatures average 20-40°F while summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity levels. Road noise from nearby Route 6 is audible at many campsites, particularly on weekends.
What to do
Bike the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway: Access the paved bikeway directly from Bourne Scenic Park for scenic waterfront cycling. "If you like fishing this is your place," notes Rick R., highlighting the popular canal fishing opportunities along the route.
Explore multiple ponds: Charge Pond Campground in Myles Standish State Forest offers swimming, fishing and boating across multiple kettle ponds. "There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at the pond. The sites are large and shady but don't have water or electric. The bath houses are clean and accessible," explains Stephanie B.
Visit historic Plymouth: Camp within easy driving distance of Plymouth's historic attractions. "The park is a great staging area for day trips to Plymouth and all its history as well as being and easy bike ride to the upper cape," shares Joe B., describing the convenient location for exploring regional landmarks.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at Scusset Beach State Reservation. "Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy," notes Amie C., who stayed in the quieter areas of the campground.
Multiple camping options: Yurt camping near Buzzards Bay provides more comfort than traditional tent sites. "We stayed in the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean," says Stephanie B., highlighting the diverse accommodation options including yurts at several campgrounds.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities. "Friendly staff, nice level pads, clean campground, nice hot showers, quiet and close proximity to lots of things," reports Michi P., appreciating the maintenance standards at Scusset Beach.
What you should know
Site characteristics vary widely: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Leveling was not an issue for us in our site (C-25) but the majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks. In fact, some sites were ridiculously unlevel and took a scary amount of blocks," explains Nancy W. about Peters Pond RV Resort.
Noise levels can be high: Traffic noise affects several campgrounds in the Buzzards Bay area. "It is not quiet and relaxing either - we could hear car traffic all night over the bridge (a given since it's directly under the canal bridges), but also on route 6," reports Ashlee L. describing the ambient noise at some sites.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with limited services in off-peak seasons. "Scusset Beach offers an extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off," notes Jean C., highlighting the importance of checking seasonal availability.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Cape Cod's Maple Park Campground offers extensive family programming. "This is the perfect family campground with lots of activities for the whole family during the on season. Your whole family will be entertained. Be prepared for a busy campground," advises Judy P.
Consider proximity to bathroom facilities: Bathroom access varies significantly between campgrounds and site locations. "Each loop has one bathhouse. Ours, unfortunately, did not have hot water. We were told if we wanted it, we could go to any of the other loops," shares Kim R., highlighting the importance of checking bathroom proximity when booking.
Reserve early for waterfront sites: Waterfront sites book quickly, especially in summer. "We were lucky enough to get a site by the pond. There were great views from our site of the pond. On the site there was also a path down to a little dock on the pond that you could sit and relax on," describes Laurie at Pinewood Lodge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Plan for leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling blocks as many sites require them. "Not too big and the sites offered a lot of privacy, and some hiking trails within the campground," explains Gina M., noting that even at Shawme Crowell, terrain can be challenging for larger rigs.
Check hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "No sites have sewer; however, grey water dump stations are randomly placed throughout the campground and can be accessed with a garden hose," explains Nancy W., describing the partial hookup situation at some parks.
Consider site spacing: RV sites can be extremely tight at popular campgrounds. "The campsites were a little small and close together. Where we were it was close to the bridge and the traffic was loud all night. Other than that it was nice because where we were was close to the canal," reports Kristyl C., highlighting the tradeoff between location and privacy.
