Glamping accommodations near Cataumet, Massachusetts blend natural settings with comfortable amenities. Cape Cod's coastal location creates a moderate climate with average summer temperatures around 80°F and cooler evenings in the 60s. The region's relatively flat terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet makes it accessible for all types of campers, with most sites positioned in wooded areas within 5-10 miles of saltwater beaches.
What to do
Explore wooded trails: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers multiple hiking paths through pine forests. "Great forest. Nothing like the rest of cape cod. Lots of pines and trails through the woods," notes Matt H. The trails provide a contrasting experience to beach activities.
Fish the Cape Cod Canal: Bourne Scenic Park provides direct access to prime fishing spots. "If you like fishing this is your place," shares Rick R. The canal is known for striped bass and bluefish, with many campers reporting successful catches from the shoreline.
Bike the canal path: The paved Cape Cod Canal Bikeway runs alongside several campgrounds. "The cape cod bike path and lots of great fishing off canal located right next to campground," explains Orange L. from Scusset Beach State Reservation. The path spans 7 miles along the entire canal length.
Kayak in freshwater ponds: Several campgrounds offer pond access with boat rentals. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," reports Kyle C. from Charge Pond Campground. Rental costs typically range from $10-20 per hour.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Pinewood Lodge Campground offers secluded camping areas. "We were lucky enough to get a site by the pond. There was 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," shares Laurie.
Beach access: Many campgrounds provide coastal options. "The beach is big, open and beautiful with lots of shells to hunt and marine life to check out," describes Angela T. about Scusset Beach. Public beaches are typically within a 10-15 minute drive from inland campgrounds.
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is frequently mentioned in reviews. "Very clean, neat campground with plenty of activities for kids...kids really love the lake!" notes Thomas A. about Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins. Most campgrounds clean restrooms and showers at least once daily.
Off-season tranquility: For those seeking a quieter experience, shoulder season visits offer advantages. "We stayed here in October and it was a little too chilly for us to camp but we gave it a shot. The campground wasn't too big and the sites offered a lot of privacy," reports Gina M. about Shawme Crowell.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have varied site types and terrain. "Some locations offer less space between campsites, some more. The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," explains Kyle C. about Myles Standish State Forest.
Weather considerations: Cape Cod experiences coastal weather patterns. "It was windy and overcast on our visit, but there is lot's to do. The campground is very clean and well maintained," shares Michi P. about Scusset Beach. Expect fog in early mornings, especially in spring and fall.
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds have highway or bridge noise. "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," notes Ashlee L. about Bourne Scenic Park. Sites farther from main roads tend to be quieter.
Booking requirements: Myles Standish State Forest has specific reservation policies. "There are only 5 designated tent sites during the peak season, so if you want to tent camp here, you'd best make a reservation well in advance," advises Jean C. Most campgrounds require reservations at least 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Look for youth activities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA offers numerous children's amenities. "As we pulled around the office we saw all kinds of activities for kids. Bouncy 'pillow', pool, bounce pad, sluice, miniature golf, and a playground," reports Samantha S. Most organized activities run between 10am-4pm daily.
Consider pond swimming: Many campgrounds offer pond alternatives to ocean beaches. "There is a beach area that is beautiful. There are kayak rentals. It's a great place to see all that Plymouth has to offer," shares Tara N. about Indianhead Resort. Ponds typically have gentler swimming conditions for younger children.
Find playgrounds: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas. "Kids loved the little pool slide. Also enjoyed the golf cart rentals," shares John D. about Peters Pond RV Resort. Most campgrounds with playgrounds also offer evening activities for children during peak season.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Cape Cod experiences significant day-to-night temperature changes. "It was a little too chilly for us to camp but we gave it a shot," notes Gina M. Even summer nights can drop into the 50s, requiring extra layers for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have 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," warns Nancy W. about Bourne Scenic Park.
Utilities placement varies: Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest has limited hookups. "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops," explains Kim R. Always verify exact hookup configurations when booking.
Grey water disposal: Some campgrounds have unique systems. "No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote," advises Our Greight Escape about Bourne Scenic Park. Grey water stations are typically positioned throughout larger campgrounds.
Off-season options: Extended camping seasons benefit RVers. "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. Many campgrounds remain open through October with reduced services.
