Cape Cod's Outer Cape region supports various camping styles with sandy terrain and maritime climate. The area around North Eastham experiences summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during camping season, with cooler nights around 60-65°F. Mosquitoes can be prevalent in wooded campgrounds from June through August, particularly during evening hours.
What to do
Bike the Rail Trail: Cape Cod Rail Trail connects directly to multiple campgrounds including Atlantic Oaks Campground. "Access to the Cape Cod bike trail @ the campground. Clean facilities. We like more secluded sites but for a last minute reservation the local spots are too good to miss," notes a camper at Atlantic Oaks.
Explore freshwater swimming: The kettle ponds near Nickerson State Park Campground offer alternatives to ocean beaches. "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. 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."
Walk to beaches: Some campgrounds provide direct beach access paths. At North of Highland Camping Area, "There is a ½ mile walking path that leads directly to Head of the Meadow beach; if you go to the town beach side, walk-ins are free!" A camper reports that they "went to the beach there every evening and were greeted each time by seals!"
Trail exploration: The natural areas around camping sites near North Eastham offer walking opportunities. Shady Knoll Campground connects to a nature trail that "makes a loop including through shady areas and some beautiful public vegetable and flower gardens. It also connects to Lower Road. If you're go left on Lower Road after the gardens you will walk about 1/4 mile and then get to the other Eddy Property."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Sweetwater Forest offers secluded camping spots. "We were on site B17 and it was perfect. Complete 360 privacy, well wooded, and just what was needed. Listen to the sounds of frogs at night was kinda awesome," shares one camper who visited in 2019.
Strict quiet hours enforcement: Several campgrounds maintain peaceful environments, particularly North of Highland Camping Area. "The owners are VERY strict on their quiet hours policy (10:30pm – 7:30am), and they are very restrictive on some noises during the day as well – pets, motorcycles, and portable generators are not allowed in this campground at all."
Walkable access to towns: Coastal Acres Campground in Provincetown offers "a ten minute walk into town, and the walk is lovely with gorgeous gardens along the way." Another camper notes it's "walkable to town filled with lively music, restaurants and shops. Best trail around Great Island trail close by."
Location convenience: Atlantic Oaks Campground provides "access to National Seashore, Provincetown, several great beaches and lighthouses, and much more." The location also includes "beautiful park setting with well-kept natural landscaping including lots of mature shade trees."
What you should know
Pricing structure variations: Camping costs differ significantly between campgrounds and residency status. At Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, "out of staters have to pay an exorbitant fee relative to people from Massachusetts. That seems a bit unfriendly especially since we are within the boundaries of the National Seashore roughly speaking."
Fire restrictions: Several campgrounds prohibit campfires, especially those near the National Seashore. North of Highland does not allow fires in the campground, "but you can easily get beach fire permits to have one on the beach."
Site sizes and privacy levels: Sites vary considerably between and within campgrounds. At Dunes' Edge Campground, "Sites are well maintained, but pretty small and most have very little to no privacy." Another reviewer notes that "sites 28, 30, 31, and 31a looked particularly unwelcoming--super tiny!"
Reservation timing: Booking well in advance is essential, especially for prime sites. One Nickerson camper advises, "This spot fills up quick so reservations well ahead of time are needed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, select campgrounds with recreational facilities. Sweetwater Forest has "many different playgrounds," while Atlantic Oaks has a "wonderful playground for the kids, big and small."
Off-peak visits: Consider camping after Labor Day when beaches don't require parking permits. As one Shady Knoll Campground visitor notes, "Wellfleet beaches and glacial kettle ponds don't require a parking sticker Labor Day - 2nd weekend in June."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Sweetwater Forest, it's "a woodsy hollow full of birds and interesting wildlife," while at Shady Knoll, "Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit."
Tent-only options: Families seeking quieter experiences can choose campgrounds that limit or separate RVs. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground is "tents only - no RVs," which contributes to its quieter atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should carefully check site specifications before booking. At Sweetwater Forest, "there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance."
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow roads that can be difficult for larger rigs. Dunes' Edge Campground is described as "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."
Hookup availability: Full hookup availability varies between campgrounds. Atlantic Oaks offers "FHU 50 Amp Pull-thru sites" while other campgrounds may have more limited electrical or water options.
Surface considerations: Some campgrounds have sandy surfaces that can affect comfort. Atlantic Oaks has "sites were all sandy dirt which made everything dirty and dusty (gravel would be an appreciated improvement)."
