Cape Cod camping options near North Eastham offer access to both freshwater ponds and Atlantic beaches. The area sits at the narrowest part of the Cape, only about 2 miles wide from bay to ocean. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler 50-65°F temperatures with higher wind conditions, especially at beachfront camping areas.
What to do
Biking the Rail Trail: Camp at Sweetwater Forest for easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. "We stayed on site A-31 for 3 nights with full hookup while we checked out Cape Cod. Campground is lovely, with many trees (birds) and close proximity to the bike trail and town of Brewster," notes one camper.
Beach hiking: Head to North of Highland Camping Area for direct beach access. "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!" explains a camper. The area offers walking paths through pine forests and along protected National Seashore beaches.
Fishing opportunities: The Cape Cod Canal offers excellent fishing spots. A Scusset Beach State Reservation visitor mentions: "The cape cod bike path and lots of great fishing off canal located right next to campground." Morning fishing is especially productive, with many anglers starting before sunrise.
What campers like
Swimming options: The kettle ponds at Nickerson State Park Campground provide freshwater swimming 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 is incredible."
Privacy levels: Campers appreciate the varied site layouts. "We were assigned an awesome private tent spot near the back of the campsite with plenty of space for our tent, hammocks, and car. Surrounded by woods on 3 sides and really quiet," reports a North of Highland camper, highlighting the private sites not mentioned in existing descriptions.
Wildlife viewing: Birdwatching opportunities abound at several campgrounds. "Quiet campground with pretty spacious sites. We had a nice pull through with a view of the pond," notes one visitor to Sweetwater Forest, where the abundance of trees creates habitat for diverse bird species.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance planning. "We love this campground, and have been coming here for a few years. It's dog friendly... The park is large, with about 7 different camping areas, and it always feels quiet an peaceful, even in the middle of a busy tourist season on the Cape," explains a Nickerson camper.
Fire restrictions: Many oceanside campgrounds prohibit fires at campsites. At Dunes' Edge Campground, "No fires alowed," but North of Highland notes: "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."
Shower facilities: Prepare for coin-operated showers at several campgrounds. "FYI-showers are coin-operated," mentions a Dunes' Edge camper. At North of Highland, "for 1 quarter you get 7 min of hot water so it was a good deal."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. "Dunes' Edge is right on route 6, so I heard highway traffic ALL night - it was not a relaxing camping experience at all," warns one reviewer, providing important information for light sleepers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Peters Pond RV Resort offers multiple play areas for children. "There's an arcade, playground, basketball court and arcade. I definitely plan on going back and would recommend it to others," shares a camper. These facilities provide entertainment during non-beach hours.
Educational opportunities: Beach and pond environments offer natural learning experiences. "We found a trek through the sand dunes that eventually led to this beautiful beach that wasn't full of people (due to the hot trek through the sand dunes)," explains a Dunes' Edge visitor, describing hidden beaches accessible through dune trails.
Bug preparation: "If we visit in summer again, we'll plan ahead with more bug deterrents because the mosquitos were BAD even with bug spray," warns a North of Highland camper. Mosquito activity increases at dusk, particularly in wooded camping areas away from ocean breezes.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Many Cape campgrounds have size restrictions. "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," notes a visitor to Coastal Acres Campground, providing important access information.
Walking proximity: RV campers appreciate sites with walking distance to attractions. "This place was basically in town!! It was so great to walk into town every day. It was well maintained," shares a Coastal Acres camper about the walkability to Provincetown's downtown area.
Seasonal considerations: Extended season opportunities exist for self-contained units. "Scusset Beach offers an extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off," notes a camper, highlighting late-season camping options when other facilities close.