Best Tent Camping near North Eastham, MA
Tent campers exploring Cape Cod can choose from three established campgrounds near North Eastham, Massachusetts. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground offers a rustic, tent-focused experience with sites nestled under a tree canopy. Sandy Neck Beach Park provides primitive tent campsites accessible by hiking through sand, located 3-4 miles from the trailhead. Washburn Island Campsites in Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve offers boat-in tent camping with waterfront views on a small island.
Most tent sites in the area have limitations worth noting before arrival. Wellfleet Hollow strictly prohibits RVs, allowing only tents and small trailers under 15 feet, with many sites requiring separate parking. Sites vary in size and terrain, with some designated as "compact loop" or "petite site" options. Sandy Neck's backcountry tent camping requires a challenging hike through sand without shade coverage while carrying all gear. Washburn Island's tent camping is accessible only by boat, with limited amenities including composting toilets and fire pits. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with Washburn Island open from mid-May to Columbus Day.
The backcountry tent camping experience at Sandy Neck offers exceptional privacy and natural beauty. The primitive tent sites include picnic tables and outhouses, and park staff will deliver water and firewood (for a fee) to campsites. Wellfleet's location provides access to beaches, hiking trails, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail for biking. Tent campers often appreciate the secluded atmosphere and night sky viewing opportunities. Washburn Island provides a unique tent-only camping experience with waterfront views from all ten campsites. According to one visitor, "You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the mainland so a canoe/kayak would work," highlighting the primitive yet rewarding nature of the experience.