Massachusetts camping near Edgartown offers access to both coastal environments and inland forests. The region's maritime climate creates moderate temperatures even in summer, with daytime highs typically in the 70s-80s°F. Many campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping options available at Shawme Crowell State Forest, which maintains year-round operation.
What to Do
Cape Cod Canal biking and fishing: Bourne Scenic Park provides direct access to the Cape Cod Canal bike path. "The path to walk or bike was well kept and overall it was a beautiful place to be!" says Paige R. "Perfect location right along the canal that you can bike down to the beach or just to watch some fisherman reel in some massive fish," notes Jaclyn P.
Swimming in kettle ponds: Nickerson State Park Campground offers freshwater swimming alternatives to ocean beaches. "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," explains phil Y. The park features multiple ponds for swimming, fishing and boating.
Explore by bicycle: Many Cape Cod campgrounds connect to the region's extensive bike trail network. "The bike system in this Campground is truly awesome and allows access to the whole park- great place for a good ride!" reports Molly G. The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through Nickerson State Park, providing miles of paved cycling.
Fishing in multiple environments: Scusset Beach State Reservation offers diverse fishing options. "If you like fishing this is your place," notes Rick R. The reservation provides access to both Cape Cod Bay and canal fishing opportunities, with many anglers gathering at dawn along the jetty.
What Campers Like
Private, secluded sites: Sweetwater Forest in Brewster provides wooded campsites with natural separation. "Sweetwater Forest has pleasant, secluded sites. This was the quietest campground during 'quiet hours' that I've ever visited," says Grace M. Another camper notes, "We were on site B17 and it was perfect. Complete 360 privacy, well wooded, and just what was needed."
Year-round camping options: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers camping throughout the year. "Great forest. Nothing like the rest of cape cod. Lots of pines and trails through the woods. Plenty of space/availability," explains Matt H. The pine forest setting creates a different experience than coastal campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. "One of the cleanest campgrounds we have been too. Given everything going on with Covid-19 we were very impressed with how clean everything was around the campground including the camp store and bathrooms," notes Jaclyn P. about Bourne Scenic Park.
Yurt camping near Edgartown: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers yurt accommodations for those seeking alternative lodging options. "The yurts kind of suck. Kind of dirty, but would keep you real dry if it got wet," advises Michael K. Yurt camping options around Edgartown provide shelter with basic amenities.
What You Should Know
Traffic and noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "Very hilly but many people enjoy riding their bikes here. When driving, be careful of them," warns Paula T. At Bourne Scenic Park, "Highway noise" and "BRIDGE TRAFFIC- if you know you know" are mentioned by Our Greight Escape as considerations.
Reservation planning: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "This spot fills up quick so reservations well ahead of time are needed," advises Virginia W. about Nickerson State Park. For Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, booking early is essential for premium sites.
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly. "Booked site in early July for Sept stay. Paid for a premium glamping site 2200 Sq ft with paver patio. Didn't pay site lock fee... Arrived and was given a site in 'motorhome row'. Very small and no paver patio," reports LL J. Researching specific site options before booking is recommended.
Seasonal differences: Many campgrounds change dramatically between peak and off-season periods. "We were there in the off season and enjoyed that very few people were in the park but we got the feel this place could be really busy in the summer," notes Nancy W. Shoulder season camping offers quieter experiences with more availability.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground options: Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest provides multiple play areas. "No electric, one water spout per every few sites, and multiple loops with different features, it's perfect for all. Swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, trails, boating and more await," says Katie D. The campground's facilities support diverse family activities.
Kid-friendly programming: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities for children. "This is the perfect family campground with lots of activities for the whole family during the on season. Your whole family will be entertained," notes Judy P. about Cape Cod's Maple Park Campground.
Swimming alternatives: Freshwater ponds provide swimming options when ocean conditions aren't ideal. "Spent many summers here as a kid and was fun to return with my family. We did tent camping here and didn't really explore the grounds. But, our spot was nice," shares Douglas L. about Shawme Crowell State Forest.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The comfort stations were clean and the showers have hot water and there's an outdoor sink & counter to wash dishes," reports Kelly R. about Sweetwater Forest. However, at Boston/Cape Cod KOA, "There were long lines for showers every night and the showers were very outdated and not clean at all," according to Amy G.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Peters Pond RV Resort offers full-service sites, but availability can be limited. "The only disappointment was that they did not have a fire pit at the rented cabin that we were allowed to use," notes John D. Many campgrounds lack sewer connections at RV sites.
Premium site selection: Many RVers recommend upgrading from basic sites. "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. With that being said I did not take my own advice and I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it," shares Janet P. about Boston/Cape Cod KOA.
Leveling challenges: Site topography varies throughout the region. "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," reports Nancy W. about Bourne Scenic Park.
Gray water management: Some campgrounds have unique systems for handling waste water. "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. These details are important for planning longer stays.