Camping spots near Falmouth, Massachusetts range from waterfront locations on the Cape Cod Canal to island-based tent sites accessible only by boat. Most campgrounds in the region maintain sandy terrain with scattered pine coverage, offering moderate shade during summer months when temperatures can reach 85°F. Many campsites provide strategic positioning for exploring both the Upper Cape's attractions and mainland Massachusetts without crossing traffic-heavy bridges.
What to do
Kayak and fish at pond sites: Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins offers a private lake with rentals and fishing access. As one camper notes, "Beautiful with everything you need. Private little lake with rentals & fishing, 2 pools, playground, store, etc. and it's all conveniently located in cape cod."
Bike along the Cape Cod Canal: Bourne Scenic Park offers direct access to the paved path. "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. Beautiful location right along the canal that you can bike down to the beach or just to watch some fisherman reel in some massive fish," writes one visitor.
Ferry to Martha's Vineyard: Stay at Marthas Vineyard Family Campground for affordable island accommodation. A regular camper explains, "To be able to camp comfortably on this island and have access to all the island has to offer without spending an arm and a leg is what I love. You can take the ferry to Vineyard Haven ($15 round trip) and catch the island bus ($30 for a week pass) that will drop you right in front of the campground."
Explore kettle ponds: The region features several natural spring-fed ponds perfect for swimming. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach (at least at Charged Pond) had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," reports a visitor to Myles Standish State Forest.
What campers like
Budget-friendly island camping: Washburn Island Campsites provides a unique boat-access camping experience. "Small island with 10 camp site (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night. Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut. 1 composting toilet," notes a camper who visited during shoulder season.
Clean facilities: Bay View Campground maintains exceptional standards. "Spotlessly clean. The cleaning schedule indicates it is cleaned three times daily," writes one visitor about the bath houses. Another adds, "This campground has EVERYTHING one might want or need. It IS right off an expressway so there's a little traffic noise but the giant sites and quaint stone fire pits make up for that 'con'."
Natural settings with privacy: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground provides more secluded options. "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, and some hiking trails within the campground," reports a visitor who appreciated the forest setting.
Extended season availability: Several campgrounds operate beyond summer. "Scusset Beach offers an extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off," explains a late-season visitor, noting the campground remains open through December.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Cape Cod Campresort, quality varies 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 as I didn't care which site I got as long as was the same type of site and I think the sites are expensive enough. Arrived and was given a site in 'motorhome row'. Very small and no paver patio," warns one dissatisfied camper.
Tent site limitations: Scusset Beach State Reservation has very limited tent camping. "There are 5 'wooded' tent sites, where campers are allowed to have tents as well as a fire on the site. All other sites are located in a wide open area and are best suited for motor homes and trailers. Note, only the tent sites are allowed to have fires," explains a review.
Alcohol restrictions: Massachusetts state parks enforce strict rules. "When you are sitting by the campfire, sometimes, chilling with a beer or another adult beverage is nice. Not in Massachusetts State Parks. No alcohol allowed," notes one camper who stayed at Myles Standish State Forest.
Island camping requires planning: Martha's Vineyard sites book quickly. "Campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance so it is tough to get one during the summer months but great camping in May, September, and October as well. Camped there May 20-25 2018 and there were only 1-2 other sites being used," shares a Washburn Island camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sandy Pond Campground offers updated play areas. "They just put in a jump pad for the kids which is nice and playground is older but kids still had fun. Pond water was very high this year so only small beach. Fun dance party and crafts for the kids," shares a family who visited multiple times.
Off-season visits for quieter experience: Peters Pond RV Resort becomes less crowded after Labor Day. "School started late so we were able to book after the holiday in September. Weather was still warm. Pool was good, pond was great. It was not crowded that time of year, so it was very enjoyable. We really enjoyed the beach raft, able to kayak and did some fishing," reports a family camper.
Budget transportation on Martha's Vineyard: Using public transit saves money. "Pay $300-$500/night for a hotel or this campground for $35/night? I'll take the campground any day. The bus picks up and drops off just outside the campground and with a weekly bus pass you can be anywhere on the island within minutes," explains an enthusiastic Martha's Vineyard Family Campground visitor.
Monitor wildlife interactions: Several campgrounds have active wildlife. "Keep your food sealed tight because the skunks use this campground as much as humans do," warns a Martha's Vineyard camper.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extensive equipment. "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," notes a Bourne Scenic Park visitor.
Seasonal flexibility: Bay View Campground offers different experiences throughout their operating season. "We chose this campground because of its proximity to the Woods Hole ferry terminal. It is not our typical preferred campground but for one night in the off-season, it was very pleasant. It is billed as a family-friendly campground, and I imagine it would be very different during high season," reports an off-season visitor.
Grey water management: Some parks have unique setups. "No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote," explains a seasonal camper at Bourne Scenic Park who adds, "Lots of tight spaces."
Ferry scheduling: Plan ahead for vehicle transport to islands. "Easy booking for campsite and ferry to get here," mentions a Martha's Vineyard camper, highlighting the importance of coordinating reservations, especially during peak summer months when ferry spots fill quickly.
