Cape Cod campgrounds operate mainly from April to October, with most closing by early November due to seasonal weather patterns. The Brewster area averages 75°F in summer and 35°F in winter. Most tent camping areas on Cape Cod feature sandy soil requiring heavy-duty stakes, while nearby salt marshes contribute to mosquito activity during summer months.
What to do
Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail: Access this 22-mile paved trail directly from Nickerson State Park Campground with connections to several towns. "The Cape Cod Rail Trail runs through the park, and is a great way to get around," notes one camper, while another adds that the "miles of bike paths connect to many towns on Cape Cod."
Visit kettle ponds: The freshwater ponds offer 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," reports a Nickerson State Park visitor.
Explore nature trails: Several campgrounds connect to walking paths. "There is a huge area of walking and bike paths adjacent to the campground (enter next to the blue bathhouse on A road)," mentions a camper staying at Old Chatham Road RV Resort.
Beach access: Many campgrounds provide convenient beach access. A visitor at Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod notes it's "pet friendly, great for families, clean and close to the beach," while another appreciated that it offers "affordable access to world class fishing" at Cape Cod National Seashore.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention site separation as a key factor. At Sweetwater Forest, a reviewer appreciated that "Sweetwater Forest has pleasant, secluded sites. This was the quietest campground during 'quiet hours' that I've ever visited."
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds receive positive feedback for cleanliness. "The restrooms and showers were very clean!" reports a visitor to Shady Knoll Campground, while another noted, "The sites are well maintained and have a bit of foliage separation."
Convenience to attractions: Proximity to beaches and towns ranks high among camper preferences. A Peters Pond RV Resort visitor mentioned, "Convenient location, beautiful pond on beautiful cape cod, Ma. My family has gone there for years with neighbors and always enjoyed our stay."
Pet-friendly policies: Many Cape Cod campgrounds welcome pets. A Nickerson State Park camper noted, "It's dog friendly, and even though dogs aren't allowed on the swimming beaches, you can bring them to different parts of the pond for swimming, and no one gives you trouble."
What you should know
Advance reservations essential: Most campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during peak season. For Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod, a camper mentions it's "more enjoyable in the off season in my opinion," suggesting fewer crowds outside July-August.
Site leveling challenges: Many Cape campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Sweetwater Forest, a reviewer warned some sites "were a little on the small side, without much greenery to separate from the other sites."
Limited cell reception: Coverage varies significantly by provider and location. At Peters Pond RV Resort, connectivity isn't mentioned in reviews, but Old Chatham Road visitors reported, "AT&T hotspot worked well even for zoom calls. Verizon on my phone a bit weak."
Site size variations: Campgrounds offer diverse site dimensions. A Campers Haven visitor noted, "Mostly seasonal but transient sites recently renovated," indicating the availability of improved temporary spots.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Beyond ocean beaches, several campgrounds offer pond access or pools. A Peters Pond RV Resort guest mentioned, "The pool and pond were both great for swimming and they did have some lounge chairs to use at pond."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds provide children's programming. "They have a lot of things for kids to do. There's an arcade, playground, basketball court and arcade," reported a Sweetwater Forest visitor.
Quieter camping times: For families seeking less crowded experiences, consider timing. A Peters Pond RV Resort camper advised, "Spent 5 days here in the cold rains of late April. The sites were spacious and the staff was awesome having just recovered from 4 back to back nor easters. But, if you are a mature camper or looking for a quiet break this might not be the best choice. Tons of little kids... Everywhere."
Beach transportation: The distance to beaches can be challenging with children. At Adventure Bound Camping Resorts, a reviewer mentioned, "The walk to the beach is almost 2 miles (not 1 like staff and website stated)," suggesting families should plan accordingly.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Cape Cod campgrounds often have challenging navigation. At Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod, an RVer warned, "Driving around picking my site, the roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves."
Hookup availability: Understand what connections are provided at each site. At Shady Knoll Campground, a camper noted, "They offer several kinds of sites with or without electricity, all have water," indicating the need to confirm utilities when booking.
Site dimensions: Larger RVs may find certain campgrounds challenging. An Old Chatham Road RV Resort visitor mentioned, "The sites are a little tight to maneuver if you have a large rig," while a camper at Campers Haven reported it had "big-rig friendly sites."
Seasonal considerations: RVers should note weather impacts during shoulder seasons. A Gateway to Cape Cod camper described arriving "in the rain" and finding "the roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves," suggesting spring visits may encounter wet conditions.
