Cape Cod offers RV and tent camping options within 30-45 minutes of the Vineyard Haven ferry. The area features sandy soil and pine forests with average summer temperatures reaching 80°F during the day and dropping to 65°F at night. Glamping in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts typically requires advance planning as most luxurious outdoor accommodations book several months ahead, particularly during peak season.
What to do
Biking on canal paths: Access the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway from Bourne Scenic Park, which provides direct trail access along the waterway. "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," notes Jaclyn P. The paved path extends 7 miles along the canal with minimal elevation changes.
Swimming in kettle ponds: The freshwater kettle ponds at Nickerson State Park Campground 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," writes phil Y. The park features eight ponds with clear, spring-fed water and designated swimming areas.
Fishing opportunities: Fish the Cape Cod Canal at multiple access points near camping areas. "If you like fishing this is your place," says Rick R. about Bourne Scenic Park. The canal is known for striped bass during spring and fall migrations, with anglers using artificial lures or fresh bait depending on conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate secluded areas like those at Sweetwater Forest. "Sweetwater Forest has pleasant, secluded sites. This was the quietest campground during 'quiet hours' that I've ever visited," states Grace M. Sites in the C loop offer the most privacy with natural vegetation barriers between camping spots.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain regular cleaning schedules for shower buildings and restrooms. At Cape Cod's Maple Park Campground, "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. Bathhouses typically feature hot showers without time limits or coin operations.
Wooded environments: The pine forest settings create natural shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. At Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground, "Great forest. Nothing like the rest of cape cod. Lots of pines and trails through the woods," reports Matt H. The forest environment provides a cooler camping experience, often 5-10 degrees below open areas.
What you should know
Traffic considerations: The Sagamore Bridge creates potential delays during peak travel times. According to Tim C., Shawme Crowell "is also very close to Rt 6 so the traffic noise is almost constant especially Friday nights. Not recommended for light sleepers but very convenient." Summer weekend traffic can add 1-2 hours to travel times when crossing onto Cape Cod.
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential, especially for premium sites and glamping accommodations. "We stayed at the campground and loved it. School started late so we were able to book after the holiday in September. Weather was still warm," shares John D. about Peters Pond RV Resort. Most campgrounds allow reservations 6 months in advance.
Site layouts vary significantly: Campgrounds offer differing site configurations with varying levels of privacy. "The campsites were a little small and close together. Where we were it was close to the bridge and the traffic was loud all night," reports Kristyl C. about Bourne Scenic Park. Study campground maps before booking to select the most suitable location for your camping style.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: Family-oriented campgrounds feature multiple play areas. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, one visitor observed, "As we pulled around the office we saw all kinds of activities for kids. Bouncy 'pillow', pool, bounce pad, sluice, miniature golf, and a playground." Most play areas are designed for ages 5-12 with separate sections for younger children.
Water recreation safety: Supervise children around water features, particularly kettle ponds. "The pond is not swimmable due to the snappers, but when you are on the cape, there is always the ocean to find. The snapper pond is great for fishing too," notes Michelle D. about Sweetwater Forest. Life jackets are recommended for children under 12 near ponds and waterways.
Quiet time enforcement: Campground quiet hours typically run from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM with varying levels of enforcement. "We stayed in loop b south, which is really not a loop but a dead end. Very quiet, and we were the only people in the loop for a couple of days," shares Amie C. about Myles Standish State Forest. Weekend nights tend to be noisier than weekdays at most locations.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup availability: Premium RV sites with full hookups book quickly during peak season. "We were on site A-31 for 3 nights with full hookup while we checked out Cape Cod. Campground is lovely, with many trees (and birds) and close proximity to the bike trail and town of Brewster," says Kristine B. about Sweetwater Forest. Most full-hookup sites require reservations 3-6 months in advance.
Dump station access: Plan for appropriate waste disposal, especially at campgrounds without sewer hookups. One RVer noted about Bourne Scenic Park, "No sites have sewer; however, grey water dump stations are randomly placed throughout the campground and can be accessed with a garden hose." Some locations require portable waste tanks for longer stays.
Site leveling challenges: Many Cape Cod campgrounds require leveling equipment due to uneven terrain. "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," observes Nancy W. Bring extra leveling blocks for RVs longer than 25 feet.
