Cabin accommodations are scattered throughout the Cape Cod region with units generally available from early April through October. Many campers find cabins a practical middle ground between tents and RVs, especially in cooler spring or fall weather. Some primitive cabins require visitors to bring all their own bedding, while more deluxe units come with basic furnishings.
What to do
Bike along the Cape Cod Canal: Bourne Scenic Park provides direct access to the Cape Cod Canal bike path. "There is a wide diversity of activities including fishing, hiking, scheduled activities, a recreation hall with video games and jukebox, and store (outfitted with groceries, ice cream, beverages, and other miscellaneous items)," notes Nancy W. about Bourne Scenic Park.
Explore fishing opportunities: The Cape Cod Canal offers excellent fishing access from several campgrounds. Rick R. mentions at Bay View Campground, "This place is very friendly people close to the Cap Cod Canal." Peters Pond RV Resort offers on-site fishing options where visitors report "Great fishing and nice clean sites."
Visit nearby historic towns: Sandwich and Plymouth provide cultural attractions near camping cabins around Marion Center. Jean C. notes at Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground, "The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway is nearby and provides easy biking and exploration. If you're looking for a beach experience and you'll be there a few days, consider buying a weekly parking pass."
What campers like
Pond swimming access: Several campgrounds feature swimming ponds as alternatives to ocean beaches. A visitor at Peters Pond RV Resort reported, "We really enjoyed the beach raft, able to kayak and did some fishing. Kids loved the little pool slide."
Varied cabin options: From rustic to deluxe, cabin rental options fit different needs and budgets. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, Samantha S. observed, "They had many cabins, 2 dumps sites for campers, another huge playground. If I'm ever back in the area I will stay here again!"
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer shaded sites with tree buffers. Gina M. commented about Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground: "The campground wasn't too big and the sites offered a lot of privacy, and some hiking trails within the campground. Would definitely recommend!"
What you should know
Quiet hours vary significantly: Enforcement of noise restrictions differs between campgrounds. At Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, Mary V. noted, "It does die down as it gets closer to quiet hours but that's at 11 pm and fires need to be out at midnight. So there is no sitting around the camp fire in the evening, listening to the crickets."
Seasonal amenities: Many campground facilities are weather-dependent. At Pinewood Lodge Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Pond was pretty dirty and you'll be in close proximity to a shooting range and municipal airport (be wary of noise levels)."
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds. Tim C. observed at Shawme Crowell, "It 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."
Bathroom and shower facilities: Facilities vary widely between locations. Chris P. reported, "Hot showers were awesome (.25 cents per 3 minutes) and the stone fire pits were a hit." Others mention some campgrounds require quarters for showers.
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Family-focused campgrounds organize regular activities. About Cape Cod's Maple Park Campground and RV Park, Judy P. stated, "This is the perfect family campground with lots of activities for the whole family during the on season. Your whole family will be entertained. Be prepared for a busy campground."
Playground access: Consider campgrounds with updated play equipment. Paula T. mentioned about Shawme Crowell, "The playground is being revamped and looks awesome so far. Unfortunately the bathroom right next to it is closed while the playground is being updated."
Swimming options: Both pools and natural swimming areas are available. Jaclyn P. reported about Bourne Scenic Park, "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." Another visitor mentioned enjoying the "bounce pad (in-ground)" at the same location.
Dog-friendly considerations: Most campgrounds allow dogs but with specific restrictions. At Bay View Campground, Lisa D. noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many Cape Cod campgrounds require leveling blocks. Lee D. observed at Bay View Campground, "Sites are gravel. We had originally reserved Site 98 but there was a large rock and tree roots making it challenging to position our van. We were able to move to Site 95 which was much better."
Grey water disposal: Some sites lack full hookups. Our Greight Escape noted at Bourne Scenic Park, "No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote. Lots of tight spaces."
Seasonal site availability: During peak periods, reservations are essential. Michael J. noted about Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod, "Heavily treed and shaded campground, extremely large to walk from front to back. Had good kids crafts. Loved the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston."
Sap concerns: Trees can damage vehicles or RVs. Michael J. also warned, "Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time."