Best Tent Camping near North Eastham, MA
Tent camping near North Eastham, Massachusetts provides access to Cape Cod's natural beauty with several tent-friendly options within a short drive. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, located just north in Wellfleet, offers a tent-only camping experience with shaded sites set among a hilly, wooded landscape. For those seeking more primitive tent camping, Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites provide backcountry tent sites along the coastline. Washburn Island Campsites in Waquoit Bay Reserve offers boat-accessible tent camping on a small island with waterfront views, providing a more secluded experience for tent campers willing to make the journey.
Wellfleet Hollow State Campground features both drive-in and walk-in tent sites, with many sites requiring separate parking arrangements. The campground provides 20-amp electrical hookups at select sites, clean restroom facilities with outdoor showers, and wash sinks for dishes. Site sizes vary considerably, with many described as "compact" or "petite," and not all are level. The campground prohibits alcohol and has specific regulations regarding fires. Sandy Neck's primitive tent sites require a 3-4 mile hike through sand, making access challenging but rewarding for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts. Park staff will deliver water and firewood to these remote sites for a fee.
The tent camping experience in this region offers unique coastal access and natural features. According to reviews, Wellfleet Hollow provides "a tree canopy that lets in plenty of light but won't let you be baked with hot sun," making it comfortable for summer tent camping. The campground is within walking distance of Duck Pond and offers easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail for cyclists. Campers noted that "sites are largely shaded" and some walk-in distances "can be substantial," so careful site selection is important. At Sandy Neck, one visitor reported that "the sites are tucked away from the beach a bit into the brush which provides a nice relief from the wind," offering both beach access and protection from coastal elements. The area can become buggy in mid to late summer, so proper tent setup and bug protection are advisable.