Best Campgrounds near Orleans, MA

Camping on Cape Cod centers around several developed campgrounds near Orleans, Massachusetts, where visitors can enjoy the coastal New England environment. Nickerson State Park Campground in Brewster serves as a primary destination offering tent, RV, cabin, and yurt camping options. Other notable campgrounds in the area include Sweetwater Forest, Shady Knoll Campground, and Atlantic Oaks Campground, which provide various accommodation types within 10-15 miles of Orleans. Most established campgrounds in this region maintain seasonal operations, typically opening from April or May through October or November to align with Cape Cod's prime tourist season.

The camping season on Cape Cod runs primarily from spring through fall, with most facilities closing for winter. Reservations are essential, especially during peak summer months when availability becomes extremely limited. "This place fills up quick so reservations well ahead of time are needed," notes one visitor to Nickerson State Park. Weather conditions remain relatively mild during the camping season, though ocean breezes can create cooler evenings even in summer. Most campgrounds in the area provide water hookups, electric hookups, and shower facilities, though amenities vary by location. Proximity to beaches, ponds, and the Cape Cod Rail Trail creates easy access to recreation, with many campgrounds situated within biking distance of popular attractions.

Cape Cod's campground options offer unique features that distinguish them from mainland alternatives. Several campers highlight the freshwater kettle ponds as standout attractions. "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," shares one Nickerson visitor. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the region provide both natural experiences and convenient access to Cape Cod attractions. Many established sites feature wooded settings that create natural buffers between campsites while still maintaining proximity to beaches and towns. The combination of forest camping with nearby ocean access makes these campgrounds particularly appealing to families seeking varied outdoor activities. Biking trails, particularly the Cape Cod Rail Trail which connects multiple campgrounds, receive consistent praise in reviews for providing car-free transportation options throughout the peninsula.

Best Camping Sites Near Orleans, Massachusetts (45)

    1. Nickerson State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Orleans, MA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3491

    $22 - $55 / night

    "It is at the edge of the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike Path from where you can access both bay side and ocean beaches by bike. it is also walking distance to a bayside beach."

    "We even got the Massachusetts resident discount with his home address. When we arrived, it was a very easy check in. They gave us directions to our site and even to the store to buy fire wood."

    2. Sweetwater Forest

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3773

    "Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent. The camp store was well stocked and offered hot coffee and a variety of grocery items."

    "Nothing but positive things to say, if you haven’t tried it, defintely do. C loop sites our favorite, but really not a terrible site in the place, depending on what you camp in."

    3. Shady Knoll Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3002

    $50 - $88 / night

    "There’s a great walking trail connected to the campground. They have good access to the bay beaches and the Cape Cod Rail Trail- although you do have to drive ona busy road to get there."

    "Well situated within Brewster, with a great small grocery store a two minute walk from the campground entrance."

    4. Atlantic Oaks Campground

    7 Reviews
    North Eastham, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 255-1437

    $50 - $104 / night

    "There are a few really nice tent sites next to the playground, close to the store, showers, and restrooms.

    Facilities were uncrowded and very clean."

    "Access to the Cape Cod bike trail @ the campground. Clean facilities. We like more secluded sites but for a last minute reservation the local spots are too good to miss."

    5. Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod: North Truro

    13 Reviews
    North Truro, MA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-1847

    $55 - $219 / night

    "Loved the proximity to the beach. Convenient drive to Provincetown. Great spot. Unfortunately didn’t have full hookup as we had requested."

    "Beautiful site, close proximity to the beach. Easy to book."

    6. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground

    4 Reviews
    South Wellfleet, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 349-3007

    $22 - $55 / night

    "We've been camping at Wellfleet Hollow (formerly Paine's Campground) for close to thirty years. "

    "Right on the rail trail. Wellfleet beaches and glacial kettle ponds don’t require a parking sticker Labor Day- 2nd weekend in June."

    7. North of Highland Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    North Truro, MA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-1191

    $40 - $86 / night

    "We arrived around 10 am on a Saturday morning, and even though it was the weekend before July 4th, there were still several sites available for walk-ins (they have more than 250 sites)."

    "There is a short walk from the campground to the entrance of Head of the Meadow beach and it is really conveniently located to get to Provincetown."

    8. Coastal Acres Campground

    14 Reviews
    Provincetown, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-1700

    "This camp ground was in a perfect location. Walkable to town filled with lively music, restaurants and shops. Best trail around Great Island trail close by."

    "But none of this is really matters given the location. Less than 10 minute walk to downtown Provincetown, and an extremely safe, enjoyable walk."

    9. Maurices Campground

    1 Review
    North Eastham, MA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 349-2029

    "Great campground on the outer cape, CC Rail trail goes right behind it so you can hop on your bike and ride. Showers and bathrooms were clean and the tent sites were good size."

    10. Campers Haven RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Dennis Port, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 398-2811

    "Private beach and close to many other areas. Office staff nice and helpful."

    "Came over, from her nearby home, to welcome us at gate with a super friendly, upbeat smile and a gift kit for our pup. Made us feel so WELCOME!"

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Recent Reviews near Orleans, MA

331 Reviews of 45 Orleans Campgrounds


  • G
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Coastal Acres Campground

    Favorite campsite of all time

    Absolutely adore this campground. Much of what others have said in the reviews is true – the sites are small and there’s not a ton of privacy in many spots (although you certainly can find more private spots if you know which to book). But none of this is really matters given the location. Less than 10 minute walk to downtown Provincetown, and an extremely safe, enjoyable walk. You cannot beat the access to one of the best towns in the world. The campground also felt very safe and incredibly quiet.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Atlantic Oaks Campground

    Great home base for Cape Cod

    We spent a week in Cape Cod at Atlantic Oaks Campground and so glad we did. We paid $113 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Pull-thru site(#A6). 

    This campground makes a great home-base while touring Cape Cod. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Great location in Eastham— with access to National Seashore, Provincetown, several great beaches and lighthouses, and much more 
    • Beautiful park setting with well-kept natural landscaping including lots of mature shade trees 
    • Access to Cape Cod Rail Trail right from the campground— bring your bikes 
    • Our hookup utilities all worked fine 
    • This may seem like a silly thing to comment on, but I like how they installed mini picket fences to block the view of the sewer connections from the neighbors— this is a great idea I wish other campgrounds would do too(see the photos) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing that bothered me— the sites were all sandy dirt which made everything dirty and dusty(gravel would be an appreciated improvement) 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do 

    WANT A FUN TIP? 

    Check out Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre, just a couple minutes away. We saw Jaws(Jaws~ in Cape Cod!) and had a great evening.

  • R
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres

    Warning…total bug infestation from our stay

    I was not going to write a review because I truly believe in giving places a fair chance. But after speaking with the district manager I feel I need to give a warning to anyone planning their vacation here. Today is Thursday, we were at cranberry acres from last Thursday until Monday. Our stay was awesome. We did it all the campground offered and had a blast. We stayed with our friends who rented the cabin next to us. Today we discovered that the brand new paper towels I bought from Shawn’s last week and kept(open) under the sink in our cabin were completely infested with what our exterminator says are weevils. The bugs poured out of the bag in a hallway downstairs, are all over the floor, in the guest room and in the bathroom. So now on top of this vacation we are now having to have an exterminator come treat our house for these bugs. We are avid“glampers” with our friends. This is something we do all summer all over New England for years now and this is the very first time we’ve ever experienced something like this. The manager at the campground was wonderful and apologized profusely and called the district manager to call me. This is where things went off the rails. He stated“how do we know they didn’t come from Shaws?”.“Well the unit has been rented and we have had no complaints“. which seeing that this is now three days later I’m sure there isn’t yet.“well thank you for letting us know, we will keep an eye out.”. In all fairness the resort was great, lots to do and we filled every day. The infestation from this vacation does not feel worth the experience. If you stay please keep everything sealed and wash every thing that you bring thoroughly when you get home so you do not wind up in the situation we are in.

  • A
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Quiet and spacious sites

    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. Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Coastal Acres Campground

    Very nice place

    It’s a great location and within walking distance distance to Commercial Street.

    The campground staff is very friendly and helpful and there is a little store on property that you can buy thing like milk, snacks and essentials for camping. They also have t-shirts, etc for purchase.

    Campground d is very quiet and spacious and lots of wildlife around. A turkey wandered thru our site.

    Sites are easy to get in and out of. Kind of close but not a problem for us.

    We will absolutely come here again!!!

  • Colin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2025

    Dunes' Edge Campground - Provincetown Camping

    A bit cold in May, otherwise a great stay.

    The staff were very helpful and friendly. They do have some strict rules about plastic bottles and using the dish washing stations. Also, it costs twenty five cents for a three minute shower. Overall, a very nice and well managed campsite.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Great place

    Was windy and, over cast on our visit, but there is lot’s do. The campground is very clean and well maintained, the staff is very friendly. The showers are clean, free and the water is hot. I would definitely come back.

  • Michi P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Great place

    Friendly staff, nice level pads, clean campground, nice hot showers, quiet and close proximity to lots of things. Loved our site and I would stay again.


Guide to Orleans

Camping near Orleans, Massachusetts, offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the beauty of Cape Cod. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near beautiful kettle ponds. For example, at Nickerson State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Hikes around the ponds and swimming is lovely." This park is a great spot for exploring nature.
  • Exploring Local Attractions: The Boston/Cape Cod KOA is conveniently located for day trips to Boston and Cape Cod. A reviewer noted, "Great place to use as a base to explore Cape Cod and Eastern MA."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Myles Standish State Forest, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One visitor said, "Great swimming spot for the family."

What campers like:

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Shawme Crowell State Forest. A reviewer shared, "The privacy, facilities, and nearby local places to go and explore exceeded our expectations."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. At Sweetwater Forest, one camper mentioned, "Bathrooms are immaculate. Clean showers available at each comfort station."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Marthas Vineyard Family Campground said, "The staff are extremely knowledgeable and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can get crowded during the summer. A camper at Nickerson State Park Campground noted, "This campground gets very busy in summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, have basic amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods."
  • Pricing for Non-Residents: If you're from out of state, be prepared for higher fees. A camper at Massasoit State Park Campground said, "The upcharge is ridiculous."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds and family-friendly activities. At Shady Knoll Campground, a parent said, "The kids loved the playground but missed a swimming pool."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Shawme Crowell State Forest advised, "Bug spray and fans are a definite when sitting outside due to mosquitoes."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Many campgrounds have quiet hours after 10 PM. A visitor at Sweetwater Forest mentioned, "It was very quiet, especially after 10 PM."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: If you're traveling with a larger RV, check for campgrounds that accommodate big rigs. Boston/Cape Cod KOA is noted for being "big rig friendly."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod said, "Unfortunately didn’t have full hookup as we had requested."
  • Be Prepared for Dusty Roads: Some campgrounds may have unpaved roads. A camper at Sweetwater Forest noted, "The dirty dusty heavily trees... narrow road down to our site was not pleasant."

Camping near Orleans, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful scenery, family-friendly activities, and a chance to unwind in nature. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do Orleans camping areas typically offer?

Campgrounds near Orleans typically offer varying levels of amenities. Coastal Acres Campground provides well-maintained facilities in a convenient location walkable to town with restaurants, shops, and music venues. Many area campgrounds include basic amenities like water access and toilets. Scusset Beach State Reservation offers RV-friendly sites with the added benefit of beach access, though the campground itself is functional rather than scenic. Most Cape Cod campgrounds provide shower facilities, though cleanliness may vary by location and season.

What campgrounds are available in Orleans, Massachusetts?

While Orleans itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive. Nickerson State Park Campground in nearby Brewster is popular for its location along the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path with access to both bay and ocean beaches. For a more secluded experience, Wellfleet Hollow State Campground (formerly Paine's Campground) offers rustic camping on the Cape with walking distance to Duck Pond, though note that out-of-state visitors pay higher rates.

Are there RV rental services available in Orleans, Massachusetts?

While dedicated RV rental services within Orleans itself are limited, the Cape Cod area offers several options for RV rentals that can be used at local campgrounds. RV campers should consider Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground for a quieter experience, or Campers Haven RV Resort which specifically caters to RV travelers with features like big-rig-friendly sites. When renting an RV for the Orleans area, book well in advance, especially during peak summer months, as availability can be limited on Cape Cod.