Tent camping near Pocasset, Massachusetts ranges from primitive beach sites to island camping accessible only by boat. The Cape Cod region offers camping options within 30-45 minutes of Pocasset, with most sites open from mid-May through Columbus Day. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day with cooler 55-65°F nights, creating comfortable camping conditions throughout the season.
What to do
Beach exploration: Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites provides campers with direct beach access. "This is one of the few places where you can sleep on the beach! It's a great place. The water is on the cold side but it's worth it. Beach camping is a very special thing," notes camper Matt R.
Kayak to island camps: Washburn Island Campsites requires boat transportation to reach its secluded campsites. "You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe/kayak would work," explains Tim C. The island features 10 campsites with water views and fire pits.
Trail biking: Wellfleet Hollow State Campground connects directly to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. "It's a short bike ride to the Cape Cod Rail Trail which is wonderful," reports Tom C. The rail trail provides miles of paved, car-free biking through Cape Cod landscapes.
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Campers at Wellfleet Hollow appreciate the dark skies. "At night you can go out to the power lines for some of the best star gazing on the East Coast," shares Tom C. The campground's location away from major light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Secluded shoulder season camping: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers multiple islands with camping options that become less crowded outside peak summer months. "You can also look for last minute openings. I been 3 times and always have a great time," reports Martha H.
Wildlife encounters: Natural areas around the camps support diverse wildlife. "Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit," reports Cal K. about their stay at Wellfleet Hollow. Many campsites border conservation areas or water bodies that attract birds and other wildlife.
What you should know
Reservation timing critical: Most campgrounds in the area have limited availability and require advance planning. Boston Harbor Islands sites "book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance," advises Martha H.
Transportation logistics: Boston Harbor Islands State Park requires ferry transportation with specific schedules. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells," explains Jess G.
Site selection challenges: Wellfleet Hollow has varying site configurations that require careful research. "The booking site is a little confusing in terms of if your site will have room for a car. Some don't and you have to park in the parking lot which can be a haul to your site," notes Will A.
Tips for camping with families
Fort exploration: Boston Harbor Islands provides historical structures for kids to explore. "The island is beautiful and has an old fort to explore as well as a lot of Rocky shoreline and trails. You can build bon fires and see gorgeous sunsets. During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids," shares Martha H.
Swimming options: Wellfleet Hollow State Campground offers access to freshwater swimming. "Great Pond and Long Pond are both close by and lovely swimming. You can also walk to Duck Pond from the campground," notes Cal K. These kettle ponds provide alternatives to ocean swimming.
Water supply considerations: Bring sufficient water if camping at primitive sites. One camper at Boston Harbor Islands warns, "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Wellfleet Hollow State Campground limits the size of camping units. "All of the conditions have led them to limit campers to tents and short trailers/campers only, with length <15' and only 1 unit/vehicle per site," explains Jean C. The campground's narrow roads and small sites cannot accommodate larger RVs.
Non-resident fee differences: Out-of-state campers face higher fees at some campgrounds. "The only beef I have is that out of staters have to pay an exorbitant fee relative to people from Massachusetts. That seems a bit unfriendly especially since we are within the boundaries of the National Seashore roughly speaking," notes Tom C. about Wellfleet Hollow.
Electric hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer limited electric options. Wellfleet Hollow provides "20A electric on a number of the sites," according to Jean C., though water hookups may not be available at all electrified sites.
