Tent camping near Provincetown, Massachusetts offers a mix of coastal and wooded experiences at varying distances from town. The Cape Cod region receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually, with summer high temperatures averaging in the mid-70s. Camping on the outer Cape requires planning for potentially windy conditions, especially at coastal sites where protection from elements is minimal.
What to do
Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail: Wellfleet Hollow State Campground connects directly to the rail trail, making it easy to access this popular path. "We love its location in the funky, artsy town of Wellfleet where there are great food options and some of the best beaches on Cape Cod. It's a short bike ride to the Cape Cod Rail Trail which is wonderful," notes camper Tom C.
Star gazing at night: The outer Cape offers some of the best dark sky viewing in the region. At Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, "You can go out to the power lines for some of the best star gazing on the East Coast," according to a long-time visitor.
Explore historic forts: The islands in Boston Harbor provide unique opportunities to discover military history. At Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, visitors can "explore the old forts and visitors centers, earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak," according to reviewer Jean C.
Berry picking: Seasonal foraging adds a natural treat to your camping experience. "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks," notes a Boston Harbor Islands camper.
What campers like
Secluded island camping: For those seeking more isolation, Washburn Island offers boat-in only camping. "Small island with 10 camp sites (one group) all with views of the water, very quiet at night. Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut," describes Tim C. about Washburn Island Campsites.
Swimming in freshwater ponds: The kettle ponds near Wellfleet provide excellent swimming alternatives to ocean beaches. "Great Pond and Long Pond are both close by and lovely swimming. You can also walk to Duck Pond from the campground," notes a recent Wellfleet visitor, Cal K.
Beach camping opportunities: Sandy Neck offers one of the few beach camping experiences in the region. "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," shares Matt R. about Sandy Neck Beach Park.
City skyline views: Boston Harbor Islands camping provides a unique perspective of the city. "Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it," explains Jess G.
What you should know
Walk-in distances can be substantial: At Wellfleet Hollow, some sites require significant hiking from parking areas. "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," warns Will A.
Beach camping challenges: Reaching backcountry sites at Sandy Neck requires preparation. "The hike in to the sites can be particularly difficult because it requires trekking through sand without any sun coverage and with all of your gear," cautions Anna C.
Ferry logistics: Island camping requires additional planning. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We 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," shares a Boston Harbor Islands camper.
Reservation timelines: For popular sites, especially on islands, book well in advance. "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings," advises Martha H.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access to multiple swimming options: Families appreciate the variety of water access near Wellfleet. "Wellfleet beaches and glacial kettle ponds don't require a parking sticker Labor Day-2nd weekend in June," notes Cal K., making this an affordable option for families.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting local wildlife at various campgrounds. "Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit," reports a Wellfleet Hollow camper, while Cape Ann Camp Site visitors mention "wild turkeys, deer, etc." according to John S.
Junior Ranger programs: Boston Harbor Islands offers educational opportunities for children. Families can "earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service" while exploring the islands, providing an educational component to the camping trip.
Consider site proximity to facilities: When camping with children, bathroom access becomes important. At Wellfleet Hollow, "Site 73 had noise from the bathroom exhaust fan from 7am-10pm - just background drone but I noticed it," mentions Cal K., highlighting the tradeoff between convenience and noise.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Many Cape Cod campgrounds limit RV size. Wellfleet Hollow "offers inexpensive, rustic camping on the Cape" but "limits campers to tents and short trailers/campers only, with length <15' and only 1 unit/vehicle per site," explains Jean C.
Consider alternative locations: Cape Ann Camp Site offers more RV-friendly options slightly further from Provincetown. "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. It is also close enough to stores if you need more. Very close to a nice beach too," notes Lajaun C.
Site terrain varies: RVers should research specific sites before booking. "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads," warns Doris C. about Cape Ann Camp Site, while others mention the beautiful wooded settings that might challenge larger rigs.
