Best Tent Camping near Siasconset, MA

Tent camping options near Siasconset, Massachusetts include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and access points. Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites offers a unique beach camping experience with both drive-in and walk-in tent sites, while Wellfleet Hollow State Campground provides a more traditional wooded camping environment. Washburn Island Campsites in the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve offers boat-access-only primitive tent camping on a small island with water views.

Most tent sites require advance planning as reservations fill quickly during peak summer months. Sandy Neck features backcountry camping options located 3-4 miles from the trailhead, requiring hikers to trek through sand with all gear. Sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Washburn Island has just ten primitive tent sites with composting toilets but no running water. Wellfleet Hollow caters specifically to tent campers with a prohibition on large RVs, offering electric hookups at some sites but maintaining a rustic atmosphere with sites that may be compact or require walking from parking areas.

The tent camping experience near Siasconset provides opportunities for unique coastal access and natural settings. One camper noted that Sandy Neck offers "backcountry camping at Cape Cod" with sites "tucked away from the beach a bit into the brush which provides a nice relief from the wind." Wellfleet Hollow features a tree canopy that provides shade without completely blocking sunlight, and its location allows easy access to Duck Pond and the Cape Cod Rail Trail. For more remote experiences, Washburn Island's boat-in sites offer exceptional solitude, especially during shoulder seasons. A visitor commented that outside July and August, "there were only 1-2 other sites being used," creating a truly primitive tent camping experience with excellent water views and quiet nights.

Best Tent Sites Near Siasconset, Massachusetts (3)

    1. Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites

    4 Reviews
    West Barnstable, MA
    37 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "This is a really cool option for those interested in visiting Cape Cod and also backpacking. The park has 5 dispersed sites located 3-4 miles from the trailhead with picnic tables and an outhouse."

    "Took one more trip down for the end of the season, great weather but VERY windy"

    2. Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve

    1 Review
    Falmouth, MA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 457-0495

    $8 - $35 / night

    "Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut. 1 composting toilet."

    3. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground

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

    $22 - $55 / night

    "A quiet campground in mid June - sites are close together but not many people this trip, quiet and friendly neighbors. Right on the rail trail."

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

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Tent Camping Reviews near Siasconset, MA

167 Reviews of 3 Siasconset Campgrounds


  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Coastal campground open late in season

    Scusset Beach offers an extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off.  Also, there are only 5 designated tent sites during the peak season, so if you want to tent camp here, you'd best make a reservation well in advance.. You cannot reserve an RV site for a just a tent, though if you have a trailer, you may also have a tent on the site. The 5 tent sites have their own fire pits, but the RV sites must use a community fire pit, though in mid-November, just before the campground closed for the season, RVers used the firepit at a tent site that provided some additional protection from the wind.

    The RV sites have paved parking pads and picnic tables, but the area to the side of the parking pads sometimes slopes away, so it's less usable for chairs, etc.  In the 2020 camping season, every other campsite was closed (thus the picnic tables across the entrance of the parking pad). Some of the sites, 32 34, 36, are along the back of the campground closer to the trees/scrub, and so have some degree of privacy and protection as compared to the others in the wide open park.

    The campground is on the north shore of the Cape Code canal and provides access to a sandy beach, a jetty, and the Cape Cod Canal Trail for biking and walking. There's a nice playground for youth. You can fish from the shore or jetty, No need to cross the bridge to the Cape. Plymouth is also nearby to explore.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2020

    Wellfleet Hollow State Campground

    Newer rustic state campground for tents and small trailers

    Formerly Paine's campground, this is now under the Massachusetts DCR. It offers inexpensive, rustic camping on the Cape, though rates are much higher for out-of-state guests than for instate. Many sites are small, some require walk-in, and parking may be separate from the site; in some instances it is across or near the site, and for others it is closer to the park entrance. Under the new ownership they've paved some of the roads, but the roads are narrow and with curves. 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. There is 20A electric on a number of the sites. When you read site descriptions, it will indicate 'compact loop' or 'petite site' and those are accurate!

    Sites are largely shaded. Some of the sites back up to neighboring yards (9-12 area). Walk-in distance to some sites can be substantial (see sites 49, 59, 61, etc.) so be sure to read site descriptions carefully, but 61 in particular offers greater privacy. The sites aren't always level. There are no photos on the reservation website, so I've tried to capture most, but not all, here.

    No alcohol or pets allowed. 

    The are nearby beaches, hikes, Cape Cod Rail Trail and other biking opportunities are nearby. If you don't have a bike, you can easily rent one from nearby shops.

    It won't be for everyone, but if you want a campground that is less expensive, caters to tents and trailers rather than the big rigs, this may be for you!

  • Our Greight Escape ..
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Bourne Scenic Park

    Wonderful campground!

    We stayed here for a season and loved it! The staff from the front desk to the front gate are incredibly friendly and welcoming!

    Pros-

    Front office is open late (9pm)

    Offers wood, ice, fire starters, hoses and adapter cap for gray water drain.

    Country Store

    Ice Cream

    Amazing views of the canal.

    Bike path along the canal, easy access.

    Lots of playgrounds for different ages

    Bounce pad (in-ground)

    Pool

    Stair access to canal bike path.

    Dump station

    Inexpensive to have visitors\

    Located near so much! Walmart, Market Basket, Target all within 15min.  

    Cons-

    No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote.

    Lots of tight spaces

    Anyone can pay to access canal, so they can access any campsite even without staying there. 

    Highway noise.

    BRIDGE TRAFFIC- if you know you know.

  • Anna C.
    Jun. 11, 2019

    Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites

    Backcountry Camping at Cape Cod

    This is a really cool option for those interested in visiting Cape Cod and also backpacking. The park has 5 dispersed sites located 3-4 miles from the trailhead with picnic tables and an outhouse. 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. It’s also a bit of a gamble because the sites are not reservable ahead of time. In order to secure a spot, you must show up at the park headquarters where sites are handed out on a first come first served basis. A nice amenity is that the park staff will send someone to the sites to deliver 5 gallons of water for free as well as firewood for a small fee so you don’t have to carry those resources. The sites are tucked away from the beach a bit into the brush which provides a nice relief from the wind. Fires are permitted at the beach and I was lucky to witness a really beautiful beach sunset. I did not encounter too many bugs during my time of visit but I’ve been warned that it can get quite buggy in mid to late summer. Overall, this is a 5 star primitive spot for me because it’s secluded, requires a bit of leg work and has a great view.

  • Alicia F.
    Aug. 15, 2018

    Marthas Vineyard Family Campground

    I love this campground!

    Pay $300-$500/night for a hotel or this campground for $35/night? I’ll take the campground any day. Several years now I’ve packed a suitcase w a tent, tarp, air mattress and sleeping bag and had some of the best weeks of my life! The bus picks up and drops off just outside the campground and with a weekly bus pass you can be anywhere on the island within minutes. Every day was a new adventure to Edgartown, Vineyard Haven, Menemsha etc. Large shared male and female bathroom/shower complex next to the camp store and office as well as an outdoor shower for those more adventurous. Most sites have electric and water nearby. The management/owner takes pride in the campground and loves what he does. It’s the best way to experience Martha’s Vineyard!

  • Rachel P.
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    An RVer’s Paradise

    Scusset Beach Reservation overlooks Cape Cod Bay and accommodates a multitude of RV sites. The campgrounds aren’t the most attractive, but the pull here, of course, is the beach- which is actually pretty amazing.

    Not nearly as crowded as a majority of the nearby Cape beaches and rather quiet- especially shocking for the weekend just before the July 4th holiday- Scusset Beach has all the amenities you could really want for a low-key beach outing. The beach is clean, with beautiful, white, rock-free sand. There’s a small snack bar with basic food options, bathroom and locker room facilities, picnic tables and plenty of parking. Lifeguards begin their work around 10am and are pretty serious about announcing all the rules.

    In the grounds, you’ll find rows and rows of RV sites. Not much in terms of privacy- basically a glorified parking lot with the occasional tree and nearby nature center. The Park, however, also has 5 tent sites towards the back that are really your best bet if you want anything close to a true camping experience. Tent sites 1, 4 and 5 are the most attractive options, offering shade and a fair amount of privacy. Each is set up with a grill, fire pit and picnic table and are pretty decently sized.

    Additionally, there are several trails around the Reservation. A nice bike path along the waterway is literally feet away from the tent sites; and there also seemed to be smaller paths dispersed throughout.

    If you’re a fan of the Cape and ocean, definitely give Scusset Beach a try- especially one of the tent sites. You can literally walk to the shore and stores and restaurants are a quick car ride down the street.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 16, 2020

    Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground

    Stay here because you want to explore the area

    This state forest campground is located just over the Sagamore bridge, across the Cape Cod canal. It's a basic, no-frills campground, with more than half the sites designated as tent only; a few of the sites are designated for tent/pop-up. The tent sites tend to be on short spurs that may be hilly and uneven, so would be difficult to navigate with a trailer or larger vehicle. If you don't have camping gear, there are 6 yurts available for rent, though they were not available during the 2020 covid season. The bathrooms offer showers and are undergoing some renovations in 2020. No hookups, but there is a dump station. 

    If you have young kids, they'll love the new playground area. That's really about the only attraction within the campground, though there are some hiking and biking trails. 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. During the week, it may be worthwhile to cross back across the Sagamore bridge to visit Scusset Beach State Reservation, but weekend summer traffic will likely make that prohibitive.

    If you forgot food, Market Basket is a short distance away.

  • cal K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2024

    Wellfleet Hollow State Campground

    Sweet Spot

    A quiet campground in mid June - sites are close together but not many people this trip, quiet and friendly neighbors. Right on the rail trail. Wellfleet beaches and glacial kettle ponds don’t require a parking sticker Labor Day- 2nd weekend in June.

    Great Pond and Long Pond are both close by and lovely swimming. You can also walk to Duck Pond from the campground.

    Site 73 had noise from the bathroom exhaust fan from 7am-10pm- just background drone but I noticed it.

    Nice outdoor showers w hot water and clean restrooms with wash sink for dishes.

    Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit.

    Tents only - no RVs.

  • Angela T.
    Jun. 5, 2018

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Right on the water

    Scusset is a very popular beach and campground in the summer. It's located close to the Sagamore Bridge on the mainland side. Traffic can be messy in the summer, especially on weekend days!

    The campground itself is a haven for RVs. There are 5 "wooded" tent sites, where campers are allowed to have tents as well as a fire on the site. All other sites are located in a wide open area and are best suited for motor homes and trailers. Note, only the tent sites are allowed to have fires, all other sites you must do your cooking on a stove, and no fires are allowed. There is a communal fireplace near the entrance of the campground where everyone gathers at dusk to share a nice big fire.

    Most sites have a paved driveway for your camper and space for a small car, and there is an overflow parking lot if needed. Flush toilets, sinks and showers are available in the main bathroom building and are cleaned on a regular basis. During beach season there is another restroom down by the beach with outdoor showers to get off all the sand! Sometimes the refreshments stand is open.

    The beach is big, open and beautiful with lots of shells to hunt and marine life to check out. At the edge of the beach is the beginning of the Cape Cod Canal, and its walking/bike path. Along the canal are inlets to let you back into the campground.

    In the morning you'll see lots of folks fishing, watch for old line/hooks.

    Because the camp has so few trees, the winds can be gnarly. On the flip side, the lack of trees gives you a great spot to stargaze, especially if you focus your view out over the ocean, away from the lights of the mainland.


Guide to Siasconset

Tent camping near Siasconset, Massachusetts offers seasonal considerations that vary throughout the year. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures between 45-65°F with less crowding. Most campgrounds in the area close after Columbus Day and reopen in mid-May, with reservation windows opening 6 months in advance for peak season dates.

What to do

Swimming at Duck Pond: Wellfleet Hollow State Campground provides walking access to Duck Pond, offering freshwater swimming alternatives to ocean beaches. "You can walk to Duck Pond from the campground. Great Pond and Long Pond are both close by and lovely swimming," notes camper Cal K., who visited in June when many beaches don't require parking stickers.

Stargazing in dark sky areas: Wellfleet Hollow State Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from urban light pollution. "At night you can go out to the power lines for some of the best star gazing on the East Coast," reports a long-time visitor who appreciates this often-overlooked activity.

Biking on Cape Cod Rail Trail: Access the rail trail directly from camp for day trips to nearby towns and attractions. "It's a short bike ride to the Cape Cod Rail Trail which is wonderful," shares a Wellfleet Hollow camper, mentioning that bike rentals are available from nearby shops if you don't bring your own.

What campers like

Beach accessibility: Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites offers direct beach access for overnight stays. "This is one of the few places where you can sleep on the beach! The water is on the cold side but it's worth it. Beach camping is a very special thing," reports Matt R., highlighting the distinctive coastal camping experience.

Wildlife encounters: Campers report seeing various wildlife in quieter campgrounds. "Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit," notes a Wellfleet Hollow camper who stayed in June when the campground was less crowded and peaceful.

Island solitude: Washburn Island Campsites provides boat-access-only camping with minimal crowds during shoulder seasons. "Camped there May 20-25 and there were only 1-2 other sites being used," shares Tim C., emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere outside peak summer months.

What you should know

Site selection considerations: Research site locations and features before booking. "First off, great spot to camp on the Cape for cheap. However, 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. about Wellfleet Hollow.

Non-resident fee structure: Out-of-state visitors face higher camping fees at state facilities. "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 pricing discrepancies.

Boat access requirements: Some camping areas require watercraft for access. "You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe/kayak would work," explains a Washburn Island camper, highlighting the transportation planning needed for island camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Siasconset, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Siasconset, MA is Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Siasconset, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Siasconset, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.