Best Tent Camping near South Orleans, MA
Tent camping options near South Orleans, Massachusetts include several established campgrounds within a short drive. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, formerly Paine's Campground, offers rustic tent sites with some electric hookups on shaded, somewhat hilly terrain. Sandy Neck Beach Park provides primitive tent campsites accessible by hiking through sand, located 3-4 miles from the trailhead. Washburn Island Campsites in Waquoit Bay Reserve offers boat-access-only tent camping with water views.
Most tent sites at Wellfleet Hollow are compact with varying levels of privacy. Some sites require walk-in access with parking separate from the campsite, while others allow parking near or across from the site. The terrain is not always level, and site sizes vary considerably. A visitor commented, "Sites are close together but not many people this trip, quiet and friendly neighbors." Facilities include clean restrooms with outdoor showers and hot water. The campground prohibits alcohol and pets, and limits campers to tents and trailers under 15 feet in length.
Sandy Neck Beach Park provides a more remote backcountry camping experience. The primitive sites include picnic tables and an outhouse, with park staff delivering water upon request. One camper noted that "the sites are tucked away from the beach a bit into the brush which provides a nice relief from the wind." The hike to these sites can be challenging as it requires trekking through sand without shade while carrying gear. Sites are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at park headquarters. Washburn Island offers a small island with 10 tent campsites, all with water views. Reservations can be made six months in advance, though availability is limited during summer months. The island features fire pits at each site with wood available for purchase and a composting toilet.
