Cape Cod camping options extend from Dennis to North Truro, with seasonal operations generally running from mid-spring through mid-fall. Most campgrounds in the region sit on sandy terrain within pine forests at elevations under 100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with moderate humidity and occasional coastal fog.
What to do
Biking on rail trails: The Cape Cod Rail Trail provides a scenic 22-mile route connecting multiple towns. "There is a huge area of walking and bike paths adjacent to the campground (enter next to the blue bathhouse on A road)," notes a camper about Old Chatham Road RV Resort. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Nickerson State Park offers extensive trail options. "This is a great park for mountain biking, there are trails everywhere. Check NEMBA website for a trail map," shares one visitor.
Freshwater swimming: Several campgrounds offer pond access as an alternative to ocean beaches. At Peters Pond RV Resort, "The pool and pond were both great for swimming and they did have some lounge chairs to use at pond," writes one camper. Nickerson State Park features multiple kettle ponds within walking distance of campsites. "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."
Nature trails: Many campgrounds maintain short walking paths through coastal woodlands. Shady Knoll Campground connects to a local trail system. "There's a great walking trail connected to the campground. There is a shirt nature trailhead on Eddy Property at back of campground near campsites 98-100. It makes a loop including through shady areas and some beautiful public vegetable and flower gardens."
What campers like
Quiet camping options: Despite Cape Cod's popularity, several campgrounds offer peaceful settings. "This was the quietest campground during 'quiet hours' that I've ever visited. Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent," writes a visitor to Shady Knoll Campground. Another camper notes that Sweetwater Forest has "pleasant, secluded sites."
Private beach access: Some RV parks offer direct water access. One camper at Campers Haven RV Resort appreciates its "private beach and close to many other areas. Office staff nice and helpful." Another long-time visitor simply states "I have been coming here for years, private beach, some activities best place ever!"
Dog-friendly facilities: Many Cape Cod campgrounds welcome pets with dedicated amenities. Peters Pond RV Resort has "a great dog park, pool, large pond." Nickerson State Park allows dogs in specific areas. "It's dog friendly, and even though dogs aren't allowed on the swimming beaches, you can bring them to different parts of the pond for swimming, and no one gives you trouble."
What you should know
Campsite spacing varies by season: Campground density changes dramatically through the season. One camper at Sweetwater Forest noted, "I was here early in the season (May) and again late in the season (October). Not sure how crazy it gets in July and August." Another visitor observed, "It was not crowded that time of year, so it was very enjoyable."
Connectivity challenges: Internet and cell service vary considerably across Cape Cod. Regarding Old Chatham Road RV Resort, one reviewer reported, "AT&T hotspot worked well even for zoom calls. Verizon on my phone a bit weak. Camp link Wifi costs extra but actually works well!" Meanwhile, at Gateway to Cape Cod RV Campground, "Cell reception was not good, neither with AT&T nor Verizon."
Seasonal amenities and restrictions: Facilities and rules change seasonally. Shady Knoll allows "fires until 11pm" according to a recent visitor. One camper noted that Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod "has been fun with all the families. Very friendly guests and staff. Homemade ice cream truck comes through each evening."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Many campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. At Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod, a visitor mentioned they "Had good kids crafts." Peters Pond RV Resort similarly received praise from families: "Convenient location, beautiful pond on beautiful cape cod, Ma. My family has gone there for years with neighbors and always enjoyed our stay."
Water activities: Multiple ponds and pools provide swimming alternatives to ocean beaches. One Peters Pond visitor shared, "Kids loved the little pool slide. Also enjoyed the golf cart rentals." Another family noted, "We stayed at the campground and loved it. School started late so we were able to book after the holiday in September. Weather was still warm. Pool was good, pond was great."
Site selection for families: Consider location and spacing when booking with children. "We reserved a group site right by the nature trail. Perfect for a large family and 7 min bike ride to two beaches," notes a Shady Knoll camper. Another visitor mentioned that sites have "a bit of foliage separation" which helps maintain privacy between family groups.
Tips from RVers
Early/late season advantages: RV camping outside peak months offers better availability and quieter conditions. A visitor to Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod noted, "Scored this spot, when it was forecasted to pour during a guys camping/surfing trip to the cape. You can rent out an RV at at site for half off during the off season!" Sweetwater Forest similarly received praise for shoulder-season visits.
Site navigation challenges: Many Cape Cod campgrounds feature narrow roads and densely wooded campsites. An RVer at Gateway to Cape Cod observed, "Driving around picking my site, the roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves." Sites at Campers Haven were described as "mostly seasonal but transient sites recently renovated."
Resource availability: Water, power, and site features differ between campgrounds. At Shady Knoll, "They offer several kinds of sites with or without electricity, all have water." Most campgrounds provide full hookup options for RVs, though limitations exist. One Sweetwater camper noted "there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance."
