Best Campgrounds near Wellfleet, MA

The Cape Cod region surrounding Wellfleet, Massachusetts features a diverse collection of campgrounds nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground provides a rustic camping experience with tent sites and small trailer accommodations under a protective tree canopy. Nearby, Nickerson State Park Campground in Brewster offers more extensive facilities with access to freshwater kettle ponds for swimming and boating. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, with North of Highland Camping Area in North Truro maintaining a particularly strong reputation for quiet, family-friendly tent camping within walking distance of Cape Cod National Seashore beaches.

Camping reservations throughout the Cape become essential during summer months, with many sites booking months in advance. Massachusetts state parks charge higher fees for out-of-state visitors, a policy some campers find unwelcoming. According to one long-time visitor, "Wellfleet Hollow has a tree canopy that lets in plenty of light but won't let you be baked with hot sun. The sites are well spaced so you don't feel too crowded." The Cape Cod Rail Trail provides excellent biking opportunities connecting many campgrounds to beaches, towns, and natural areas. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours from approximately 10:30 pm to 7:30 am, creating peaceful overnight experiences even during busy periods.

Proximity to beaches represents a primary attraction for campers in the Wellfleet area. Several campgrounds offer direct walking paths to ocean or bay beaches, while others provide convenient bicycle access via the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The region's distinctive glacial kettle ponds also offer swimming opportunities with typically cleaner, calmer waters than ocean beaches. Wildlife sightings commonly include wild turkeys, deer, and various shorebirds. Private campgrounds like Sweetwater Forest and Shady Knoll maintain well-spaced, wooded sites that provide privacy, while state-run facilities generally offer more basic amenities at lower costs. Most campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption, particularly in Massachusetts state parks, a restriction some campers find disappointing.

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Best Camping Sites Near Wellfleet, Massachusetts (47)

    1. Nickerson State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Orleans, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3491

    $22 - $55 / night

    "It is at the edge of the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike Path from where you can access both bay side and ocean beaches by bike. it is also walking distance to a bayside beach."

    "We even got the Massachusetts resident discount with his home address. When we arrived, it was a very easy check in. They gave us directions to our site and even to the store to buy fire wood."

    2. Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod: North Truro

    13 Reviews
    North Truro, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-1847

    $55 - $219 / night

    "Loved the proximity to the beach. Convenient drive to Provincetown. Great spot. Unfortunately didn’t have full hookup as we had requested."

    "Beautiful site, close proximity to the beach. Easy to book."

    3. Coastal Acres Campground

    14 Reviews
    Provincetown, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-1700

    "This camp ground was in a perfect location. Walkable to town filled with lively music, restaurants and shops. Best trail around Great Island trail close by."

    "But none of this is really matters given the location. Less than 10 minute walk to downtown Provincetown, and an extremely safe, enjoyable walk."

    4. North of Highland Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    North Truro, MA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-1191

    $40 - $86 / night

    "We arrived around 10 am on a Saturday morning, and even though it was the weekend before July 4th, there were still several sites available for walk-ins (they have more than 250 sites)."

    "There is a short walk from the campground to the entrance of Head of the Meadow beach and it is really conveniently located to get to Provincetown."

    5. Shady Knoll Campground

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3002

    $50 - $88 / night

    "There’s a great walking trail connected to the campground. They have good access to the bay beaches and the Cape Cod Rail Trail- although you do have to drive ona busy road to get there."

    "Well situated within Brewster, with a great small grocery store a two minute walk from the campground entrance."

    6. Sweetwater Forest

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3773

    "Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent. The camp store was well stocked and offered hot coffee and a variety of grocery items."

    "Nothing but positive things to say, if you haven’t tried it, defintely do. C loop sites our favorite, but really not a terrible site in the place, depending on what you camp in."

    7. Atlantic Oaks Campground

    7 Reviews
    North Eastham, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 255-1437

    $50 - $104 / night

    "THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Great location in Eastham— with access to National Seashore, Provincetown, several great beaches and lighthouses, and much more 
    • Beautiful park setting with well-kept natural"

    "There are a few really nice tent sites next to the playground, close to the store, showers, and restrooms.

    Facilities were uncrowded and very clean."

    8. Dunes' Edge Campground - Provincetown Camping

    11 Reviews
    Provincetown, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-9815

    $55 - $75 / night

    "There are no bike trails that connect to the campground, but we rode our bikes the three miles to Race Point beach and that was wonderful!"

    "Staff is friendly-facilities are clean…but the best part of it is its location in wooded dunes near the quaint, historic and inclusive town of Provincetown, Ma."

    9. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground

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

    $22 - $55 / night

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

    "Right on the rail trail. Wellfleet beaches and glacial kettle ponds don’t require a parking sticker Labor Day- 2nd weekend in June."

    10. Adventure Bound Cape Cod: Horton's Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Truro, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 487-1847

    $55 - $220 / night

    "Excellent campsite, nice walk to the beach. Short drive to the dunes! Had an amazing weekend with friends and our dogs"

    "Nice location close to beaches and Ptown."

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Recent Reviews near Wellfleet, MA

389 Reviews of 47 Wellfleet Campgrounds


  • G
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Coastal Acres Campground

    Favorite campsite of all time

    Absolutely adore this campground. Much of what others have said in the reviews is true – the sites are small and there’s not a ton of privacy in many spots (although you certainly can find more private spots if you know which to book). But none of this is really matters given the location. Less than 10 minute walk to downtown Provincetown, and an extremely safe, enjoyable walk. You cannot beat the access to one of the best towns in the world. The campground also felt very safe and incredibly quiet.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Atlantic Oaks Campground

    Great home base for Cape Cod

    We spent a week in Cape Cod at Atlantic Oaks Campground and so glad we did. We paid $113 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Pull-thru site(#A6). 

    This campground makes a great home-base while touring Cape Cod. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Great location in Eastham— with access to National Seashore, Provincetown, several great beaches and lighthouses, and much more 
    • Beautiful park setting with well-kept natural landscaping including lots of mature shade trees 
    • Access to Cape Cod Rail Trail right from the campground— bring your bikes 
    • Our hookup utilities all worked fine 
    • This may seem like a silly thing to comment on, but I like how they installed mini picket fences to block the view of the sewer connections from the neighbors— this is a great idea I wish other campgrounds would do too(see the photos) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing that bothered me— the sites were all sandy dirt which made everything dirty and dusty(gravel would be an appreciated improvement) 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do 

    WANT A FUN TIP? 

    Check out Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre, just a couple minutes away. We saw Jaws(Jaws~ in Cape Cod!) and had a great evening.

  • Eric LeBoeuf
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Meh its ok

    Bathrooms are out dated showers have tiles falling off very small showers also quiet hrs are enforced on Friday nights only it seems

  • R
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres

    Warning…total bug infestation from our stay

    I was not going to write a review because I truly believe in giving places a fair chance. But after speaking with the district manager I feel I need to give a warning to anyone planning their vacation here. Today is Thursday, we were at cranberry acres from last Thursday until Monday. Our stay was awesome. We did it all the campground offered and had a blast. We stayed with our friends who rented the cabin next to us. Today we discovered that the brand new paper towels I bought from Shawn’s last week and kept(open) under the sink in our cabin were completely infested with what our exterminator says are weevils. The bugs poured out of the bag in a hallway downstairs, are all over the floor, in the guest room and in the bathroom. So now on top of this vacation we are now having to have an exterminator come treat our house for these bugs. We are avid“glampers” with our friends. This is something we do all summer all over New England for years now and this is the very first time we’ve ever experienced something like this. The manager at the campground was wonderful and apologized profusely and called the district manager to call me. This is where things went off the rails. He stated“how do we know they didn’t come from Shaws?”.“Well the unit has been rented and we have had no complaints“. which seeing that this is now three days later I’m sure there isn’t yet.“well thank you for letting us know, we will keep an eye out.”. In all fairness the resort was great, lots to do and we filled every day. The infestation from this vacation does not feel worth the experience. If you stay please keep everything sealed and wash every thing that you bring thoroughly when you get home so you do not wind up in the situation we are in.

  • A
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Quiet and spacious sites

    We stayed in loop b south, which is really not a loop but a dead end. Very quiet, and we were the only people in the loop for a couple of days. Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy.

  • T
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Good weekend stay

    Sites are more secluded than other camp grounds but can be a bit small. Bathrooms are nice and dumpsters available for trash. Family type of campground so not the quietest place.


Guide to Wellfleet

Cape Cod's camping options near Wellfleet, Massachusetts provide access to both the Atlantic Ocean and Cape Cod Bay within a 20-mile stretch. The area sits at sea level with sandy soil and a maritime climate that keeps summer nights cooler than inland locations. Most Wellfleet camping sites have pine needle ground cover that drains quickly after rain, making for comfortable tent camping even after storms.

What to do

Bicycle the Cape Cod Rail Trail: The 22-mile rail trail connects directly to several campgrounds including Atlantic Oaks Campground. "Access to the Cape Cod bike trail @ the campground. Clean facilities...Cape Cod National Seashore minutes away, great restaurants & you must walk the Atlantic White Cedar Swam Trail," notes camper Ron C.

Visit glacial kettle ponds: These freshwater swimming spots are 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," explains cal K. about Wellfleet Hollow State Campground.

Try stargazing at power lines: The Cape offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities away from city lights. "At night you can go out to the power lines for some of the best star gazing on the East Coast," notes Tom C., who has been camping in Wellfleet for nearly thirty years.

Visit Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre: A unique evening activity just minutes from camping areas. "Check out Wellfleet Drive-in Theatre, just a couple minutes away. We saw Jaws (Jaws~ in Cape Cod!) and had a great evening," recommends Matt S.

What campers like

Wooded privacy: Many sites offer natural screening between neighbors. "This tent area is in a woodsy hollow full of birds and interesting wildlife," says Domenico B. about Sweetwater Forest in nearby Brewster, adding that it's "not a camping resort but they have clean restrooms and a game room with a pool table, puzzles, and board games."

Walking distance to beaches: Some campgrounds offer direct beach access. "We loved staying here during our August girls weekend trip! Short walk to a beautiful ocean beach in the National seashore," writes a camper about North of Highland Camping Area, which features a half-mile walking path to Head of the Meadow beach.

Enforced quiet hours: Campgrounds maintain peaceful overnight environments. "The owners are VERY strict on their quiet hours policy (1030pm – 730am), and they are very restrictive on some noises during the day as well," explains Ashlee L. This creates "one of the quietest campground during 'quiet hours' that I've ever visited," according to Grace M.

Wildlife sightings: Campers regularly report encountering local animals. "Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit," reports cal K., while another camper mentioned "turkeys wandered thru our site" at a nearby campground.

What you should know

Out-of-state pricing differential: Massachusetts state parks charge higher rates for non-residents. "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.

Coin-operated showers: Many campgrounds charge for shower use. "Showers are coin-op. Bathrooms clean. Bunch of loveable barefoot hippies in the woods," explains mary F. about North of Highland. Another camper notes: "Don't forget to bring quarters for the shower."

Fire restrictions vary: Rules differ significantly between campgrounds. "[North of Highland] No fires are allowed in the campground itself due to fire restrictions, but you can easily get beach fire permits to have one on the beach," shares Ashlee L., while Coastal Acres Campground allows fires until 11pm according to gabriel H.

Tight sites at some locations: Space can be limited in certain campgrounds. "Sites are very tight with no privacy," notes Alyssa R. about Coastal Acres, though she still rated it highly for its location.

Tips for camping with families

Playgrounds and recreation: Some campgrounds offer multiple child-friendly amenities. "Plus multiple playgrounds and a pond that's good for boating but not swimming," notes Domenico B. about Sweetwater Forest facilities.

Beach walking distances: Consider how far children will need to walk to reach water. At Shady Knoll Campground, "We reserved a group site right by the nature trail. Perfect for a large family and 7 min bike ride to two beaches," reports Jennie.

Site selection matters: Read descriptions carefully when 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," advises Will A. about Wellfleet Hollow State Park.

Bring insect protection: The wooded environment can harbor pests. "If we visit in summer again, we'll plan ahead with more bug deterrents because the mosquitos were BAD even with bug spray," warns Darcy D.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions apply: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger units. "Dunes' Edge is right on route 6... This campground is pretty tight if you have a big rig, but our 24ft was just fine. It's a big hill with a tight squeeze to enter the campground," advises Rae M. about Dunes' Edge Campground.

Limited full hookup availability: Premium sites book quickly. "Only drawbacks are that there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance; also water view sites down at the pond also book up in advance," warns Paul H. about Sweetwater Forest.

Sand and dust management: Prepare for sandy conditions. "The sites were all sandy dirt which made everything dirty and dusty (gravel would be an appreciated improvement)," notes Matt S. about Atlantic Oaks Campground.

Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "Sharp turns required to get into sites," warns Ron C. about Dunes' Edge, while another camper mentioned "roads throughout the campground are in kind of rough shape and could use more signage."

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Wellfleet, MA?

Wellfleet offers several excellent camping options. Atlantic Oaks Campground provides full hookup sites and serves as a great home base for exploring Cape Cod. For those seeking a more natural setting, Nickerson State Park Campground is nearby and offers access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path. Other options in the region include Coastal Acres Campground within Wellfleet and Adventure Bound Camping Resorts a bit north in Truro. These campgrounds offer varying amenities from rustic tent sites to full RV hookups, making Wellfleet a versatile destination for different camping preferences.

When is the best season for camping in Wellfleet, MA?

The best season for camping in Wellfleet is late spring through early fall, with mid-June to early September offering ideal conditions. Summer provides perfect beach weather with warm temperatures for enjoying Cape Cod's beaches and kettle ponds. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground is less crowded in mid-June while still offering pleasant weather. Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. An advantage of visiting between Labor Day and mid-June is that Wellfleet beaches and glacial kettle ponds don't require parking stickers during this period. The Cape Cod region generally slows down after Labor Day, offering a more peaceful camping experience with mild temperatures into October.

What amenities does Wellfleet Hollow State Campground offer?

Wellfleet Hollow State Campground (formerly Paine's Campground) offers rustic camping with basic amenities. The campground features tent sites, some requiring walk-in access with parking separate from the site. Facilities include restrooms with hot showers, though maintenance can be variable. The campground is strategically located within walking distance of Duck Pond and right on the rail trail for easy biking access. Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground, while not in Wellfleet, offers similar state park amenities for comparison. As a Massachusetts DCR property, Wellfleet Hollow prohibits alcohol consumption, a policy consistent across state parks like Charge Pond Campground.