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."
