North Falmouth camping options extend beyond the immediate area to neighboring towns like Plymouth, Sandwich, and Bourne. The region features relatively flat terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level, creating accessible camping conditions throughout the season. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F with occasional coastal humidity and evening fog.
What to do
Fishing at Cape Cod Canal: The canal offers excellent fishing opportunities directly from Bourne Scenic Park. "If you like fishing this is your place," notes Rick R., while another camper explains, "We liked that this park had a paved hiking/biking path and was big enough for a good walk."
Kayaking on kettle ponds: Myles Standish State Forest features multiple swimming ponds perfect for paddling. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," shares a visitor.
Biking the Shining Sea path: Located just 10 minutes from Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins, the Shining Sea Bikeway provides miles of paved trails. "Downtown Falmouth is 10 minutes away as well where you have great restaurants, shops and the ferry to the islands," explains Anne M.
Martha's Vineyard day trips: Camp on the mainland and take a ferry to the island. "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," according to a camper at Martha's Vineyard Family Campground.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers more secluded camping options. "The campground wasn't too big and the sites offered a lot of privacy, and some hiking trails within the campground," states Gina M., while another camper notes, "Very basic. Decent privacy. Not too loud. Wonderful location. Awesome playground. Price can't be beat."
Access to multiple beaches: Cape Cod's numerous beaches provide camping alternatives. "Old Silver Beach is 10 minutes down the road as is the Shining Sea Bike path," mentions a Cape Cod Campresort visitor.
Clean facilities: Bay View Campground maintains excellent amenities. "The grounds were clean, the ice cream parlor was nice as well as the food truck that was there. Our kids enjoyed the playground as well... We did not use the showers but we did use the bathrooms a few times and they were immaculate!" reports Laurie.
Affordable island access: Martha's Vineyard camping offers cost savings. "To be able to camp comfortably on this island and have access to all the island has to offer without spending an arm and a leg is what I love," writes one visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: The most popular sites fill quickly, especially at waterfront locations. "Pay $300-$500/night for a hotel or this campground for $35/night? I'll take the campground any day," shares a Martha's Vineyard camper, highlighting the value but also the competition for sites.
Tent site limitations: Scusset Beach State Reservation has very few tent-only spaces. "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," warns Jean C.
Traffic and noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. "Where we were it was close to the bridge and the traffic was loud all night," reports Kristyl C. about Bourne Scenic Park, while Tim C. notes about Shawme Crowell, "Price is right and always very well maintained. It is also very close to Rt 6 so the traffic noise is almost constant especially Friday nights."
Seasonal differences: Crowds vary dramatically by season. "We stayed here in October and it was a little too chilly for us to camp but we gave it a shot. Would definitely recommend!" shares a camper about shoulder season stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sandy Pond Campground offers dedicated children's areas. "They just put in a jump pad for the kids which is nice and playground is older but kids still had fun. Fun dance party and crafts for the kids," reports Kate C.
Swimming options: Multiple water access points accommodate different preferences. "They have a nice pond for swimming along with a general store just outside the grounds. It's a safe environment and everyone is friendly," shares Heather L. about Sandy Pond Campground.
Off-site exploration: Plan day trips to surrounding attractions. "We use this mostly as a location to do other things," notes one camper, suggesting a base camp approach to family vacations.
Site selection strategies: Carefully choose your specific site location. "The campsites were a little small and close together. Where we were it was close to the bridge and the traffic was loud all night," warns one Bourne Scenic Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup differences: Water and electrical service vary across campgrounds. "The sites can accommodate large RVs and tents. They are dog friendly however, not allowed on beach during peak summer season," explains Orange L. about Scusset Beach.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full sewer connections. "No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote," advises an RV camper at Bourne Scenic Park.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant work to level larger rigs. "Leveling was not an issue for us in our site (C-25) but the majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks. In fact, some sites were ridiculously unlevel and took a scary amount of blocks," shares a visitor.
Site layouts: Configuration varies widely between campgrounds. "Heavily treed and shaded campground, extremely large to walk from front to back," notes Michael J. about Gateway to Cape Cod, adding, "Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time."
