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Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine is near Falmouth, MA, and features coastal terrain with sandy beaches and marshlands. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Cape Cod Winery and the Shining Sea Bikeway, offering additional activities for campers.

Description

DCR Division of State Parks and Recreation

Washburn Island

OVERVIEW

Accessible by private boat only and located in Waquoit Bay on the south coast of Cape Cod, camping on Washburn Island is a unique experience. This rustic camping trip will require some additional planning: composting toilets only, no showers, no supplies, no electricity, and campers must bring their own fresh water and carry out their trash. For more details about the Washburn Island camping experience, visit www.waquoitbayreserve.org/visit-the-reserve/camping.

Pets are permitted in the campground only. They must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Pets are prohibited from all beaches and dunes. Owners are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of pet feces.

Specific to this facility:

  • This is an island and rustic camping experience. There is no fresh water, flush toilets, showers or telephones on the island.
  • Access to this primitive camping area is by private boat only.
  • Please bring adequate potable water to provide each member of your party with one gallon of water per day.
  • Please carry out everything you carried in.
  • Ticks are present on Washburn Island. Please check yourself thoroughly.

Please read the important information below, prior to making a reservation.

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds.

Campsite Fees at Washburn Island, Waquoit Bay Reserve $8 for MA resident / $20 for non-resident. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE.

Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood into or out of any DCR campground. Firewood must be purchased at the campground. Transportation of firewood or other wood products, may result in eviction. Please plan to pre-purchase firewood when you make your reservation. A limited amount will be available for purchase on island. Bundles are $7 dollars; Please bring exact change as none can be made.

Remember to bring along your Reservation Number! Upon arrival, please check in with the Island Manager as soon as possible. Check-in time is 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. The use of generators is not permitted during quiet hours except for the purpose of operating a medical device.

Reservation and Occupancy:

Camping equipment is limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Violators of the 14-day limit may have their reservation cancelled and be asked to leave the park.

Reservations must be in the name of the primary occupant, who is at least 18 years of age. A photo ID is required at check- in and must match the name on the reservation. Campsite occupancy is limited to four adults, or two adults and the children in their care. Campsites are limited to two tents.

Reservations with departure dates outside the 6-month maximum window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made. Cancellations and changes will incur a $10 fee. Day of arrival cancellations require a phone call to the campground and will result in the loss of the first night camping fee, plus the $10 cancellation fee. Reserved campsites will be held until 8:00 am on the day after your scheduled arrival date. If we are not contacted, your reservation will be no-showed resulting in no refund.

Camping with Pets:

Pets are permitted at most campgrounds and there is a limit of four pets per campsite. A current rabies certificate must be presented at check-in. Pets must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Pets are not permitted in state buildings or when camping in a yurt or cabin. Pets are prohibited from all beaches and dunes. Owners are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of pet feces.

Check in time is 1:00 to ? pm, check out by 11:00 am.

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Location

Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve is located in Massachusetts

Detail location of campground

Directions

Waquoit Bay National Research Estuarine is located on the southern part of Cape Cod, in southeastern Massachusetts. Access to the island is by private boat only. Follow Route 28 North toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. **From Boston:** Follow Route 3 South to the Sagamore Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal. Route 3 crosses over the bridge and becomes Route 6. Take Exit 2 (Route 130). Turn right off the ramp and follow 130 South 7 miles to the 4th set of lights at Great Neck Road, turn right onto Great Neck Road and follow it 2 miles to the Mashpee Rotary. Halfway around the rotary, take Route 28 North toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. Follow Route 28 north toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. **From Providence and Points West:** Follow Route 495 or 195 to Route 25. Route 25 crosses over the Bourne Bridge and becomes Route 28. Follow Route 28 South to Route 151 (first exit after the Cataumet/Otis ANGB Rotary). Turn right off the ramp and follow 151 east toward New Seabury and the Mashpee Rotary. At the rotary, take Route 28 toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. Follow Route 28 north toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. **Parking Inforamtion:** **From 5/23-6/19:** - Overnight parking is no longer available at the town of Falmouth's parking lot at White's Landing (Waquoit Town Landing). - Campers will be responsible for finding suitable parking arrangements on non-DCR property. DCR is not responsible for towed vehicles, fines, theft, or damage **From 6/20-8/30:** East Falmouth Elementary School is graciously allowing campers to utilize their lot. Parking will be available on **Friday and Saturday nights only** at the East Falmouth Elementary School, located at 33 Davisville Road, East Falmouth, MA. Please click [here](https://massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com/brands/ma/htm/Parking_Information.png) to check. - There will be 2 spots available for each campsite, 1 for a vehicle and 1 for a trailer. - ALL vehicles must be off the property by 3 p.m. on Sunday. - Vehicles will need to display a parking tag on the vehicle dashboard at all times while on the property. You can either print your confirmation email at home or pick up a hangtag at the visitor center at WBNERR located at 131 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA - The visitor center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., staff will be available to assist. If you arrive after hours, you can collect a parking pass from the mailbox marked for campers at the main Visitor Center entrance door. - Please be respectful of the school premises, and the surrounding neighbors. Trash is carry in; carry out. Please do not dispose of your trash on school premises. **From 8/31-10/11:** - Overnight parking is no longer available at the town of Falmouth's parking lot at White's Landing (Waquoit Town Landing). - Campers will be responsible for finding suitable parking arrangements on non-DCR property. DCR is not responsible for towed vehicles, fines, theft, or damage

Address

131 Waquoit Hwy
Waquoit, MA MA 02536

Coordinates

41.56261564 N
70.53163828 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2018

Island camping. Boat access only

Small island with 10 camp site (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night. Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut. 1 composting toilet.

Campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance so it is tough to get one during the summer months but great camping in May, September, and October as well. Camped there May 20 - 25 2018 and there were only 1 -2 other sites being used.

You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe / kayak would work.

Reservations

Site2
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve by Tim C., June 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve by Tim C., June 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve by Tim C., June 7, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve?

Camping at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve can cost between $8.00 and $35.00 depending on the site.

Does Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve?

There are 10 campsites at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts