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.

**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](https://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.

Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Falmouth, MA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Massachusetts camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Falmouth, MA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Falmouth

The Best Camping Near Falmouth, Massachusetts

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](https://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/waquoit-bay-nat-estuarine-res/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=MA&amp;parkId=32624)

Photos of Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve

Real photos from real campers