Cape Cod, which sits just southeast of Boston, MA, is one of the most visited peninsulas in the United States. More than 5 million people visit the Cape each year, most of whom stay at the countless hotels and resorts in the area.
However, if you want to visit Cape Cod on a budget (or as part of an RV trip), there are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds to choose from. In addition to being affordable, visiting Cape Cod in an RV will allow you to explore the more remote areas of the Cape–rather than just the typical tourist spots.
State Park Campgrounds on Cape Cod
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and want to enjoy some of the best fishing, hiking, and boating on the East Coast, staying at a Cape Cod State Park is an excellent option. Although they don’t get talked about much, there are several incredible state parks, wildlife refuges, and wildlife sanctuaries, some of which offer RV camping.
Nickerson State Park
- Cost Per Night: $22+
- Top Amenities: Dump station, boat launch, comfort station, showers, swimming, boat, kayak, and canoe rentals
- RV Size Restrictions: Varies by site (Note: Not all sites can accommodate RVs)
With more than 400 camping sites to choose from, Nickerson State Park Campground is the biggest site on Cape Cod. However, not all sites can handle RVs, and no sites have their own water, electric, or sewer hookups. Instead, there are communal water spigots and a dump station.
While a lack of hookups can be inconvenient, people who camp at Nickerson State Park aren’t doing it for the amenities. Instead, they’re doing it for the nearby lakes and ponds, which are known for offering the best freshwater fishing, boating, and swimming in Massachusetts.
In addition to hundreds of RV and tent sites, there are also group camping sites and yurt camping options. Regardless of where or how you camp at Nickerson, you’ll have access to the 2,000+ acres of nature, hiking trails, and bike trails, including the 26-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Scusset Beach State Reservation
- Cost Per Night: $34+
- Top Amenities: Water and electric hookups, dump station, shower house, comfort station, group fire pit
- RV Size Restrictions: None for RV sites
If you want to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the ocean tide, the Scusset Beach State Reservation Campground is for you. Located on the shores of the Cape Cod Canal in Sandwich, this campground boasts just over 100 RV and tent sites, plus a family camping site.
Each of the 98 RV sites is equipped with water and 20/30/50-amp electrical hookups. However, there are no sewer hookups, so you’ll have to use the dump station. But there is a community fire pit for nightly gatherings, as individual fires are not allowed.
The main draw of this campground is its access to a private beach and Cape Cod Bay, as well as all the fishing and boating opportunities that come with them. The Scusset Beach campground is also a popular spot for groups and events, as the safari field can handle up to 75 units at a time!
Shawme-Crowell State Forest
- Cost Per Night: $17+
- Most Notable Amenities: Bathrooms, showers, dumping station, yurts, picnic tables, grills
- RV Size Restrictions: Varies by site
Shawme-Crowell State Forest Campground is another great option if you’re okay with primitive tent camping or RV camping. While tent camping is more popular here than pulling up in your RV, there are more than 70 RV sites available, but none offer water, electrical, or sewer hookups.
However, there’s a dump station on site, as well as bathroom and shower facilities. The Shawme-Crowell campground is located at the entry point to Cape Cod, making it the perfect place to set up your tent or RV and branch out from there.
This Cape Cod campground also offers yurt camping as an option if you don’t want to bring your own tent or RV.
Private Campgrounds on Cape Cod
If roughing it at a state park isn’t really your thing and you prefer the luxurious amenities of an RV resort, you’re in luck. You can’t go wrong with any of the options below.
Sun Retreats RV Resort
- Cost Per Night: $60+
- Most Notable Amenities: Laundry facilities, beach access, fishing, boat rentals, mini golf, full hookup sites
- RV Size Restrictions: None
At Sun Retreats RV Resort, you’ll bump into full-time RVers, as well as travelers planning single-night stays. As far as reputation goes, this resort is known for having more on-site amenities than other campgrounds in the area. The free wifi, private beach, mini golf course, and on-site laundry facilities only scratch the surface.
Shady Knoll Campground
- Cost Per Night: $40+
- Top Amenities: Laundry facilities, shower houses, wifi, cable TV, playground, camp store, lodge
- RV Size Restrictions: RVs larger than 38 feet are prohibited
Located in the middle of Cape Cod, Shady Knoll Campground is the perfect center point that branches out to other must-see destinations in the Cape. At this site, you’ll have access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail if you want to go for a jog or explore Cape Cod on two wheels.
When you camp at Shady Knoll, you’ll have the option of full-hookup RV sites and no-hookup tent sites. If you choose full hookup, you’ll also have access to free Wi-Fi and cable TV. There’s also a lodge and camp store if you need to load up on camping supplies.
Note that all sites have access to the laundry and bathroom facilities.
Sweetwater Forest Family Campground
- Cost Per Night: $45+
- Top Amenities: Mini golf, fishing, boat and kayak rentals, bike paths, pet boarding
- RV Size Restrictions: Varies by site
Sweetwater Forest Family Campground is one of the oldest and most popular RV parks on Cape Cod. Known for its family-friendly amenities, this campsite is just down the road from Shady Knoll Campground, planted right in the middle of the Cape.
While the central location makes this campground perfect for exploring Cape Cod, there’s also plenty to do without leaving the property. There’s something for everyone, from mini-golf, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits to fishing, kayaking, and bird watching.
The campground offers 250 wooded campsites and is known to host plenty of events and socials for its campers, including mini golf tournaments and chili and chowder cookoffs. There’s even a doggy day kennel so that your pets get plenty of attention while you’re off exploring the area!
Atlantic Oaks Campground and RV Resort
- Cost Per Night: $42-$65
- Most Notable Amenities: Laundry facilities, game room, dog park, safari camping area, propane station, bait shop
- RV Size Restrictions: 34’
If you want to stay up the neck of the Cape so that you’re closer to Provincetown, Truro, as well as the famous Eastham pristine beaches, Atlantic Oaks Campground is the place to stay. You’ll also be just a three-minute drive to the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor Center!
In addition to its great location, there’s plenty to do at the campground and RV resort itself. There’s a dog park, a safari camping area, a playground, a game room, and horseshoes. Not to mention, you’ll have immediate access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail and be within minutes of the Cape’s best fishing and boating opportunities.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve wrapped up your RV camping trip to Cape Cod, you’ll need somewhere to store your RV (at least until the next trip). Proper RV storage will keep it from getting damaged or infested with pests so that it’s ready to go when you need it.
If you don’t have the space or facilities to store it on your property, consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace. With Neighbor, you can find safe, affordable RV storage near you so that your RV is ready at a moment’s notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Tent Camp on Cape Cod?
Yes, there are numerous campgrounds and state parks that offer tent camping options on Cape Cod.
Can I Bring My Pet to Cape Cod Campgrounds?
Yes, many Cape Cod campgrounds are pet-friendly, but be sure to check each campground’s specific rules and amenities.
