Nickerson State Park Campground - 396 Sites, Maps & Photos

In the heart of Cape Cod, Nickerson's 418 campsites are set in pine and oak forests that slope down to the banks of eight crystal-clear fresh water ponds. Paved bicycle trails, freshwater swimming and spacious campsites are just some of the reasons this is one of Massachusetts' most popular campgrounds.

Location: Travel the road to the upper campgrounds in Nickerson State Park and you may think for a moment that you have been magically transported to the Berkshire Hills or the piney woods of the Carolinas. Nowhere in sight are the sand dunes and salt marshes usually associated with Cape Cod. Instead, you are immersed in the woods that are spattered with ponds. Yet, if you walk or bicycle through the woods, you will find no rivers or streams feeding the ponds. These are "kettle ponds", which were formed as glaciers retreated from the Cape over 10,000 years ago. Completely dependent on groundwater and precipitation, the water level in the sandy bottom ponds fluctuates from season-to-season and year-to-year.

Recreation: Nickerson's 2,000 acres offers more than 400 campsites, including yurt and group camping, an amphitheater, hiking trails, an eight mile bike path that connects to the 26-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, and ponds stocked year-round with trout. Cape Cod Bay is within walking or bicycling distance. You can swim and canoe at Flax and Cliff Ponds; bird watch or catch-and-release fish at Higgins Pond, or participate in the many seasonal interpretive and recreational programs offered by park staff.

Nearby: The world famous Cape Cod Rail Trail intersects at the park, offering a fabulous opportunity to explore 26 miles of the Cape on bike or foot!

Important information

Specific to this facility: RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. NO WALK-IN CAMPING ALLOWED. 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 Nickerson State Park $22 MA resident / $70 non-resident; additionally, all non-resident campers will incur a legislated $5 per night surcharge for camping. The surcharge funds will directly benefit Nickerson State Park. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE. Yurts are canvas sided, cabin-like structures that can accommodate 4 to 6 people. Yurts are not heated. Yurts offer bunk beds, chairs and tables, and access to water and electricity. Linens and eating utensils are not provided. NOTE: Electrical service is not sufficiently reliable for use with medical equipment. Big Cliff Pond is limited to a 10 HP maximum engine. Electric motors are allowed in Flax Pond and in all other ponds. Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood into or out of any DCR campground. No other wood products may be brought into the campground. Transportation of firewood may result in eviction. PLEASE NOTE THAT FIREWOOD SALES ARE BY CREDIT CARD ONLY. EFFECTIVE 2021, THE COST IS $7 PER BUNDLE. Check-in time is 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check out by 11:00 am. Reservation and Occupancy: Campers and/or camping equipment are 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, or one tent and one trailer or RV, and two vehicles maximum (including tow trailers) per site. Reservations with departure dates outside the 4-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 one night's 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. There is a limit of four pets per campsite. The 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 building or when camping in a yurt or cabin.