Nickerson State Park has an ideal location in Brewster, MA. 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. There is also a playground conveniently on property for kids to enjoy.
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.
The easiest time to get a reservation is in the spring, before Memorial Day, or in the fall after Labor Day. This year, we surprisingly got reservations over Labor Day weekend and enjoyed beautiful summer weather on the cape at a fraction of the cost of an Airbnb or hotel.
The kids enjoyed spending the day at the pond within the state park. They played in the sand and swam in the pond waters. My daughter learned how to ride her bike without training wheels on this visit, and she took great pride in riding six miles along the rail trail that intersects with the park.
bordered
Downtown Chatham had a good variety of stores to explore. The kids favorite was the Penny Candy shop and the adults favorite was Yankee Ingenuity. We ate lunch at Public Cafe which was kid-friendly and a perfect spot to rest.
Other area attractions include Wellfleet Drive In (17 min Public drive), National Seashore (12 min drive), Downtown Chatham (20 min)
Tips:
- If you don’t have a camper and tent camping is not for you, Nickerson State Park offers a “glamping” option with their yurts. Yurts are canvas sided, cabin-like structures that can accommodate 4 to 6 people. Yurts are not heated. They offer bunk beds, chairs and tables, and access to water and electricity. Guests should bring their own linens and eating utensils.
- 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!
- If you are looking to make reservations, set an alarm for four months prior to the first date of arrival. The season runs from May 6 to October 16. Sites fill up quickly!
Nickerson State Park
3488 Main St
Brewster, MA
508-896-3491
