One Of Massachusetts' Most Popular Camping Destinations Is This Scenic State Park

Are you among the 5.5 million annual visitors to Cape Cod? Massachusetts' most popular seaside destination draws crowds from all over New England and beyond, but deciding where to stay on the 65 miles of the Cape can be challenging. There's charming but pricey Chatham, relaxed Brewster, and commercialized but convenient Hyannis. Or you could opt for something a little different. Conveniently situated in Brewster in the Lower Cape, beautiful Nickerson State Park offers what many recent visitors call the best campground they've ever stayed in.

Covering 1,900 acres, Nickerson State Park is a wooded paradise for those who like to hike, bike, fish, and camp. The park has 418 campsites, with tent and RV spaces available. There are six yurts to rent, all of which are accessible to wheelchair users. The grounds include a basketball court, an amphitheater, and a children's playground. And happy campers rave about the clean bathrooms and showers, the spacious, well-maintained sites that include picnic tables and firepits, and the proximity to all the fun to be had on Cape Cod.

Lucky campers will find tons to enjoy at Nickerson State Park. The park's self-declared "signature hike" is the Cliff Pond Loop, a 3.2-mile walk around the park's largest pond, which offers glorious views of the water and passes through shady woodland and sandy beaches. Hikers recommend bringing bathing suits to enjoy the water, and it's also one of the few dog-friendly parts of the Cape. Many other hikes in the park also loop around the clear ponds, perfect for cooling off on a hot day or enjoying the fall foliage — and fall is the perfect time to visit Cape Cod!

If you prefer to explore on two wheels, you'll love Nickerson's bike paths. More than 10 miles of paved routes wind through the park and connect with the Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 25-mile route that passes through six Cape Cod towns, with Nickerson State Park just about in the middle. You can head west toward South Yarmouth or northeast toward Eastham. Bikers love the trail for its easy access to the sea at multiple points (and to ice cream), as well as the chance to discover local history along the way.

If you want to be on or around the water, you can fish in one of the park's eight ponds (four are stocked with trout for those hoping to catch some dinner). You can take a boat out and fish from there, though be aware that only small boats are allowed, and there's a speed limit — Nickerson welcomes gentle boaters. You can also paddle out onto the lake's calm waters: Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented nearby.

Nickerson State Park is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring more of Cape Cod. It's close to some of the Cape's prettiest towns. Upmarket Chatham is just a few miles south and has a thriving downtown area. Charming, artsy Orleans is even closer and offers access to two beaches, Skaket on the bayside and Nauset, which faces the ocean. Nauset is a favorite among surfers, and there are also lifeguarded swimming areas making it a top spot for families.

Beach lovers will want to continue north past Eastham to enjoy the spectacular Cape Cod National Seashore. There's historic Marconi Beach, backed by towering sand cliffs, and northerly Race Point Beach, where visitors can enjoy blazing sunsets and even see seals and possibly whales from the shore. Race Point is just north of Provincetown, one of the most picturesque towns to visit on the East Coast. This diverse hub offers fabulous restaurants, unique stores and art galleries, and welcoming guesthouses. It's the perfect urban escape from your rural vacation at Nickerson State Park.

Finally, just because you're camping, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on Cape Cod's mouthwatering local dishes. The Cape is famous for its seafood, with fried clams a must-eat. Quahog clams are also a Cape specialty. For something really exceptional, visit the Ocean Edge Resort to try some incredible oysters. The resort is right next to Nickerson State Park, and you don't have to be a guest to enjoy its outstanding restaurants.