Nickerson State Park
Massachusetts DCR- Sites
- 400+
- Fee (MA / nonresident)
- $22 / $70
- Dump station
- Registered campers only
- Facilities
- Restrooms and showers
Best for: The largest campground on the Cape.
Watch out: Nonresident rate is $70 per night.
The short version
The NPS says it plainly: Cape Cod National Seashore does not offer camping. The nearby state options it lists are Nickerson State Park and Wellfleet Hollow Campground, both reserved through ReserveAmerica. Private campgrounds are listed through the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
Nickerson State Park has more than 400 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs. A few permitted self-contained vehicles can camp at Race Point Beach in summer, but the rules are strict and camping trailers are never allowed on the ORV corridor.
Best for
- Beach days from a state-park base
- Rigs that fit Nickerson’s sites
- Self-contained vehicles with a permit
Think twice if
- You expect to camp in the National Seashore. It does not offer camping
- You are a nonresident watching budget. Nickerson is $70 a night for nonresidents
- You are towing a camping trailer and hope to camp on the beach. Trailers are never allowed on the ORV corridor
Rig fit
- SCV camping needs fixed gray and black tanks with at least 3 days’ capacity
- Cassette toilets (some Sprinter vans) are not permitted for SCV camping
- Lower tire pressure to 11 psi recommended, no more than 15 psi at entry
Trip at a glance
| Nickerson State Park | 400+ campsites for tent, trailer or RV. Massachusetts residents $22 per night; nonresidents $70 |
|---|---|
| Dump station | Nickerson: for registered campers only |
| Reservations | ReserveAmerica for Nickerson and Wellfleet Hollow |
| Race Point SCV camping | Permit-only, July 1 through Labor Day, up to 100 vehicles per night, up to 21 nights; each dump authorization covers up to 3 nights |
| Seashore camping | None. The Seashore does not offer camping |
Rig check: where an RV can camp
There are three realistic choices.
- Nickerson State Park
- The state’s large campground in Brewster. Bring a tent, trailer or RV. Length and hookups were not listed on the page.
- Wellfleet Hollow Campground
- The other state option the NPS names. Details were not available.
- Race Point Beach (SCV)
- Self-contained vehicles with a valid ORV office permit; up to 100 vehicles; no tent camping; camping trailers never allowed on the corridor.
- Private campgrounds
- Listed through the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, (888) 33CAPECOD or 508-362-3225.
When to go
Summer is peak season; the Seashore beach camping window is short.
| Time of year | What to expect |
|---|---|
| June | Quieter beaches. Book Nickerson early. |
| July through Labor Day | SCV camping at Race Point Beach runs in this window. |
| September | Warm water, fewer people. |
| Winter | Seashore camping is unavailable. Check Nickerson’s season on ReserveAmerica. |
Where to stay with an RV
Most RVs stay at Nickerson or a private park.
Wellfleet Hollow Campground
State campground- Reservations
- ReserveAmerica
Best for: A campground near the outer Cape named by the NPS.
Watch out: Details not available from the pages we read.
Race Point Beach SCV area
National Park Service- Window
- July 1 to Labor Day
- Capacity
- 100 vehicles
- Stay
- Up to 21 nights
- Permit
- Required
Best for: Beach camping for fully self-contained vehicles.
Watch out: Strict equipment and tire rules; no camping trailers.
Private campgrounds across the Cape are listed through the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. We did not verify specific ones.
Itineraries that work with a rig
Plans assume Nickerson as a base.
3 days: Outer Cape
First visit.
- Day 1. Set up at Nickerson.
- Day 2. Visit the National Seashore beaches.
- Day 3. Head to Provincetown.
5 days: Add Wellfleet
More beaches.
- Days 1–3. Follow the three-day plan.
- Day 4. Explore Wellfleet.
- Day 5. Beach day.
7 days: Slow week
Buffer days.
- Days 1–5. Follow the five-day plan.
- Day 6. Bike trails.
- Day 7. Buffer day.
What not to miss
Race Point Beach
A beach where permitted self-contained vehicles can camp in summer.
Nickerson State Park
A large state park near Brewster.
Wellfleet
Outer Cape beaches and town.
Getting around with a big rig
Know the rule. The Seashore does not offer camping.
Price check. Nickerson is $22 for residents and $70 for nonresidents.
Plan beach camping carefully. The SCV rules are strict.
Fuel, groceries, water and repairs
Brewster, Orleans and Wellfleet have fuel and groceries.
Budget snapshot
Fees from the Mass.gov Nickerson page.
| Item | What we found | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nickerson (MA resident) | $22 per night | — |
| Nickerson (nonresident) | $70 per night | — |
| Yurts | $45–$140 | Small and large; resident/nonresident. |
| SCV permit | See ORV permit page | Not listed on the SCV page. |
Fees are the amounts listed by the managing agency when this guide was checked. Use the budget worksheet to add fuel, groceries and contingency.
Common questions
Can I camp in Cape Cod National Seashore?
No. It does not offer camping, except permitted self-contained vehicles at Race Point Beach.
How many sites does Nickerson have?
More than 400.
Does Nickerson have a dump station?
Yes, for registered campers only.
What is an SCV?
A vehicle with a self-contained toilet and fixed gray and black tanks with at least 3 days’ capacity.
Are trailers allowed on the beach corridor?
Camping trailers are never allowed on the ORV corridor.
Sources and what to recheck
Rules were checked October 15, 2026. Fees, closures and availability will change, so use the official pages below as the source of truth.
- Eating and sleeping — No Seashore camping
- Self-contained vehicle camping — SCV rules
- Nickerson State Park — Sites and fees