Nickerson State Park
00 review3488 Main Street, BREWSTER, Massachusetts, 02631, United States
Nickerson State Park
$22.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$7.00
Campground fees are $22 per night for Massachusetts residents and $70 per night for non-residents, with an additional non-resident legislated $5 per night surcharge. There is also a $4.50 non-refundable transaction charge for each reservation.
About this campground
Escape to a woodland sanctuary where 418 campsites nestle beneath towering pines and ancient oaks at Nickerson State Park, Cape Cod's premier camping destination. Here, miles of smooth bicycle trails wind through fragrant forests, leading adventurers to eight pristine freshwater ponds perfect for swimming on warm summer days. Each generously-sized campsite offers a private retreat in nature, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and birdsong echoing through the canopy.
Nickerson State Park provides diverse camping options, including tent-only sites, pop-up camper sites, standard non-electric sites, group camping, and yurts.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time among the park's remarkable kettle ponds, natural wonders sculpted by massive glaciers as they retreated from Cape Cod over 10,000 years ago. These geological treasures serve as windows into the Cape's ancient past, when ice sheets a mile thick carved and shaped the landscape we cherish today.
ElevationDetails about elevation are not provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a enchanting landscape where aromatic pine groves blend seamlessly with majestic oak forests, creating a natural cathedral of green. The park's crown jewels are its crystal-clear kettle ponds—rare geological formations that exist as self-contained ecosystems, fed only by rainfall and underground springs rather than rivers or streams. This unique hydrology creates exceptionally pure waters that shimmer like scattered sapphires throughout the forest.
Geological RegionDiscover the wonders of Cape Cod's southern region at Nickerson State Park, where ancient geological forces created a landscape unlike anywhere else in New England. The park's famous kettle ponds stand as monuments to the last ice age, formed when massive chunks of glacial ice melted in place over 10,000 years ago, leaving behind these perfectly circular depressions that now cradle some of the Cape's cleanest and most inviting waters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible comfort stations are available in Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, while Areas 6, 6X, and 7 do not have any accessible facilities. All accessible campsites are located near the accessible comfort station in Area 4.
Sites SizeAccommodations include spaces for tents, pop-ups, and standard non-electric sites. Some group sites and yurts are also available.
Sites PrivacyNo specific details provided regarding campsite privacy.
Total Campsites418 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near Flax Pond for scenic views and proximity to the water.
Best CampsitesArea-specific details in authoritative content include sites with private paths to Flax Pond.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsite occupancy is limited to four adults or two adults and the children in their care.
Groups
Group sites accommodate up to 20 people and are available in Areas 6X and designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutAreas are organized by loops, including comfort stations.
Open and Closed SeasonBetween Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Reservation PlatformsReservations required; no walk-ins allowed.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; reservations required for all camping.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations and changes incur a $10 fee. Day-of-arrival cancellations require direct contact with the campground and result in loss of one night's fee and the $10 cancellation fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
GlampingGlamping options are available for visitors looking to enjoy nature with added comfort. These upgraded accommodations offer a unique blend of outdoor atmosphere and modern convenience.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Nickerson State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities catering to diverse interests. Campers can enjoy hiking, biking trails, freshwater swimming, canoeing, and fishing. Seasonal interpretive programs are also available for families and individuals.
Hiking
The park features hiking trails that wind through the wooded areas and around its kettle ponds. These trails are suitable for various skill levels and connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail for extended hiking or biking opportunities.Fishing
The ponds at Nickerson are stocked year-round with trout, and other species may also be present. Catch-and-release fishing is promoted at specific ponds like Higgins Pond.Swimming
Designated swimming areas are available at Flax and Cliff Ponds, where campers can also canoe.Biking
An eight-mile bike path exists within the park, and it connects directly to the 26-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, making it ideal for both casual and experienced bikers.Boating
Boating activities include canoeing and kayaking at Flax and Cliff Ponds. There is a 10 HP maximum engine limit for Big Cliff Pond, and only electric motors are allowed at Flax Pond.Wildlife viewing
Campers can enjoy bird watching and other wildlife viewing, particularly near the ponds and wooded areas.Cultural and Educational Programs
Seasonal interpretive and recreational programs are offered by park staff, targeting various age groups and interests.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned in the provided material.Water Sports
Includes canoeing and kayaking at designated ponds.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood transportation restricted; firewood sales at $7 per bundle.
Hazards
General hazardsElectrical service is not sufficiently reliable for medical equipment use.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency contact for Ranger Station: 508-896-3491. Additional details about emergency services are unavailable.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific mention of trash and recycling facilities, though the campground prohibits the transportation of external firewood.
Proximity to water featuresSites near Flax Pond are highlighted for swimming and canoeing.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention dated bathroom facilities and limited comfort stations in some areas.
Campground Map
3488 Main Street, BREWSTER, Massachusetts, 02631, United States
Driving directionsOnce on Cape Cod take Rte. 6 East to Exit 89 in Orleans. Turn left off the ramp onto Rte. 6A West. Follow Rte. 6A West 2 miles to Nickerson State Park on the left.
The campground is directly accessible from major highways via paved roads. Seasonal road closures and navigation challenges are not mentioned.Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Nickerson State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Nickerson State Park is well-regarded for its clean facilities, wide range of activities, and family-friendly environment. The campground has been described as "one of the best in Massachusetts" by users.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Highlights from user reviews include the cleanliness of the campground, the variety of activities for all ages, and the friendly atmosphere among campers. Families particularly recommend it as a safe...
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Common Concerns
Bathrooms, while cleaned regularly, were noted to be dated in appearance. Limited accessibility for some facilities and the absence of certain amenities like dish sinks were also mentioned.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend campsites near Flax Pond for privacy and accessibility to the water. Bringing additional lighting and portable dishwashing setups could be helpful due to the lack of dish sinks.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the peak season for camping at Nickerson, with favorable weather and enhanced availability of recreational programs. Winter lacks specific activities, and many facilities may be limited.
Camper Quotes
"Our site featured a path directly to a private section of Flax Pond. Many sites are easy to park a large camper in." - Eli. "Nice clean campground. Bathrooms are okay, clean but dated." - Deborah...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near Flax Pond are highlighted for their views and convenient access to the water, making them highly recommended by users.
Accessibility Features
Accessible comfort stations are concentrated in certain areas, with Area 4 being the most equipped for disabled users.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed across most campsites, with a maximum of four pets per site. However, pets are not permitted in yurts.
Last updated August 10, 2025