Shawme Crowell State Forest
00 review42 Main St. (Rt. 130), SANDWICH, Massachusetts, 2563, United States
Shawme Crowell State Forest
$17.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$17.00
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$0.00
Fee structure includes $17 per night for MA residents and $54 per night for non-residents. Additional $4.50 non-refundable transaction charge for each reservation. Firewood is available for $7 per bundle (credit card only).
About this campground
Welcome to Shawme Crowell State Forest, where 700 pristine acres mark your gateway to Cape Cod adventures. Nestled among rolling hills cloaked in pine and oak, this peaceful retreat offers 285 well-appointed campsites that serve as your basecamp for exploration. Whether you're seeking solitude on winding forest trails or planning equestrian adventures through the woodlands, this tranquil haven provides the perfect blend of accessibility and escape from the everyday.
The campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV/trailer camping, group camping, and yurts.
Historical SignificanceWhile Shawme Crowell State Forest may not boast ancient monuments or historic battlefields, its significance lies in preserving a slice of Cape Cod's natural heritage for future generations to explore and enjoy.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Cape Cod's refreshing coastal climate year-round at Shawme Crowell. Summer brings those famous cool Cape breezes that provide natural air conditioning for comfortable camping, while spring awakens the forest with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Autumn transforms the landscape into a peaceful retreat as visitor numbers dwindle and fall colors emerge. Winter offers a completely different experience—imagine having miles of quiet trails virtually to yourself, perfect for contemplative hikes through the serene, sleeping forest.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates a varied landscape that adds interest to every hike without challenging inexperienced campers, making it perfect for families and adventurers of all skill levels.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a quintessential Cape Cod forest ecosystem where towering pitch pines create a fragrant canopy overhead and hardy scrub oaks paint the understory with seasonal colors. This 700-acre woodland sanctuary comes alive with native wildlife—keep your eyes peeled for deer browsing in the early morning mist, wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush, and countless songbirds filling the air with their melodies. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
Geological RegionPositioned at Cape Cod's strategic entrance point, Shawme Crowell State Forest showcases the peninsula's characteristic landscape of gently rolling hills shaped by ancient glaciers. The 700-acre expanse features the region's signature pitch pine and scrub oak forests, creating a natural buffer between the mainland and the iconic beaches beyond. This unique geological setting offers campers a taste of authentic Cape Cod wilderness before venturing further onto the peninsula's famous shores.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe comfort stations in Area 1 and Area 2 are accessible. Yurts are also accessible and located near accessible comfort stations.
Sites SizeCampsites come in various sizes, including those suitable for tents, RV/trailers, and group camping. Multiple reviews praise the 'big' and 'roomy' campsites.
Sites PrivacyMost sites provide a sense of privacy with trees separating them. One reviewer mentioned, 'The site we had was very nice and private with trees in between sites.'
Total Campsites285 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArea 1 is noted for isolation due to green buffer zones. Area 2 is preferred for proximity to the playground.
Best CampsitesSite B81 is described as spacious and safe for children. Yurt sites get favorable reviews for privacy and amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsite occupancy limited to 4 adults or 2 adults and children.
Groups
Group sites can accommodate up to 20 people and are situated in open areas, separate from single campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOrganized into loops with comfort stations. Offers tent-only sites, RV/trailer sites, and yurts.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round but reservations required for all seasons.
Reservation PlatformsReserve America
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up camping allowed. Reservations must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations and changes incur a $10 fee. Day-of arrival cancellations require a phone call and result in loss of the first night’s camping fee, plus 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.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Shawme Crowell State Forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and equestrian trails across its 700 acres. Its proximity to Cape Cod beaches and local attractions enhances its appeal to nature enthusiasts.
Hiking
More than 15 miles of roads and trails wind through the forest, offering options for both hiking and equestrian activities. One visitor noted, 'The trails were nice to hike.'Wildlife viewing
The forested setting allows for diverse wildlife observation, with one reviewer stating, 'I love camping here...and the diversity of wildlife I have found.'Beach activities
The campground serves as a base for accessing nearby Cape Cod beaches, which are within driving distance.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Generous fire pit availability. Firewood must be purchased on-site.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPoison ivy reported near campsites and traffic noise noted near some areas.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest emergency services are available in Sandwich, MA—likely including urgent care and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal options are readily available, and staff work diligently to maintain cleanliness throughout the campground.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct water features. Beaches accessible within 10-minute drive.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of cell phone service, dirty bathrooms, noise from traffic and nearby homes, and poison ivy.
HostHosts maintain cleanliness and restocking operations for bathrooms and camping facilities.
Campground Map
42 Main St. (Rt. 130), SANDWICH, Massachusetts, 2563, United States
Driving directionsFrom the North: Take Rte. 3 South to the Sagamore Bridge and Rte. 6 East. Follow Rte. 6 East over the bridge to Exit 59 and the intersection with Rte. 130 in Sandwich. Follow Rte. 130 into Sandwich and follow the State Forest signs 3 miles to the park entrance on the left. From the West: Take Rte. 495 South to the intersection with Rte. 6 East. Follow Rte. 6 East along the Cape Cod Canal to the intersection with Rte. 3 and the Sagamore Bridge Rotary. Follow Rte. 6 East over the Sagamore Bridge to Exit 59 in Sandwich. Follow Rte. 130 into Sandwich and follow the signs 3 miles to the Park entrance on the left.
Accessible via paved roads; adequate signage with no seasonal closures mentioned. Roads are maintained to support large vehicles and trailers.Nearby places
Sandwich, MA (3 miles, ~5 mins), Boston, MA (~63 miles, ~1.5 hours), Cape Cod (~20 miles, ~30 mins)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available at Stop & Shop (3 mins away) and a liquor store nearby. Essentials such as firewood and camping basics are sold at the camp store.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Shawme Crowell State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Most user reviews describe Shawme Crowell State Forest as a peaceful campground with spacious, private sites. The staff frequently receive praise for their friendliness, though the bathrooms and showers are noted as areas needing improvement.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Spacious campsites with privacy, friendly staff, well-maintained trails, and proximity to Cape Cod attractions.
Common Concerns
Bathrooms and showers often reported as unclean, noise from nearby highways, and poor cell phone service.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra cleaning supplies for bathrooms; choose Area 2 for proximity to the playground; visit Cape Cod beaches for swimming.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season due to the cool Cape Cod air and accessibility to beaches. However, some mention bugs as a nuisance during this time.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The park itself is mostly just a forest, with a few trails. No swimming or major outdoor activities, but gets you on the Cape where you can head out to those things.'
2. 'Bathrooms were another...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site B81 is described as 'nice since we were on a little rotary,' and site A8 received praise for its proximity to the bathhouse and yurts.
Accessibility Features
Accessible comfort stations are mentioned, and one review notes the accessibility of yurts.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, with a maximum of four per site. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policy while staying on campsites.
Last updated August 10, 2025