🌤 Weather at Shawme-Crowell State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–65 °F | 56–77 °F | 35–70 °F | 20–44 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at E Sandwich, 3 mi away, elevation 150 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cape Cod’s Largest Campground — 285 Campsites in Pitch Pine Forest, Yurts, 15+ Miles of Trails, Minutes from Sandwich Village & Heritage Museums
Shawme-Crowell State Forest is a state forest in Sandwich, Barnstable County, Massachusetts, at the gateway to Cape Cod. The forest features over 285 campsites in a pitch pine and scrub oak setting, yurts with electricity, 15+ miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding, a playground, pavilion, dump station, restrooms with showers, and proximity to Sandwich Village, Heritage Museums & Gardens, and Cape Cod beaches.
Shawme-Crowell is Cape Cod’s premier camping destination — with 285+ sites in a wooded pitch pine and scrub oak forest just minutes from Sandwich Village, one of Cape Cod’s most charming historic towns. Yurts with electricity offer a step up from tent camping. 15+ miles of roads and trails wind through the forest for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. The campground sits at the Cape Cod Canal gateway, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the entire peninsula. Sandwich’s Heritage Museums & Gardens, historic glass museum, and the Boardwalk to Town Neck Beach are all within a short drive.
Things to Do
Camping
- 285+ campsites — tent + RV (no hookups)
- Yurts — electricity, water access
- Dump station
- Restrooms with showers
- ADA-accessible sites available
Trails
- 15+ miles of roads and trails
- Hiking, horseback riding, MTB
- Cross-country skiing (winter)
Nearby
- Sandwich Village — historic downtown
- Heritage Museums & Gardens
- Cape Cod Canal — bike path
- Town Neck Beach — via Boardwalk
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 42 Main St (Rt. 130), Sandwich, MA 02563 |
| Region | Cape Cod gateway — Upper Cape |
| Campsites | 285+ — tent/RV, no hookups |
| Yurts | Available — electricity, water access |
| Trails | 15+ miles — hiking, horseback, MTB |
| Facilities | Showers, restrooms, dump station, playground, pavilion |
| Reservations | Required — ReserveAmerica |
| Firewood | Must purchase on-site — no outside firewood |
| Restrictions | No alcohol |
| Coordinates | 41.7539° N, 70.5121° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Cape Cod beaches; full facilities; Sandwich Village alive; beach boardwalk; long days | Book EARLY — fills fast; no alcohol; no outside firewood |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Cranberry harvest; quieter; crisp air; fall foliage; shoulder pricing | Reduced services; cooler nights; some facilities close |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Reopening; birding; wildflowers; quiet trails; whale watching nearby | Cool; limited services early season |
| Winter | Cross-country skiing; closed to camping but trails open | Campground CLOSED; cold; limited access |
Visitor Tips
- Cape Cod basecamp: Shawme-Crowell is the ideal Cape Cod basecamp — 285+ sites at the canal gateway with easy access to the entire peninsula.
- Book early: Summer sites fill fast — reserve through ReserveAmerica well in advance.
- No firewood imports: Massachusetts prohibits outside firewood — buy on-site to prevent invasive species spread.
- No alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the campground.
- Sandwich Village: Walk or drive to historic Sandwich Village for restaurants, the glass museum, and Heritage Museums & Gardens.
- Boardwalk: The Sandwich Boardwalk leads to Town Neck Beach on Cape Cod Bay — a short drive from camp.
Wildlife & Nature
Shawme-Crowell SF — 742 acres at the gateway to Cape Cod. The forest’s pitch pine-oak, cranberry bogs, and kettle ponds support eastern box turtles, coyotes, and red foxes. Whip-poor-wills call at dusk — their numbers are declining across New England.
Nearby Attractions
Sandwich — adjacent — the oldest town on Cape Cod (1637). Sandwich Glass Museum — 2 miles east. Heritage Museums & Gardens — 2 miles east. Cape Cod Canal — 2 miles north.
Can you camp on Cape Cod at Shawme-Crowell?
Yes — Shawme-Crowell State Forest in Sandwich, Massachusetts, offers over 285 campsites in a pitch pine forest at the gateway to Cape Cod. The campground includes tent and RV sites (no hookups), yurts with electricity, restrooms with showers, a dump station, playground, and pavilion. 15+ miles of trails are available for hiking and horseback riding. Reservations are required through ReserveAmerica. No alcohol and no outside firewood are allowed. The forest is minutes from Sandwich Village, Heritage Museums, and Cape Cod beaches.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Scusset Beach State Reservation (a short drive away) and Ellisville Harbor State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Shawme-Crowell State Forest: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 285 sites — Over 285 wooded campsites; two parking spots provided per campsite. Fee: $17/night MA resident, $54/night non-resident. Restrooms and hot showers on site. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 6 yurts, all ADA accessible. Small yurt $45/night MA resident, $120/night non-resident; Large yurt $55/night MA resident, $140/night non-resident. |
| Pets | Dogs allowed at campsites (leashed, rabies vaccination certificate required at check-in). |
| Reservations | Via ReserveAmerica (massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com) or phone 877-422-6762. Reservations 1 day to 4 months in advance; same-day until 2 p.m. on arrival date. Walk-in registration not permitted. Group camping $35/night MA resident, $100/night non-resident. Campground office open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m. |
| Special sites | Group camping available. Trailer/RV dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Camping runs from early summer to the fall. |
Camping questions about Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Can you camp at Shawme-Crowell State Forest?
Yes. Shawme-Crowell State Forest has 285 campsites. Over 285 wooded campsites; two parking spots provided per campsite. Fee: $17/night MA resident, $54/night non-resident. Restrooms and hot showers on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Shawme-Crowell State Forest?
Via ReserveAmerica (massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com) or phone 877-422-6762. Reservations 1 day to 4 months in advance; same-day until 2 p.m. on arrival date. Walk-in registration not permitted. Group camping $35/night MA resident, $100/night non-resident. Campground office open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Are there cabins at Shawme-Crowell State Forest?
6 yurts, all ADA accessible. Small yurt $45/night MA resident, $120/night non-resident; Large yurt $55/night MA resident, $140/night non-resident.
Are pets allowed at the Shawme-Crowell State Forest campground?
Dogs allowed at campsites (leashed, rabies vaccination certificate required at check-in).
Source: mass.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Shawme-Crowell State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at Shawme-Crowell State Forest?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Shawme-Crowell State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
