Shawme-Crowell State Forest
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
