Scusset Beach Campground

- Unnamed Road, Sandwich, MA 02563

For Massachusetts residents seeking a quintessential coastal camping experience without crossing a state border, Scusset Beach Campground offers a truly unique and highly sought-after destination. Located at the eastern entrance of the iconic Cape Cod Canal in Sandwich, this Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) facility provides a prime spot for enjoying two of the Commonwealth's greatest natural assets: the stunning sandy shoreline of Cape Cod Bay and the engineering marvel of the Cape Cod Canal. It serves as a peaceful, no-frills retreat where the focus is firmly placed on the natural surroundings and outdoor activities.

The campground is celebrated by locals for its quiet, clean environment, making it an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It’s an ideal escape from the bustle of daily life, offering a chance to reconnect with nature, where—as one reviewer noted—kids learn to play, ride bikes, and enjoy themselves without the constant distraction of a screen. The dual proximity to both the canal and the expansive beach means that a day of saltwater swimming, sunbathing, or world-class fishing is always just a short walk away. With both RV and limited tent sites available, Scusset Beach Campground is recognized as a hidden gem that, with a bit of TLC from the DCR, easily stands as a five-star area for a memorable Massachusetts getaway in the spring, summer, and fall.

Location and Accessibility

Scusset Beach Campground is brilliantly positioned at the very hinge of Cape Cod, located on the mainland side of the Canal in Sandwich, MA. Its official address points to Unnamed Road, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA, placing it within the Scusset Beach State Reservation. This location is easily accessible for Massachusetts residents, particularly those traveling from Greater Boston, Worcester, or the South Shore, as it sits just off the Bourne Bridge approach, eliminating the need to cross the often-congested Sagamore Bridge and drive deep into the Cape.

The campground’s distinct geographical advantage lies in its two primary waterfront exposures. To the north, it faces the open waters of Cape Cod Bay, featuring a long, sandy beach perfect for swimming and sunbathing. To the south, it borders the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, a major shipping channel that provides some of the best fishing opportunities in the state. An accessible fish pier and a 3,000-foot stone jetty further enhance the canal access for anglers and ship-watchers alike.

For those traveling in large recreational vehicles, access is straightforward. The campground is designed to accommodate larger RVs, with back-in sites capable of handling rigs up to 40 feet in length, including those pulling a tow vehicle. The proximity to historic Plymouth and the rest of Cape Cod means that day trips to local attractions, museums, and seaside towns are easily manageable, making it an optimal base camp for exploring southeastern Massachusetts.

Services Offered

As a state-operated DCR facility, Scusset Beach Campground provides essential services focused on safety, convenience, and a straightforward, traditional camping experience.

• RV Site Utilities: The park offers a total of 98 RV-only sites, all equipped with both water and electric hookups (20/30/50-Amp service). Note that sites are back-in only, and campers should consider bringing an extra-long water hose due to shared hookup locations at some sites. There are no individual sewer hookups on the sites.
• Dump Station: A central trailer/RV dumping station is provided on-site for the use of registered campers only, offering a necessary service for self-contained RV units.
• Comfort Station: The campground includes a comfort station with restrooms and hot showers, though some customer reviews suggest these facilities, while clean, are in need of modernization and TLC.
• Seasonal Concessions and Restrooms: During the peak summer season, the main beach area offers a bathhouse with restrooms and showers, along with a concession stand for basic food and snacks.
• Campfire Policy: Campfires are restricted. They are permitted only in the fire rings provided at the five dedicated tent sites and at a communal community fire pit located near the entrance. Open wood-burning fires are generally not permitted at the main RV sites, though portable propane fire pits are typically allowed.
• Lifeguard Services: Lifeguards are on duty at the main beach during the peak summer season, ensuring a safer swimming experience in Cape Cod Bay.

Features / Highlights

Scusset Beach Campground's unique features make it one of the most desirable state camping locations for Massachusetts residents.

• Direct Cape Cod Bay Beach Access: The campground is steps away from a beautiful, expansive sandy ocean beach on Cape Cod Bay, featuring beach wheelchairs and accessible boardwalks for maximum enjoyment.
• Cape Cod Canal Access and Bike Path: The park offers direct access to the Cape Cod Canal and the paved, flat, 7-mile service road that runs alongside it. This path is perfect for bicycling, walking, running, and rollerblading while watching large ships transit the canal.
• Premier Fishing Destination: Saltwater fishing is a major draw. Opportunities exist at the large, accessible fish pier, along the jetty, and from the canal frontage road, offering some of the best shore-based fishing in the region.
• Family-Oriented, Quiet Environment: The atmosphere is praised as quiet and simple, focusing on outdoor fun with a deliberate lack of high-tech amenities like cable TV or public internet, promoting a healthy, unplugged experience for children and adults alike.
• Sagamore Hill Historic Site: The park includes Sagamore Hill, a historic Native American meeting ground and World War II coastal fortification site, which offers a trail with commanding views of the canal's entrance and the bay.
• Pet-Friendly Camping: Pets are allowed within the campground (with certain restrictions), enabling Massachusetts families to bring their favorite companions on their vacation (note: pets are typically prohibited on the main beach area during the summer season).

Contact Information

As Scusset Beach Campground is a DCR facility, reservations are highly recommended and often required well in advance, especially for the popular summer season. No walk-in camping is allowed.

Physical Address (Reservation Area): Unnamed Road, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA

Phone: (207) 263-0382 (Note: Use the general Mass DCR reservation system contact for booking, as the provided number may be a specific park office or general contact.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Scusset Beach Campground is perfectly suited for Massachusetts locals because it provides an iconic, high-value coastal camping experience with unparalleled access to two of the Commonwealth's most remarkable landmarks: Cape Cod Bay and the Canal. For state residents, the camping fees are significantly lower than those for out-of-state visitors, ensuring this beautiful location remains an accessible and affordable family tradition. Its strategic location just over the Bourne Bridge eliminates the worst of the Cape traffic, maximizing vacation time. For the avid bicyclist, the paved Canal path is a flat, scenic paradise right outside the campsite. For the fisherman, the jetty and pier offer year-round opportunities. Critically, the quiet, back-to-basics atmosphere provides the essential family downtime that so many are seeking. Scusset Beach Campground is more than just a place to park an RV; it’s a treasured Massachusetts State Reservation that provides a simple, memorable, and nature-focused gateway to the best of coastal life.

Scusset Beach Campground

Unnamed Road, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA