Shawme-Crowell State Forest

- 42 Main St, Sandwich, MA 02563

For Massachusetts locals yearning for an authentic woodland escape with unparalleled access to the wonders of Cape Cod, Shawme-Crowell State Forest in Sandwich is the perfect destination. This state-run campground, situated on 700 acres of rolling, wooded hills dominated by pitch pine and scrub oak, offers a serene and traditional camping experience right at the gateway to the Cape.

Boasting over 285 campsites, this quiet, family-friendly forest is cherished by campers for its spacious, secluded sites. Unlike many crowded private parks, Shawme-Crowell provides a genuine sense of privacy, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. Each site is equipped with the basics for a true outdoor stay: a picnic table and a fire ring/grill.

The atmosphere here is one of peaceful simplicity. While the camping is generally described as "dry" or primitive—with no individual hookups—the facilities are well-maintained, and the overall experience is highly rated. It’s a popular spot for those who appreciate the quiet of a state forest campsite and the efficiency of a well-run Mass DCR facility. However, be aware that this popular spot requires planning: reservations are mandatory, and walk-in services are not accepted for camping. For many local residents, this balance of natural seclusion and necessary convenience makes Shawme-Crowell State Forest an unbeatable base camp for a Cape Cod adventure.

Shawme-Crowell State Forest is conveniently located at 42 Main St, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA. Its position in Sandwich, right on the western end of Cape Cod, is a key selling point for Massachusetts residents looking to explore the region.

The forest’s location is ideal because it provides a quiet, wooded buffer while maintaining excellent proximity to local amenities and attractions. Unlike more remote state parks, Shawme-Crowell is noted for being close to essential shopping and dining options. Campers will find themselves just a short drive from popular spots like Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Market Basket, making restocking groceries and grabbing a quick morning coffee remarkably easy—a convenience that is often lacking in other state forest campsites.

Furthermore, its location at the beginning of Cape Cod means easy access to the numerous beaches, towns, and attractions of the Cape, including the scenic Cape Cod Canal. A major highlight is the free parking access provided to the nearby Scusset Beach State Reservation when you reserve a campsite, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful stretch of beach along Cape Cod Bay just a short drive away. While RV spots are limited and can be tight for large rigs (many accommodating only up to 20 or 30 feet), the park's accessibility via paved roads makes it a straightforward drive for most campers coming from the Greater Boston area or elsewhere in Massachusetts.

As a well-managed Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) facility, Shawme-Crowell provides a strong suite of services to ensure a comfortable stay, even without individual site hookups.

• Clean Comfort Stations: Features comfort stations with flush toilets and showers located throughout the campground. While some facilities are older, they are regularly cleaned.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient on-site dumping station is available for the use of RV and trailer campers, even though sites lack sewer hookups.
• Drinking Water: Numerous water spigots are spread out by the roads, providing accessible potable water throughout the camping areas.
• Camp Store: A small camp store is available near the entrance, selling essential supplies such as wood and ice, which is essential as outside firewood is prohibited to protect the forest from invasive species.
• Accessibility: Features ADA-accessible campsites and accessible comfort stations within the two main camping areas.
• Waste Management: Provides trash collection and a recycling center for convenient and responsible waste disposal.
• Reservations: All camping must be reserved in advance through the state reservation system; walk-in camping is not allowed during the main season.

The state forest excels in providing both recreational features within the park and easy access to external attractions, making it a highly attractive choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Yurt Rentals: For a unique camping experience, the forest offers a limited number of yurts—canvas-sided, cabin-like structures that include bunk beds, tables, and access to water and electricity (though the electrical service is noted as unreliable for medical devices).
• Extensive Trail System: Over 15 miles of roads and trails are available within the 700-acre forest, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through the picturesque pitch pine and scrub oak terrain.
• Family Recreation Area: The campground includes a dedicated playground for children and a picnic pavilion, primarily located in Area Two, making it a great spot for families.
• Scusset Beach Access: Campers receive a significant perk: free parking access to the beautiful Scusset Beach State Reservation, an excellent beach along Cape Cod Bay.
• Large, Secluded Sites: The individual campsites are consistently praised by reviewers for being spacious, private, and shaded by mature trees, providing a comfortable and quiet retreat.
• Close Proximity to Amenities: Unlike many remote state parks, the campground’s location is a highlight, offering quick access to Sandwich and nearby supermarkets, coffee shops, and restaurants.

For reservations, inquiries about available sites, or other information, please contact the Shawme-Crowell State Forest office.

Address: 42 Main St, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA

Phone: (508) 888-0351

Shawme-Crowell State Forest is supremely suitable for Massachusetts locals because it delivers an exceptional value proposition: a true, quiet nature escape located on prime Cape Cod real estate, all at an affordable state-park price.

For residents across the Commonwealth, this campground serves as the perfect jumping-off point for exploring "The Cape" without the headache and expense of commercial lodging. The ability to set up camp in a private, wooded site and still be a short drive from the beaches, the Cape Cod Canal, and the conveniences of Sandwich and neighboring towns is unparalleled. A local resident's appreciation for practicality is met by the forest's amenities: clean showers, a dump station for RVs, and a well-stocked store.

Furthermore, compared to other popular state camping destinations like Nickerson State Park, Shawme-Crowell is noted for its better access to grocery stores and other town services, a crucial convenience for multi-day family trips. The free pass to Scusset Beach is the final touch, allowing locals to seamlessly integrate a classic Cape Cod beach day into their forest camping trip. For a peaceful, spacious, and strategically located base camp that feels both secluded and connected, Shawme-Crowell State Forest remains a top-tier choice for Massachusetts outdoor enthusiasts.

Shawme-Crowell State Forest

42 Main St, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA