Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res
05 reviews149 Waquoit Highway, WAQUOIT, Massachusetts, 02536, United States
Peace & Quiet
Quick Facts
39 ftPrice
$8 - $20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open season for rese...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Quick Facts
39 ftPrice
$8 - $20/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
10 campsites
Season
Open season for rese...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res
$8.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $8 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents. A $4.50 non-refundable transaction charge applies to each reservation.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
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Reserve America
Provider508-457-0495
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What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
135 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulhikingbeach
"User reviews praise the natural beauty, peaceful environment, and opportunities for birdwatching and hiking. Positive feedback emphasizes the unique experience of camping on an island."
Campground Map
149 Waquoit Highway, WAQUOIT, Massachusetts, 02536, United States
Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res
149 Waquoit Highway, WAQUOIT, Massachusetts, 02536, United States
Driving directionsWaquoit Bay National Research Estuarine is located on the southern part of Cape Cod, in southeastern Massachusetts. Access to the island is by private boat only. Overnight parking is available in a large town-administered parking area adjacent to Route 28 and White's Landing Road. Directions from Boston: Follow Route 3 South to the Sagamore Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal. Route 3 becomes Route 6. Take Exit 2 (Route 130), turn right off the ramp, and follow Route 130 South for 7 miles. At Great Neck Road, turn right and follow it for 2 miles to the Mashpee Rotary. From the rotary, take Route 28 North toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. The parking area is located 4 miles from the rotary on the left, next to Bosun's Boatyard and just after crossing the Childs River. Directions from Providence and Points West: Follow Route 495 or 195 to Route 25. Route 25 crosses the Bourne Bridge and becomes Route 28. Follow Route 28 South to Route 151 (first exit after the Cataumet/Otis ANGB Rotary). Turn right off the ramp and follow Route 151 east toward New Seabury and the Mashpee Rotary. At the rotary, take Route 28 North toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. The parking area is located 4 miles from the rotary on the left.
Access to the campground is exclusively by private boat, which can pose navigation challenges for non-boaters. Roads leading to the parking area are paved and suitable for passenger vehicles.Nearby places
Mashpee (approximately 4 miles, 10-minute drive), Falmouth (approximately 15 miles, 25-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
The closest supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, can be found in Mashpee or Falmouth, within a 15-mile radius.
Best Time to Camp at Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res
Four distinct seasons paint Washburn Island in ever-changing colors. Winter brings crisp, clear days perfect for wildlife watching, while summer transforms the island into a warm coastal haven where ocean breezes temper the muggy afternoons. Spring awakens the island with comfortable temperatures ideal for exploration, and autumn arrives with refreshing coolness punctuated by gentle rains that nourish the coastal landscape.
Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Open Memorial Day to Labor Day; summer is peak season with warm, accessible conditions.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended
Camping not allowed after Labor Day; fall season closed for reservations.
Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended
Open season begins Memorial Day; spring camping outside that period not allowed.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Closed outside Memorial Day–Labor Day window; no winter camping.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season for reservations spans Memorial Day to Labor Day; no camping is allowed outside this period.
About Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res
Escape to Washburn Island, where nine secluded tent sites and one group camping area await those adventurous enough to arrive by private boat. This pristine barrier island sanctuary offers the ultimate primitive camping experience, where the only sounds you'll hear are waves lapping against the shore and the calls of coastal birds. Far from roads and crowds, this boat-access-only destination promises an authentic back-to-nature adventure for those seeking true solitude.
The Waquoit Bay campground offers primitive camping sites as well as one group camping site. All sites are tent-only, and there are no RV or cabin accommodations.
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Check-in
1:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Camping equipment is limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a unique primitive camping experience with outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing being the primary attractions. Shellfishing is also listed as an activity within the facility.
HikingHiking opportunities are available on Washburn Island. Trails lead through marshes, beaches, rivers, and woodlands.
FishingFishing is a highlighted activity, offering campers the opportunity to catch their own meals and cook them at the campsite.
BoatingAccess to the campground is exclusively by private boat, underscoring the importance of boating for this experience.
Wildlife viewingThe area offers rich opportunities for observing seabirds and waterbirds. User reviews highlight sightings of birds interacting with wildlife such as snakes.
Beach activitiesUser reviews describe calm and minimally commercialized beaches near the campground, suitable for walking and family outings.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsTicks are present on the island, requiring thorough self-checks. Lack of potable water and unimproved composting toilets may pose challenges for campers.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Weather at Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res
Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the natural beauty, peaceful environment, and opportunities for birdwatching and hiking. Positive feedback emphasizes the unique experience of camping on an island.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Outstanding natural surroundings, non-commercialized beaches, opportunities for birdwatching and observing wildlife, and peaceful hiking trails are commonly praised.
Based on 5 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints specifically listed in the user reviews provided.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring adequate fresh water and provisions, plan for no access to showers or potable water, and carry out all trash. Bringing binoculars for birdwatching is highly recommended.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not explicitly address seasonal variations, but camping during warmer months is implied due to the island's accessibility and outdoor-oriented activities.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This is a simply outstanding area! It's peaceful, well kept and is a beautiful beaches attached to a nature preserve filled with various Birds.' - Lawrie M.
2. 'A beautiful spot which supports...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsite reviews are not provided in the source materials.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and there is a limit of four pets per campsite. User reviews do not elaborate further on pet-related experiences.
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Last updated January 5, 2026
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