Shawme Crowell State Forest

4.67

369 reviews

42 Main St. (Rt. 130), SANDWICH, Massachusetts, 2563, United States

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Spring Camping Massachusetts#1 Fall Camping Massachusetts#1 Forest Camping Massachusetts#1 +5 more

Quick Facts

177 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

285 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

177 ft

Price

$17 - $54/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

285 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Shawme Crowell State Forest

$17.00 - $54.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fee structure includes $17 per night for MA residents and $54 per night for non-residents. Additional $4.50 non-refundable transaction charge for...

Standard Site Fee$17.00

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

Provider

508-888-0351

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 369 reviews

473 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyspaciousstafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"Most user reviews describe Shawme Crowell State Forest as a peaceful campground with spacious, private sites. The staff frequently receive praise for their friendliness, though the bathrooms and showers are noted as areas needing improvement."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

42 Main St. (Rt. 130), SANDWICH, Massachusetts, 2563, United States

Shawme Crowell State Forest

42 Main St. (Rt. 130), SANDWICH, Massachusetts, 2563, United States

Driving directionsFrom the North: Take Rte. 3 South to the Sagamore Bridge and Rte. 6 East. Follow Rte. 6 East over the bridge to Exit 59 and the intersection with Rte. 130 in Sandwich. Follow Rte. 130 into Sandwich and follow the State Forest signs 3 miles to the park entrance on the left. From the West: Take Rte. 495 South to the intersection with Rte. 6 East. Follow Rte. 6 East along the Cape Cod Canal to the intersection with Rte. 3 and the Sagamore Bridge Rotary. Follow Rte. 6 East over the Sagamore Bridge to Exit 59 in Sandwich. Follow Rte. 130 into Sandwich and follow the signs 3 miles to the Park entrance on the left.

Accessible via paved roads; adequate signage with no seasonal closures mentioned. Roads are maintained to support large vehicles and trailers.

Nearby places

Sandwich, MA (3 miles, ~5 mins), Boston, MA (~63 miles, ~1.5 hours), Cape Cod (~20 miles, ~30 mins)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available at Stop & Shop (3 mins away) and a liquor store nearby. Essentials such as firewood and camping basics are sold at the camp store.

Best Time to Camp at Shawme Crowell State Forest

Experience Cape Cod's refreshing coastal climate year-round at Shawme Crowell. Summer brings those famous cool Cape breezes that provide natural air conditioning for comfortable camping, while spring awakens the forest with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Autumn transforms the landscape into a peaceful retreat as visitor numbers dwindle and fall colors emerge. Winter offers a completely different experience—imagine having miles of quiet trails virtually to yourself, perfect for contemplative hikes through the serene, sleeping forest.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season; cool Cape breezes popular although bugs are sometimes a nuisance.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn colors in the oaks and quieter trails make fall attractive for visitors.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant hikes and fewer crowds; forest blooms and mild coastal weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with some services and snow clearing, but not a winter-sports destination.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round but reservations required for all seasons.

About Shawme Crowell State Forest

Welcome to Shawme Crowell State Forest, where 700 pristine acres mark your gateway to Cape Cod adventures. Nestled among rolling hills cloaked in pine and oak, this peaceful retreat offers 285 well-appointed campsites that serve as your basecamp for exploration. Whether you're seeking solitude on winding forest trails or planning equestrian adventures through the woodlands, this tranquil haven provides the perfect blend of accessibility and escape from the everyday.

The campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV/trailer camping, group camping, and yurts.

Historical SignificanceWhile Shawme Crowell State Forest may not boast ancient monuments or historic battlefields, its significance lies in preserving a slice of Cape Cod's natural heritage for future generations to explore and enjoy.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Cape Cod's refreshing coastal climate year-round at Shawme Crowell. Summer brings those famous cool Cape breezes that provide natural air conditioning for comfortable camping, while spring awakens the forest with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Autumn transforms the landscape into a peaceful retreat as visitor numbers dwindle and fall colors emerge. Winter offers a completely different experience—imagine having miles of quiet trails virtually to yourself, perfect for contemplative hikes through the serene, sleeping forest.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates a varied landscape that adds interest to every hike without challenging inexperienced campers, making it perfect for families and adventurers of all skill levels.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a quintessential Cape Cod forest ecosystem where towering pitch pines create a fragrant canopy overhead and hardy scrub oaks paint the understory with seasonal colors. This 700-acre woodland sanctuary comes alive with native wildlife—keep your eyes peeled for deer browsing in the early morning mist, wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush, and countless songbirds filling the air with their melodies. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature's rhythms.

Geological RegionPositioned at Cape Cod's strategic entrance point, Shawme Crowell State Forest showcases the peninsula's characteristic landscape of gently rolling hills shaped by ancient glaciers. The 700-acre expanse features the region's signature pitch pine and scrub oak forests, creating a natural buffer between the mainland and the iconic beaches beyond. This unique geological setting offers campers a taste of authentic Cape Cod wilderness before venturing further onto the peninsula's famous shores.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsite occupancy limited to 4 adults or 2 adults and children.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 20 people and are situated in open areas, separate from single campsites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOrganized into loops with comfort stations. Offers tent-only sites, RV/trailer sites, and yurts.

Reservation PlatformsReserve America

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up camping allowed. Reservations must be made in advance.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations and changes incur a $10 fee. Day-of arrival cancellations require a phone call and result in loss of the first night’s camping fee, plus the $10 cancellation fee.

AccessibilityThe comfort stations in Area 1 and Area 2 are accessible. Yurts are also accessible and located near accessible comfort stations.

Site SizeCampsites come in various sizes, including those suitable for tents, RV/trailers, and group camping. Multiple reviews praise the 'big' and 'roomy' campsites.

PrivacyMost sites provide a sense of privacy with trees separating them. One reviewer mentioned, 'The site we had was very nice and private with trees in between sites.

Total Campsites285 campsites

Recommended SitesArea 1 is noted for isolation due to green buffer zones. Area 2 is preferred for proximity to the playground.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Shawme Crowell State Forest provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and equestrian trails across its 700 acres. Its proximity to Cape Cod beaches and local attractions enhances its appeal to nature enthusiasts.

HikingMore than 15 miles of roads and trails wind through the forest, offering options for both hiking and equestrian activities. One visitor noted, 'The trails were nice to hike.'

Wildlife viewingThe forested setting allows for diverse wildlife observation, with one reviewer stating, 'I love camping here...and the diversity of wildlife I have found.'

Beach activitiesThe campground serves as a base for accessing nearby Cape Cod beaches, which are within driving distance.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoison ivy reported near campsites and traffic noise noted near some areas.

Fire PolicyGenerous fire pit availability. Firewood must be purchased on-site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are available in Sandwich, MA—likely including urgent care and police.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal options are readily available, and staff work diligently to maintain cleanliness throughout the campground.

Water FeaturesNo direct water features. Beaches accessible within 10-minute drive.

Camp HostHosts maintain cleanliness and restocking operations for bathrooms and camping facilities.

Weather at Shawme Crowell State Forest

Reviews

4.7

369 reviews

Top-Rated

Shawme Crowell State Forest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Most user reviews describe Shawme Crowell State Forest as a peaceful campground with spacious, private sites. The staff frequently receive praise for their friendliness, though the bathrooms and showers are noted as areas needing improvement.

Review Summaries

Based on 369 reviews

What Campers Love

Spacious campsites with privacy, friendly staff, well-maintained trails, and proximity to Cape Cod attractions.

Based on 369 reviews

Common Concerns

Bathrooms and showers often reported as unclean, noise from nearby highways, and poor cell phone service.

Based on 369 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra cleaning supplies for bathrooms; choose Area 2 for proximity to the playground; visit Cape Cod beaches for swimming.

Based on 369 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to the cool Cape Cod air and accessibility to beaches. However, some mention bugs as a nuisance during this time.

Based on 369 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The park itself is mostly just a forest, with a few trails. No swimming or major outdoor activities, but gets you on the Cape where you can head out to those things.' 2. 'Bathrooms were another...

Based on 369 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B81 is described as 'nice since we were on a little rotary,' and site A8 received praise for its proximity to the bathhouse and yurts.

Based on 369 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible comfort stations are mentioned, and one review notes the accessibility of yurts.

Based on 369 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with a maximum of four per site. Some reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly policy while staying on campsites.

Based on 369 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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