Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Closed — Closed for the season. The 2025 camping season ran from May 23 to October 13 on Friday and Saturday nights only. Reservations for the next season open via ReserveAmerica and require at least 24 hours advance notice.

About

Located within Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on the south shore of Cape Cod, Washburn Island provides a unique primitive camping experience on one of the area's last large undeveloped coastal properties. Accessible only by private boat, the 330-acre island is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation as part of the Reserve's mission to foster research, education, and recreation in coastal systems. The island offers ten wilderness campsites: nine family sites accommodating up to four people and two tents each, and one group site for up to 25 people and ten tents. Three composting toilets serve the camping area. The island's habitats include barrier beach, oak and pine forest, and coastal salt ponds, with most vegetation dating from after World War II. Nature trails provide opportunities for exploration and wildlife viewing. The barrier beaches provide important nesting habitat for piping plovers and other shorebirds, and pets are prohibited from outer beaches on Vineyard Sound to protect these threatened species. This is strictly carry-in, carry-out camping with no potable water, showers, electricity, or supplies available on the island. Campers must bring all fresh water and provisions by boat, either beaching their craft or anchoring and wading ashore. Island managers are stationed during the summer season. Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings using downed wood from the campground area or pre-purchased firewood; outside firewood is prohibited to prevent pest introduction. Camping operates on Friday and Saturday nights only during the season.

Directions

Accessible only by private boat. Visitors must launch from nearby boat ramps in Waquoit Bay and either beach their boats on Washburn Island or anchor and wade ashore. The island is located in Waquoit Bay off the south shore of Cape Cod in Falmouth. Overnight parking during June 20 through August 31 is available at East Falmouth Elementary School, 33 Davisville Road, East Falmouth. Outside these dates, campers must arrange their own parking on non-DCR property.

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