Waquoit Bay Nat. Estuarine Res

Overview

Brochure InfoAccessible by private boat only and located off the coast of Cape Cod, camping on Washburn Island, is a unique camping experience. This rustic camping trip will require some additional planning: composting toilets only, no showers, no supplies and campers must bring their own fresh water.Brochure Info - OrientationThe Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is located on the south shore of Cape Cod, in the towns of Falmouth and Mashpee. It encompasses some 2,700 acres of open waters, barrier beaches, marshlands and uplands. Washburn Island, South Cape Beach State Park, Reserve Headquarters and the Quashnet River Corridor are components of the Reserve which include trails through or near marshes, beaches, rivers and woodlands. The Waquoit Bay Reserve is representative of typical shallow bay environments, from Chesapeake Bay to Cape Cod.Brochure Info - RecreationWashburn Island, located off the coast in Waquoit Bay, offers hiking trails and a unique primitive camping experience. Access to Washburn Island is by private boat only. Camping on an island gives you the perfect excuse to fish the day away, then later cook your catch.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsCamping on Washburn Island is accessible by private boat only and offers nine tent-only campsites, plus one group site. Unimproved composting toilets, no access to potable water, no showers. Please plan to bring one gallon of fresh water per person per day. There is no access by vehicle and NO HOOKUPS or dumping station available at this campground.Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsWhile in the area, be sure to visit other nearby DCR properties: Shawme Crowell State Forest, Barnstable State Forest, Nickerson State Park and Scusset Beach State Reservation. For more information: click hereKey InfoSpecific to this facility: This is an island and rustic camping experience. There is no fresh water, flush toilets, showers or telephones on the island. Access to this primitive camping area is by private boat only. Please bring adequate potable water to provide each member of your party with one gallon of water per day. Please carry out everything you carried in. Ticks are present on Washburn Island. Please check yourself thoroughly. There are two nearby launch sites available, however parking is only available at White's Landing (see directions in Please read the important information below, prior to making a reservation. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds. Campsite Fees at Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Reserve $8 for MA resident / $20 for non-resident. THERE IS A $4.50 NON-REFUNDABLE TRANSACTION CHARGE FOR EACH RESERVATION MADE. Massachusetts prohibits the transportation of firewood into or out of any DCR campground. Firewood must be purchased at the campground. Transportation of firewood or other wood products, may result in eviction. PLEASE NOTE THAT FIREWOOD SALES ARE BY CREDIT CARD ONLY. EFFECTIVE 2021, THE COST IS $7 PER BUNDLE. Check-in time is 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am. The use of generators is not permitted during quiet hours except for the purpose of operating a medical device. Reservation and Occupancy: Camping equipment is limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Violators of the 14-day limit may have their reservation cancelled and be asked to leave the park. Reservations must be in the name of the primary occupant, who is at least 18 years of age. A photo ID is required at check- in and must match the name on the reservation. Campsite occupancy is limited to four adults, or two adults and the children in their care. Campsites are limited to two tents. Reservations with departure dates outside the 6-month maximum window cannot be changed or cancelled until 18 days after the reservation was made. Cancellations and changes will incur a $10 fee. Day of arrival cancellations require a phone call to the campground and will result in the loss of the first night camping fee, plus the $10 cancellation fee. Reserved campsites will be held until 8:00 am on the day after your scheduled arrival date. If we are not contacted, your reservation will be no-showed resulting in no refund. Camping with Pets: Pets are permitted at most campgrounds and there is a limit of four pets per campsite. A current rabies certificate must be presented at check-in. Pets must be leashed at all times and cannot be left unattended. Pets are not permitted in state buildings or when camping in a yurt or cabin.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionWaquoit 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 only available in a large town administered parking area, adjacent to the intersection of Route 28 and White's Landing Road. Follow Route 28 North toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. The Landing's parking are is located 4 miles from the rotary on the left, next to Bosun's Boatyard and just after crossing Childs River. From Boston: Follow Route 3 South to the Sagamore Bridge over the Cape Cod Canal. Route 3 crosses over the bridge and becomes Route 6. Take Exit 2 (Route 130). Turn right off the ramp and follow 130 South 7 miles to the 4th set of lights at Great Neck Road, turn right onto Great Neck Road and follow it 2 miles to the Mashpee Rotary. Halfway around the rotary, take Route 28 North toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. Follow Route 28 north toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. The Landing's parking are is located 4 miles from the rotary on the left, next to Bosun's Boatyard and just after crossing the Childs River. From Providence and Points West: Follow Route 495 or 195 to Route 25. Route 25 crosses over 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 151 east toward New Seabury and the Mashpee Rotary. At the rotary, take Route 28 toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. Follow Route 28 north toward Falmouth/Woods Hole. The Landing's parking are is located 4 miles from the rotary on the left, next to Bosun's Boatyard and just after crossing the Childs River. Campground Phone Number: 508-457-0495, x 101 Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation Desc Please read our Fees and Cancellation Policies Reservations must be in the name of the primary occupant. Reservations with departure dates outside the 6-month maximum window cannot be changed or canceled until 18 days after the reservation was made. If you choose to cancel or change your reservation, a $10 fee will be charged. The reservation transaction fee is non-refundable. Refunds of $5 or less cannot be processed. If you leave early, please checkout at the contact station. Cancellations made on the day of arrival must be made by calling the campground and will result in the loss of the first night's camping fee plus a $10 cancellation fee. If you are unable to arrive on your scheduled arrival date, you must call the campground and let them know. Failure to contact the park by 8 a.m. the morning following your scheduled arrival date may result in your campsite being reassigned to another camper and forfeiture of fees paid.