DCR Opens State Campground Reservation Window--Cape Campgrounds Included

DCR Opens State Campground Reservation Window

Advanced reservations now being taken for 28 campgrounds statewide including Nickerson in Brewster, Shawmee Crowell in Sandwich and Scusset Beach State Res. in Sagamore Beach

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has opened the advance reservation window for the agency’s campgrounds.  Beginning Oct. 17, reservations are being accepted at 28 of DCR’s 31 campgrounds across the state for the 2009 season.

For you heartier folks, offseason Cape camping opportunities are available:  Scussett Beach State Reservation, Sagamore Beach, 508-888-0859: October 16, 2008 through April 16, 2009 Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays only; open also the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 2008); open also Sunday Nov 9 and Monday Nov 10 to accomodate Veteran's Day; open also Sunday Jan 18, 2009 to accomodate Martin Luther King Jr. Day; open also Sunday Feb 15, 2009 to accomodate President's Day.  Self-contained campers only; no bathroom facility available off-season; No dumping station available off-season Electric hookups included at each site during off-season; no water hookups available off-season; Reservations accepted; Walk-ins available first come, first serve Shawme Crowell State Forest, Sandwich, 508-888-0351: October 16, 2008 through April 16, 2009 Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays only; open also the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31, 2008); open also Sunday Nov 9 and Monday Nov 10 to accomodate Veteran's Day; open also Sunday Jan 18, 2009 to accomodate Martin Luther King Jr. Day; open also Sunday Feb 15, 2009 to accomodate President's Day. Heated bathroom facility available off-season; No dumping station available off-season; No hookups; Reservations accepted; Walk-ins available first come, first serve

DCR manages about 3,800 campsites in campgrounds across the Commonwealth, from the Berkshires to Outer Cape Cod.  Six of these campgrounds will open on Friday, April 17, 2009, and the remainder will open on varying dates throughout May and June 2009.  A detailed schedule is attached.

“Camping is an easy and affordable way to enjoy the natural beauty of Massachusetts, and DCR’s state parks are a great place to camp,” said DCR Commissioner Richard K. Sullivan Jr. “Even those who have never camped before should give this a try. Massachusetts state parks and forests are beautiful, peaceful places to spend some vacation time.”

Campsite fees range from $8-$15 per night for Massachusetts residents, and $10-$17 per night for out-of-state residents.

Campers should note that the campground at Massasoit State Park will be closed for the 2009 season, as the electric system servicing the campground is in need of repair. As an alternative, DCR encourages campers in southeastern Massachusetts to enjoy nearby Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport on the west side of Buzzards Bay, or Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sandwich, on Cape Cod Bay at the eastern end of the Cape Cod Canal.

To make a reservation for a DCR campground, call ReserveAmerica’s toll-free reservation line, 877-I-CAMP-MA (877-422-6762) or 877-620-0833 (TTY), or visit www.reserveamerica.com.  For more information about camping in DCR’s state parks, go online to www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/camping.htm.