Cape Cod's Hidden Gem: A Top Spot for Camping, Boating, and Hiking Near Brewster

Discovering the Hidden Charm of Brewster and Nickerson State Park

Cape Cod, known for its white sand beaches, summer crowds, and more recently, great white sharks, is one of New England’s most popular and picturesque tourist destinations. Over the years, Massachusetts’ elbow has attracted A-list politicians, musicians, and celebrities. Summer vacationers — often referred to as "Washashores" — have loyalties to different towns on the Cape. Some prefer Chatham for its upscale shopping, while others might choose to spend time gallery hopping in Provincetown. Then there's Brewster, an underrated community on Cape Cod that offers fresh seafood and charming beaches.

About a 5-minute drive from Brewster’s Main Street is Nickerson State Park, where visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park spans nearly 2,000 acres and includes hiking trails, biking trails, and several freshwater ponds for swimming and boating. Most of these ponds are regularly stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for anglers. During the summer, the air is often filled with the smell of campfires and barbecue grills as overnight visitors set up tents or park their RVs and trailers.

Located about two hours from Boston, Nickerson State Park is conveniently situated between some of the best sights on Cape Cod. Nearby attractions include the villages of Chatham, Dennis, and Yarmouth, as well as the beaches of Cape Cod National Seashore. Just 5 miles away is the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History, which features a small aquarium and a unique "Mud Kitchen" exhibit where kids can build tunnels and make old-fashioned mud pies.

Outdoor Activities at Nickerson State Park

Nickerson State Park offers a wide range of recreational activities. There are approximately 8 miles of paved bike trails and over a dozen hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. These trails wind through pine trees, bogs, and freshwater lakes. Since the park is inland by Cape Cod standards, there are no ocean views, but the natural beauty of the area is still impressive. Some trails are less than 2 miles long, while others extend beyond 5 miles.

Visitors should bring a picnic lunch and the right hiking gear for their trip to the park. One reviewer on TripAdvisor noted, “For most people, I guess, Nickerson is about the ponds and swimming. But I go there for the paved bike trails through the woods.” However, other reviews warn about ticks and steep parking fees. Non-Massachusetts residents will be charged $30 for parking, so it’s recommended to plan to spend the entire day at the park to get the most out of the experience.

Throughout the summer, the park offers a schedule of activities, including adult walking clubs, guided hikes, lectures at the Nature Center, and story hours at the park’s amphitheater. Checking the calendar before your visit is a good idea to ensure you don’t miss any events.

Exploring Downtown Brewster

Camping at Nickerson State Park is a great way to stay on Cape Cod and experience all it has to offer. The campground is open from May to October, with Massachusetts residents paying $22 for individual campsites. Out-of-state visitors will pay $75 for a site, and reservations are highly recommended, especially during busy weekends like Memorial Day and Fourth of July.

A short drive from Nickerson State Park is downtown Brewster, where visitors can find a variety of cafes, restaurants, and inns. Popular places to grab dinner include Spinnaker Restaurant, known for its gourmet Italian pasta dishes, and The Brewster Fish House, famous for its seafood. The Brewster Store on Main Street is considered the heart of the town, offering jams, penny candy, and old-fashioned toys. In many ways, it looks much the same as it did over 150 years ago when it first opened.

The nearest commercial airport is 20 miles away near Barnstable, an artsy destination that is also Cape Cod’s largest village. However, it’s more convenient to book flights into Boston Logan International, 90 miles away, or TF Green in Providence, 100 miles away. Renting a car is the best option for exploring the area. Driving along Route 6A is a scenic way to start your New England vacation, as it winds through oceanside towns like Brewster.

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