Story & Photos By GEORGE CLONDAS
There’s something about camping and being immersed in nature that makes you want to keep coming back. Just because the weather is getting a little bit cooler does not mean you have to winterize the camper and hang up the camping gear. On Cape Cod, being surrounded by the ocean may keep us cooler in the spring, but it is also what keeps us warmer longer into the fall. The time between Labor Day and Thanksgiving is my favorite time to be on Cape Cod enjoying the outdoors. There are many Upper Cape camping areas that all offer unique camping experiences. Here are a few of my go-to places for great fall camping fun.
Campers decorate their campsite at Bourne Scenic Park
Bourne Scenic Park
Bourne Scenic Park is located along the Cape Cod Canal. Not only does BSC offer tent and RV camping but it also offers rustic cabin and lodge rentals. If you are looking for a great place to take the family and experience the outdoors, this is the place for you. There is something for everyone here. Do not forget to bring your bikes and sneakers and enjoy the 14-plus miles of flat, paved riding and walking along the canal. During your ride it’s a great place to have a picnic while watching the boats and ships go by. Do not forget the fishing gear! If you are into fishing, the fall is your best chance to catch a trophy-class striped bass. Just make sure you have a fishing license and follow all the proper regulations. There’s also a game room and playgrounds for the kids, along with planned activities throughout the day. In October do not miss their Halloween weekend. Decorate your campsite and dress up and take the kids from campsite to campsite for some trick-or-treating fun. Some of the campers even have treats for the adults too. Make your reservations early, as this weekend fills up fast. Reservations can be made on their website at www.bournescenicpark.com or by calling 508-759-7873.
Scusset Beach State Reservation
Still on the mainland side and down the road a ways is the Scusset Beach state reservation and campground. Limited shade makes this a very warm campground during summer, but in the fall it makes for some very comfortable temperatures. Since it is located at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal, you can access all the same great walking, biking and fishing that Bourne Scenic Park offers, but it also offers a nice fishing pier and great saltwater beach access. Scusset is a great starting point for your recreation. Take a nice walk on the east end jetty or on the many nature trails. In the fall be sure to wear blaze orange clothing not only for yourself but also for your pets, because hunting is allowed (in-season) with the proper license. There are only 96 campsites. Water hookups are not available between October and March. Fires are only permitted at tent sites, but portable propane fire pits are allowed throughout the park. As with all Massachusetts state 
parks, reservations are required. For more information about this campground and to make a reservation, visit www.reserveamerica.com.
Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Over the bridge and not too far away from Scusset is another great state campground. This is Shawme-Crowell State Forest and campground. If you want that deep-in-the-
Miles of well-marked hiking trails at Shawme-Crowell State Forest
woods feel but you do not have the time to travel too far north, or if you are more into rustic camping than “glamping,” this is the spot for you. You can really lose yourself in the woods here. If it were not for the slightly salty air that I love, you could trick yourself into feeling you are camping much farther north. With 285 wooded campsites, group camping areas and six yurts, Shawme is truly a great place to set up your base camp and go exploring the many wonders of the Cape. There are more than 15 miles of hiking trails and roads to explore. One of the hikes opens up to a sweeping view of Cape Cod Bay. Shawme is great in any season, but fall just seems extra special. There are no hookups, bathrooms and warm showers available, and each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. For more information about this campground and to make a reservation, visit www.reserveamerica.com.
Sandy Neck Beach
For a truly unique camping experience, check out Sandy Neck Beach. After the plovers have finished their nesting, the greenhead flies have stop biting and the crowds of summer tourists subside, camping at Sandy Neck Beach is perhaps one of the most tranquil and relaxing experiences the Cape has to offer. If you like spending the day at the beach taking a long beach walk, having a campfire and falling asleep to the sounds of the surf lapping the shore, this is for you. The fishing this time of year here can also be incredible. But before you rush out there you will need a few things. To camp on the beach you will need a self-contained vehicle. There is no tent camping on the beach, and you will also
The summer crowds (above) dissipate to a few campers and day-trippers after Labor Day (below).
need to get an off-road vehicle beach sticker. These can be a bit pricy depending on the time of the year. The good news is after Labor Day the ORV sticker price drops to about half the normal price. There is also some safety equipment you are required to carry with you. The full list of required equipment and regulations is available at https://tobweb.town.barnstable.ma.us/SandyNeckPark/Default.aspx. For the more adventurous camper, Sandy Neck also offers a primitive tenting area with a 3-mile hike down the beach. And you are required to hike it with all your gear. To inquire about camping availability, you can call their gatehouse at 508-362-8300.
There is no reason to be sad because the summer is coming to an end. There is a whole other season to enjoy. If you enjoy camping, I cannot think of a better fall location to do it. I hope I’ve inspired you to get out this fall and enjoy the great outdoors the Upper Cape has to offer.