Shawme-Crowell State Forest

Tucked into the upper arm of Cape Cod in Sandwich, Massachusetts, Shawme-Crowell State Forest offers 624 acres of pitch pine and oak woodland just minutes from the Cape Cod Canal. It’s one of the few places on the Cape where you can camp under a dense forest canopy and still reach sandy beaches within a short drive.

The forest is best known for its campground, which features 285 spacious, wooded sites spread across rolling terrain. Sites are well-separated by native vegetation, giving campers a genuine sense of seclusion — a rarity during Cape Cod’s busy summer season. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs, though hookups are not available.

Beyond camping, the forest’s network of trails winds through kettle ponds, glacial ridges, and quiet groves ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. Birders will find warblers and eastern towhees throughout the understory in spring and early summer. The forest also serves as a convenient base camp for exploring Sandwich Village, Heritage Museums &038; Gardens, and the Cape Cod Canal bike path, all within a few miles.

The best time to visit is late May through early October, when the campground is open and Cape Cod’s coastal attractions are in full swing. September and early October bring thinner crowds, cooler nights, and surprisingly warm ocean water — arguably the sweetest stretch of the season.

Pack layers for evening fog that rolls in off the canal, and arrive early on summer weekends to secure a site.

Explore Nearby

• Old Kings Highway (Route 6A) — Scenic Byway in Massachusetts
• Dumpling Rocks Light — Lighthouse in Massachusetts
• Wing’s Neck Light — Lighthouse in Massachusetts
• Meteor Lakes Byway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Swamp Meadow Bridge — Covered Bridge in South Carolina