Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground sits just over the Sagamore bridge in Sandwich, offering wooded tent and RV sites where pets are welcome year-round. The campground features a good balance of privacy between sites with pine trees providing natural separation, making it ideal for campers with dogs who prefer more secluded spots. Sites have fire rings and picnic tables, though the campground is close enough to Route 6 that some traffic noise may be noticeable, especially on Friday nights. The shower facilities are clean with hot water available, though maintenance can be inconsistent during busy periods. Most sites at nearby Scusset Beach State Reservation accommodate RVs with paved parking pads, while five designated tent sites include their own fire pits and provide more wooded privacy for dog owners.
The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway runs adjacent to Scusset Beach State Reservation, providing excellent walking opportunities for dogs and their owners. Leashed pets are permitted on the canal path year-round, though dogs are not allowed on the beach during peak summer months. The Myles Standish State Forest campgrounds in nearby South Carver also welcome pets at both Charge Pond and Fearing Pond locations, offering hiking trails through pine forest where leashed dogs can explore. Weather considerations are important when camping with pets in this area, as summer temperatures can be hot with limited shade at some of the more exposed RV sites, particularly at Scusset Beach. The tent sites at Shawme Crowell provide better shade coverage for pets during warmer months, though the campground can be buggy in summer, requiring proper insect protection for both humans and animals.
$17 - $55 / night
"I like this campground because it is close to home. There isn't much to do here within the campground. It has two areas. The one nearer the camp entrance is smaller than the second. "
"We have stayed here during our exploration around cape cod. It's a but farther away from the main location, but we loved the quiet and tranquility of this campground."
$17 - $35 / night
"My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."
"Good access to surrounding new England towns."
"There is a dump station located close to the park exit. "
"Bike path along the canal, easy access. Lots of playgrounds for different ages
Bounce pad (in-ground)
Pool
Stair access to canal bike path."
$22 - $34 / night
"It's located close to the Sagamore Bridge on the mainland side. Traffic can be messy in the summer, especially on weekend days! The campground itself is a haven for RVs."
"State run campground located at beginning of cape cod route 6. The sites can accommodate large rvs and tents. They are dog friendly however, not allowed on beach during peak summer season."
"We had originally reserved Site 98 but there was a large rock and tree roots making it challenging to position our van. We were able to move to Site 95 which was much better."
"This place is very friendly people close to the Cap Cod Canal"
"This campground has a great dog park, pool, large pond."
"Convenient location, beautiful pond on beautiful cape cod, Ma. My family has gone there for years with neighbors and always enjoyed our stay."
"Pets welcomed, a ton of extra activities like row boat rental, kayak rental, mini golf for $3 all day, must bring a bicycle helmet if your riding bikes(state law), a small store, firewood for purchase,"
"Nice campground, but need to get sites away from the backside of the pool, street noise is too loud"
"They have great amenities for kids and families, bathrooms are not a long walk/drive from the sites. They have a nice pond area for swimming along with a general store just outside the grounds."
$17 / night
"The pond is walking distance with a little beach area, we would absolutely bring our kayaks next time we visit. Beautiful walking trails right outside of the camping area."
"The H loop entrance is closer to the Charge Pond loops and is higher above pond."
$50 - $110 / night
"Nice and quiet, here for a 3 night stay. 4 star because there are signs posted No dogs allowed on the road to the beach or other areas in the campground, limits walking. There is a dog park, though."
"They do have a dog park and plenty of things to do. Didn't like that you have to pay for hot water though."
ScoutThe campground is close to relatively easy hiking trails and Portsmouth Dog Park. Clean site areas, but many are on a slight slop so leveling blocks are needed. We Took one of the nearby Trails get to the Portsmouth Publick House restaurant, which is dog friendly, for lunch. The waterfall along the blue trail is picture worthy.
ScoutNice and quiet, here for a 3 night stay. 4 star because there are signs posted No dogs allowed on the road to the beach or other areas in the campground, limits walking. There is a dog park, though.
GuideWe got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park
TravelerPerfect location for a summer / beach camp. Mostly for RVs but tent site #6 was great. Views of the ocean to wake up too and tucked away from main area.
Worst part is you can’t bring your car on the site. Do not understand this, especially since it was over 95° and we have dogs that need AC, one if which is 14. We did sneak the car up by asking an RV camper to use his land because they block off the entrance with giant tree trunks.
More good stuff, the private pet friendly beaches were great! Small but perfect to relax. No problems with the pets at all and old but clean bathrooms.
ScoutWe chose this spot for a family weekend. Sites are spacious. Water from nearby facet. Because it was local and had history behind it. Rhe campground is within a state park and is built on a old military base. You can still see some bunkers with their vents all around the campground. Blue Mountain spring water can be found right near campground for some refreshing water. We brought our chow chows and their was a great harbor side dog park a short drive away along with some swimming. I would visit again.
TravelerLarge sites and very friendly staff. This campground has a great dog park, pool, large pond.
ScoutSite was level, staff was awesome. They do have a dog park and plenty of things to do. Didn't like that you have to pay for hot water though.
TravelerFairly large, mostly RV and travel trailer park, we felt right at home in our popup. Check in and out were simple. Sites are large although a little close together. Mostly sandy gravel sites with lots of shade available. There are a few really nice tent sites next to the playground, close to the store, showers, and restrooms.
Facilities were uncrowded and very clean. Camp store was nice with lots of supplies available. Wonderful playground for the kids, big and small. Great little dog park.
The location of this campsite is perfect! Short drive to many of the best beaches on the Cape. Lots to do in the immediate area for families, plenary of restaurant options.
We will definitely return!
ScoutFirst things first- no bugs!! That’s right I didn’t know what I was missing till I notice I wasn’t getting bit alive by mosquitoes!!! They spray for them!!! So you can enjoy the outside without the pesky bites that come with camping!
Then of course there is the luxury of having two pools, a ton of fun activities for kids, (fishing , dog park, horseshoes, tennis, basketball, etc)! It’s probably my favorite spot in New England merely for all the luxuries that come with this site!!!
Plus you are close to Gillette and shopping!! Can get better then that!
Camping near Sagamore, Massachusetts provides access to Cape Cod's unique landscapes without the higher costs of staying directly on the Cape. The area sits at the base of the Cape Cod peninsula where the mainland connects via the Sagamore Bridge, with elevations generally under 100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak season, while spring and fall camping offers milder conditions with fewer crowds.
Fishing at Cape Cod Canal: The canal offers excellent fishing opportunities directly adjacent to several campgrounds. At Bourne Scenic Park, campers enjoy direct access to the canal where striped bass and other species are frequently caught. "If you like fishing this is your place," notes Rick R.
Bike the Cape Cod Canal Trail: This paved path runs alongside the canal, providing miles of scenic riding accessible from multiple campgrounds. Scusset Beach State Reservation offers direct trail access. "The Cape Cod Canal Trail for biking and walking" is easily reached from the campground with "nice paved and mountain bike trails," according to multiple visitors.
Swimming in kettle ponds: The region features unique glacial kettle ponds perfect for swimming. At Charge Pond Campground, "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," reports Kim R.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at certain campgrounds. At Fearing Pond Campground, "Sites have enough privacy and are great sizes. Bathrooms are very well kept & clean, being sanitized/cleaned at least once per day that I saw," notes Tori H.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower houses matter to campers. At Pinewood Lodge Campground, visitors consistently mention the cleanliness: "Very quiet place, beautiful sites nice fireplaces bathrooms are close by and clean," reports Stephen R., though he notes they use "coin operating showers."
Off-season camping: Many campgrounds in the area remain open beyond summer. At Scusset Beach State Reservation, "extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off," mentions Jean C., making it ideal for late-season visits when crowds thin out.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Sagamore area require advance booking, especially during peak summer months. Reserve sites at the more popular locations 3-6 months ahead, particularly for weekend stays from June through August.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to their proximity to major roads. At Bay View Campground, one reviewer notes it "is located on a busy highway and if you are approaching from the south, the turn into the campground is hair-raising! There is some road noise at some sites but not for most of them."
Weather contingencies: The Cape Cod region can experience significant weather changes, including coastal storms and fog. Pack appropriate gear regardless of forecast, and consider a campground with sturdy facilities if camping in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sagamore, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sagamore, MA is Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 21 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sagamore, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dog-friendly camping locations near Sagamore, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
