Nickerson State Park
Visitor Guide
1,900 acres of pine woods, 8 kettle ponds and one of Massachusetts' most popular campgrounds. Here's what it costs, when it's open, and what to know before you go.
Plan your visit →What Is Nickerson State Park?
Nickerson State Park is a 1,900-acre state park in Brewster on Cape Cod, run by Massachusetts DCR. It has one of the state's most popular campgrounds, with 418 wooded sites, plus 8 freshwater kettle ponds for swimming, paddling and trout fishing, and an 8-mile paved bike path that connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. It's open sunrise to sunset.
It isn't free in summer. Day visitors pay $8 per car with Massachusetts plates and $30 for other plates from May 23 through October 12 (see parking). Campsites start at $22 a night for Massachusetts residents and are by reservation only, online or by phone through ReserveAmerica, up to 4 months ahead (see reservations).
Nickerson at a Glance
Things to Do at Nickerson
Camping
418 wooded sites from $22 a night for MA residents. No hookups, hot showers, pets allowed. Reservations only.
Campground guide →
Campsite Map
Eight camping areas and four group sites. Which areas have accessible sites, and which are closest to Cliff Pond.
Areas and site numbers →
Cliff Pond
The park's biggest pond, 204 acres, with a 3.2-mile loop trail, a beach, a boat ramp and stocked trout.
Pond and loop trail →
Flax Pond
A popular pond for swimming and canoeing, with a beach, electric motors only, and no dogs on the beach.
Swimming guide →
Biking
An 8-mile paved path through the woods that links to the 26-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.
Bike paths →
Fishing
Cliff, Flax, Little Cliff and Higgins ponds are stocked with trout. ReserveAmerica describes Higgins as catch and release.
Trout ponds →Getting to Nickerson
By Car
3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631. From Route 6, take Exit 89 in Orleans, then Route 6A West about 2 miles. See theparking guide.
By Bike
The park's paved path connects to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Seebiking.
Park Contact
Park office (508) 896-3491. Official notices are on theDCR page.
A Short History of Nickerson
The park was once part of the estate of Roland and Addie Nickerson, the largest private owners of forest land on Cape Cod in the early 1900s. In 1934, Addie and her daughter Helen gave the state more than 1,700 acres in memory of Roland C. Nickerson Jr., who died in the 1918 flu epidemic. The Civilian Conservation Corps built its first roads and campsites near Flax Pond a year later. The full story is on About the Park.
Rules to Know at Nickerson
- Dogs: allowed on a leash on trails and at campsites; not on the beach, and not in yurts. See rules.
- No alcohol anywhere in the park.
- No firewood from outside the park. Buy it there.
- Cliff Pond allows motors up to 10 horsepower; the other ponds allow electric motors.
- Camping is by reservation only. There's no walk-in camping (see reservations).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nickerson State Park?
In Brewster, on Cape Cod. The entrance is at 3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, on Route 6A, about 2 miles west of Route 6 Exit 89 in Orleans.
Is Nickerson State Park free?
Not in season. From May 23 through October 12, parking is $8 for Massachusetts plates and $30 for others. DCR doesn't list a day fee outside that window.
Can you swim at Nickerson State Park?
Yes, in the freshwater ponds. DCR names Flax Pond and Cliff Pond for swimming and canoeing.
Are dogs allowed at Nickerson State Park?
Yes, on a leash, including at campsites. Not on the beach (service animals excepted) and not in yurts.
Is Nickerson State Park on the ocean?
Mostly not. The main park is pine woods and freshwater ponds. ReserveAmerica says Cape Cod Bay is within walking or biking distance, and the park's 1998 brochure describes separate bayside land with salt marsh and tidal flats.
How big is Nickerson State Park?
1,900 acres, according to DCR.