Hours & Season

Nickerson State Park is open sunrise to sunset every day for day visitors. The campground is open for overnight stays from mid-April to late October (April 16 to October 25, 2026), with check-in from 1 to 9 p.m. and check-out by 11 a.m.. Day-use parking costs $8 for Massachusetts plates and $30 for others from May 23 through October 12 (see parking).

Day-Use Hours

DCR lists Nickerson's hours as sunrise to sunset. So closing time moves with the seasons: check the sunset time for your date, and plan hikes and beach days to finish before dark.

Registered campers are the exception. If you have a campsite or yurt reservation, you stay in the campground overnight under the campground rules.

Campground Season

ReserveAmerica lists the 2026 season as April 16 to October 25, 2026. DCR sets the season each year; the campground is closed to camping in winter, though the park itself stays open for day use.

• Check-in: 1 to 9 p.m..
• Check-out: by 11 a.m..
• Arriving late? Call the campground. A reserved site is held until 8 a.m. the morning after your arrival date.
• Booking: on ReserveAmerica, online or by phone. In season, new dates open at 8 a.m. Eastern daily, and same-day reservations close at 2 p.m. See reservations.

Fees by Season

Day-use parking fees apply from May 23 through October 12. Outside that window DCR doesn't list a day-use fee. Camping and yurt fees apply whenever you stay. The parking page has every fee and the passes that cover them.

Rail Trail Hours

DCR says the Cape Cod Rail Trail, which connects to the park's bike path, is open dawn to dusk. Riding outside those hours with lights is at your own risk.

Best Times to Visit

• Swimming: July and August, the warmest months (see weather).
• Trout fishing from shore: spring and fall, when MassWildlife stocks the ponds (see fishing).
• Biking and hiking: any time the park is open. Outside the fee season, DCR doesn't list a parking fee.
• Booking a summer campsite: four months before your arrival date, at the release time.

Holidays and Closures

DCR posts notices on its Nickerson State Park page. Check it before a trip, especially after a storm, and call the park office at (508) 896-3491 if you're unsure.