Plan Your Visit

To plan a visit to Nickerson State Park, decide first whether you're camping or coming for the day. Campers need a reservation on ReserveAmerica, made up to 4 months ahead; there's no walk-in camping. Day visitors just drive in: the park is open sunrise to sunset, and parking costs $8 for Massachusetts plates and $30 for others from May 23 through October 12.

When to Go

• July and August: warmest (July averages 79°F by day at nearby Chatham) and best for swimming. Book campsites four months out. See weather.
• Spring and fall: trout stocking season (see fishing), cooler hikes and rides. The campground opens in mid-April and closes in late October.
• Winter: the campground is closed, but the park is open for day use. Outside the fee season, DCR doesn't list a parking fee.

A Day Visit

1. Drive to the main entrance at 3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631, on Route 6A, and pay the day-use fee in season (parking).
2. Swim and picnic at Flax Pond, a popular spot for swimming and canoeing.
3. Walk the 1.7-mile Little Cliff Pond loop, or the 3.2-mile Cliff Pond Loop if you have two hours (see hiking).
4. Ride the 8-mile paved bike path, or head out onto the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

A Camping Trip

1. Choose a camping area on our campsite map page. Accessible sites are all in Area 4; Campgrounds 4 and 6 have trails to Cliff Pond.
2. Book on ReserveAmerica the morning your dates open, 4 months ahead (see reservations).
3. Pick a tent site, an RV site (no hookups) or a yurt.
4. Pack a photo ID that matches the reservation, your dog's rabies certificate if you bring one, and no firewood: buy it at the park (see camping).
5. Arrive between 1 and 9 p.m. The 2026 season runs April 16 to October 25, 2026.

What to Bring

• Drinking water for the trails. DCR says it usually isn't available on them.
• A warm layer for evenings, even in summer.
• Bikes and helmets (required by law for riders 16 and under).
• A fishing license if you're 15 or older and plan to fish.
• A leash no longer than 10 feet for your dog, and a plan for the beach, where dogs aren't allowed (see rules).
• DCR's trail map, saved to your phone (see trail map).

What to Leave at Home

• Alcohol. It's banned in all Massachusetts state parks.
• Firewood from outside the park.
• Outboards over 10 horsepower, Cliff Pond's limit. The smaller ponds allow electric motors.

Accessibility

DCR lists Nickerson as wheelchair accessible, with accessible camping in Area 4, a beach wheelchair and beach mat, access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail, and seasonal adaptive recreation programs run by the Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center.

Before You Leave Home

Check DCR's Nickerson page for notices, and call the park office at (508) 896-3491 with questions. Our FAQ answers the questions people ask most, and hours has the season dates.