Rules & Regulations

Dogs are allowed at Nickerson State Park on a leash, including at campsites, but not on the beach and not in yurts. Alcohol is banned throughout the park and campground, and you can't bring firewood in from outside. Boats on Cliff Pond can use motors up to 10 horsepower; the other ponds allow electric motors.

Dogs at Nickerson State Park

DCR marks Nickerson as dog-friendly, with limits that depend on where you are:

• Trails and park roads: allowed on a leash no longer than 10 feet, under control at all times. Clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste outside the park.
• The beach: no dogs or other pets, except service animals. This covers the swimming beach at Flax Pond.
• Campsites: allowed, up to four pets per site. They must be leashed at all times and never left unattended, and you have to show a rabies certificate at check-in (see camping).
• Yurts and state buildings: no pets (see yurts).

DCR's hiking sheet adds a fair reminder: not everyone enjoys meeting a dog on the trail, even a friendly one. Keep yours close when others pass.

Alcohol

Alcohol isn't allowed. DCR lists it under Nickerson's restrictions, and ReserveAmerica says alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds.

Firewood and Campfires

• No firewood from outside the park. Massachusetts prohibits moving firewood into or out of any DCR campground, and no other wood products may be brought in. Doing so can get you evicted.
• Buy firewood at the park. ReserveAmerica says sales are by credit card only.
• Each campsite has a fire ring.

Boating

• Big Cliff Pond: motors up to 10 horsepower.
• Flax Pond and the other ponds: electric motors.
• Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats are allowed; DCR lists canoeing and kayaking among the park's activities.
• Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between ponds, and use the boat ramps.

Camping Rules

• Reservations only, on ReserveAmerica; no walk-in registrations.
• Up to four adults, or two adults and their children, per site; two tents or one tent and one RV or trailer; two vehicles.
• No more than 14 days in total in one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
• The person named on the reservation must be 18 or older and show matching photo ID.

On the Trails and Bike Paths

• Stay on designated trails. Rare plants on the pond shores are easily trampled.
• No mountain bikes on the Cliff Pond Loop hiking trail (see biking).
• Helmets are required by law for riders 16 and younger. On the Cape Cod Rail Trail, the speed limit is 15 mph.
• Keep groups to 12 people or fewer.
• Carry in, carry out all trash.

Fishing

Anyone 15 or older needs a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license. ReserveAmerica describes Higgins Pond as a catch-and-release pond. Details on our fishing page.

Hours

The park is open sunrise to sunset. Registered campers stay overnight in the campground. See hours.

Rules can change. DCR's Nickerson page, its hiking sheet and the signs at the park are the final word; questions go to the park office at (508) 896-3491.