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Massachusetts
5

Massachusetts State Parks

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USA Parks
Massachusetts
Cape Cod Region
Nickerson State Forest Park
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NICKERSON STATE FOREST PARK
NICKERSON STATE FOREST PARK
Rte. 6A
Brewster, Massachusetts   02631

Phone: 508-896-3491
Reservations: 508-896-3491
Travel the road to the upper campgrounds in Nickerson State Park and you may think for a moment that you have been magically transported to the Berkshire Hills or the piney woods of the Carolinas. Nowhere in sight are the sand dunes and salt marshes usually associated with Cape Cod. Instead, you are surrounded by woods that slope down to the banks of eight crystal clear fresh water ponds. Yet, if you walk or bicycle through the woods, you will find no rivers or streams feeding the ponds. These are ?kettle ponds,? among more than 300 formed as glaciers retreated from the Cape over 10,000 years ago. Completely dependent on groundwater and precipitation, the water level in the ponds fluctuates from season to season and year to year.

Nickerson State Park is closed for camping between mid-October 2004 through mid-April 2005, although day use activities will still be available during the winter. Nearby Shawme-Crowell State Forest will be open for winter camping.

Nickerson's 1900 acres offers more than 420 campsites, including yurt camping, an amphitheater, eight miles of roads, hiking trails, an eight mile bike path that connects to the 25 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, and ponds stocked year-round with trout. Cape Cod Bay is within walking or bicycling distance. You can swim and canoe at Flax Pond; birdwatch or catch-and-release fish at Higgins Pond, or participate in the many seasonal interpretive and recreational programs offered by park staff.
History of the Area
Nickerson State Forest Park is located in Brewster, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. It was named after Roland C. Nickerson, a former Attorney General of Massachusetts who generously donated the initial tract of land to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1934.

The park's history dates back to the early 1900s when it was initially used for cranberry cultivation. However, as cranberry farming declined in the area, the land was acquired by Roland C. Nickerson, who recognized its natural beauty and recreational potential.

Nickerson began acquiring additional parcels of land in the 1930s to expand the park. By 1936, he had donated over 1,900 acres to the state, and the park was officially established. Over the years, more land has been added through acquisitions and donations, and the park now covers around 1,900 acres.

During the Great Depression era, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a significant role in developing Nickerson State Forest Park. The CCC was a federal program that provided work and relief to young men during the country's economic crisis. The CCC workers built many of the park's facilities and infrastructure, including roads, trails, bridges, picnic areas, and campground amenities.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) continued the development of the park, constructing additional amenities for visitors, such as swimming areas, boating facilities, and more campground sites.

Nickerson State Forest Park is a popular recreational area that offers a range of outdoor activities, including camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and horseback riding. Its diverse landscape features miles of trails, kettle ponds, and woodlands, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

The park's rich history, natural beauty, and extensive recreational opportunities continue to attract visitors from Massachusetts and beyond, providing them with a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Cape Cod's natural environment.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Hiking Trailyes
 Swimming Beachyes
 Bike Trailsyes
 Bridle Trailsyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Camping
1. Tent Camping: There are over 400 campsites available within the park, many of which can accommodate tents.

2. RV and Trailer Camping: The campgrounds also have sites that can fit trailers or recreational vehicles (RVs). Some even offer electrical hookups.

3. Yurt Rentals: For those looking for something different, Nickerson State Park has yurts available to rent as well - these round tent-like structures provide an interesting alternative to traditional camping accommodations.

4. Group Campsites: If you're traveling with a large group, there's no need to worry about space - the park features several larger campsites designed specifically for groups.

5. Cabins: Few cabins are also present on site but they get booked very quickly so early reservations is recommended.
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
BBs / Inns
a unique and beautiful bed breakfast inn voted One of New England's Best by Fodor's Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ideally located on mid Cape Cod in the historic Bass River Village of South Yarmouth Only 90 Minutes From Boston Or Providence
10.6 miles from park*
businesss listing main photo
BBs / Inns
An award winning Cape Cod bed and breakfast located in Harwich, Massachusetts. A tranquil hideaway, a short stroll from the sandy beaches of Nantucket Sound, this exquisite Cape Cod Inn is a refreshingly contemporary boutique inn housed within an 1850's sea captain's house.
7.7 miles from park*
Nearby Vacation Rentals
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Location
Nickerson State Forest Park is located near Centerville, Hyannis and Plymouth

Trails
1. Cliff Pond Trail: A 3-mile loop trail around a beautiful pond, offering scenic views and opportunities for bird watching.

2. Little Cliff Pond Trail: This is an easy-to-moderate level hiking path that stretches about 4 miles with picturesque landscapes of the forest and lake.

3. Flax Pond Circuit: An approximately two mile long hike circling the serene Flax pond; suitable for all skill levels as it has minimal elevation changes.

4. Nook Road to Higgins Ponds Loop: It's a moderate difficulty trail stretching over six miles featuring wild flowers, wildlife sightings and stunning water bodies along its course.

5. Flume Gorge Pathway: The pathway offers breathtaking sights of natural rock formations in addition to lush greenery throughout this moderately challenging route spanning roughly three kilometers.

6. Hawksnest State Park Connector: This short but steep connector links Nickerson State Forest Park trails with Hawksnest state park providing hikers more options.

7. Eel Point & Fisherman's Landing Trails: These are interconnected paths leading towards Eel point beach on Cape Cod Bay side giving splendid coastal view points.

8. Bike Paths: Apart from traditional walking/hiking trails there are several bike:friendly routes crisscrossing through pine forests making them ideal choice for cyclists or families looking out for leisurely strolls amidst nature.

9. Campground Nature Walks: There exist numerous small walks within campgrounds themselves which can be explored by visitors staying overnight at one of many camping sites available inside park premises.

10. Wilderness Backcountry Hikes: For experienced trekkers seeking solitude away from crowd these off:beat tracks provide perfect opportunity where they could encounter diverse flora/fauna native to Massachusetts region.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
May 21 State Forest Park
park review stars; one to five I understand that this is the only State Forest Park in Massachusetts, and earned its unusual designation as a result of the contract between the original seller, who wanted it to be called that, and the state. So in our beautiful state, we have State forests, parks, reservations, and one forest park!
December 21 Park Ranger Dennis St. Aubian was Great!
park review stars; one to five Thanks from Ron & Jane Napier Tipton, Missouri 65081
September 16 live on cape can say love the woods
park review stars; one to five woods water quiet great
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Area Campgrounds
Bass River Trailer Park Inc
698 Willow Street Route 28
Bass River, MA
508-398-2011
Shady Knoll
1709 Main Street Route 6A
Brewster, MA
508-896-3002
Sweetwater Forest
676 Harwich Road
Brewster, MA
508-896-3773
Grindell's Ocean View Park Inc
61 Old Wharf Road
Dennisport, MA
508-398-2671
Old Chatham RV Resort
310 Old Chatham Road
South Dennis, MA
508-385-3616
Paine's Campground
180 Old Kings Highway
South Wellfleet, MA
508-349-3007
Maurice's Campground Inc
80 Route Six
Wellfleet, MA
508-349-2029
Old Chatham Road Campground
310 Old Chatham Road
Dennis, MA
508-385-3616
Sun Retreats Dennis Port
184 Old Wharf Road
Dennis, MA
508-398-2811

Directions
Nickerson State Park is located in southeastern Massachusetts on the mid-Cape, near Brewster.

From Boston: take Rte. 3 south to the Sagamore Bridge, then Rte. 6 to exit 12 in Orleans, turn left off the ramp onto Rte. 6A West towards Brewster. Continue for about 2 miles. Park Entrance is on left.

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Massachusetts
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Massachusetts State Parks

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