Bay / Calm
Indian Neck Beach
Wellfleet, MA
(48)
Familiescalm watersunset
Calm waterLifeguardsSunsets
1 / 5
Bay / CalmSticker / Day FeeHidden gemBest in August
Campground Beach
Eastham, Massachusetts · Cape Cod Bay
4.6(200 reviews)
Quieter Eastham bay beach with First Encounter sunsets
A family-friendly bay beach with calm, warm water and beautiful sunsets. Less heralded than First Encounter, which works in its favor — easier to find a spot on busy days.
Campground Beach takes its name from the Methodist camp-meeting grounds that once stood nearby, and it retains some of that old, quiet, slightly off-the-beaten-path Eastham character. It sits on Cape Cod Bay just north of First Encounter — the same gentle slope into the bay, the same dramatic tidal swing, the same spectacular sunsets — but with a fraction of the crowd. The parking lot is modest, and Eastham stickers (or a $25 daily fee in season) are strictly enforced. There are no lifeguards most days and only a portable restroom. Locals send first-time visitors to First Encounter for the name recognition, and quietly use Campground themselves. At low tide you can walk nearly a quarter-mile out across firm flats; at sunset the bay turns pink and gold and is among the most peaceful views on the Outer Cape.
Photo spot
Sunset reflected in the wet-sand flats at low tide
Arrive
Late afternoon for sunsetCrowds
LowDogs
SeasonalSunsets
Great spotBest for
Families
The beach
Lay of the land
- Orientation
- West-facing (sunset)
- Length
- ~0.3 mi
- Tide flat
- ~400 yd at low tide
- Backshore
- Dune / flat
- Sand
- Soft tan sand with firm low-tide flats
- Shade
- none
Wildlife
Birds you may see: herring gull, great black-backed gull, sanderling, willet
Tidepools
Things to know
- Jellyfish more likely July–August.
- Greenhead flies are intense in late July through mid-August on calm, humid days.
Plan your visit
Parking & fees
- Lot size
- Small
- Enforcement
- Eastham sticker or $25 daily fee; small lot.
Sticker required, small lot
Getting there
- Cell signal
- good
Accessibility
- Beach wheelchair
- Not available
- Mobi Mat
- No
- Path from parking
- short walk
Dogs
No dogs in season; allowed off-season on leash.
Rules & activities
What’s allowed
UmbrellasTents / canopies · small onlyAlcoholGrillsFiresDronesSmoking
Activities
Unofficial SUP/kayak launch
Safety & stewardship
Partial plover closure (seasonal)
Photo by Valerie Leonardo via Google Places
Today
Water62°F
Sunrise5:05 AM
Sunset8:18 PM
Conditions
WavesCalm water
Water66-72°F (July–Aug)
TidesHigh variance
SharksLow risk
Jellyfishlow
Length~0.3 mi
Facilities
Restrooms
Campground Beach — good to know
How much does parking cost at Campground Beach?
Campground Beach requires a town parking sticker or a paid day pass in summer. Lots fill early on weekends, so arrive before about 10am.
Are dogs allowed at Campground Beach?
Dogs are not permitted at Campground Beach during the summer season — No dogs in season; allowed off-season on leash.
Does Campground Beach have lifeguards?
No — Campground Beach does not have lifeguards on duty, so swim with caution.
Are there restrooms at Campground Beach?
Campground Beach has public restrooms available in season.
What is the water like at Campground Beach?
Campground Beach is a calm, bay-side beach on Cape Cod Bay. Expect calm, gentle water that's good for young kids and easy swimming. Average summer water temperature is around 66-72°F (July–Aug).
What is Campground Beach best for?
Campground Beach is especially good for families.
When is the best time to visit Campground Beach?
Late afternoon for sunset; arrive by 4pm.
