Cape Cod National Seashore

Curious if there are any TW members who are annual pass or have used the Cape Cod National Seashore recently, looking to see any feedback (considering it for the first time) how busy is it ? any advice...

 

You should explore:
https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/orv-permits.htm

 

I was out there a few times last summer. It's got great views, sunrise is amazing. Not busy at all. Seal\Shark population keeps rising. Not allowed in water past your knees. Don't go over the speed limit on Route 6, got a ticket for 65 in a 55 coming over a series of hills...

 

There are a couple of us who go every September. Most of the beach is closed until late august for the fucking birds. But there are always small areas open to get on the sand and enjoy the view.

check out the Provincetown Dune Drive FB page for all the info you’d ever want.

 

Are you thinking the weekend after labor day again this year?

 

Seams like tradition at this point. Same weather as labor day weekend, no crowds and everything on the cape is half the price as the weekend before. I may try to grab a hotel rather than camping.

 

Bro you got 3 kids, I can’t believe you camped as long as you have

Cool beans - I’ll chuck it in the calendar and keep an eye out for it.

 

Do they allow non RV camping?

 

Kids aren't hard to camp with. They spend the day on the beach running around, they are so beat they will sleep in a bucket. Its just all the stuff. Last year it was a solid hour and a half to setup and break down the site. If it was just me I'd show up with my tent hammock and some fire wood. Plus its not a cheap campground, if I can get a hotel room for another $100 with a shower I dont have to pump quarters into...seams worth it.

Yes, they have a bunch of tent sites with the typical fire pit and picnic table setup. Some sites are awesome, some are a parking spot. Here are my notes on the sites we usually stay at:

270 Good

268 Deep in woods

266 ok

264 sucks

262 marginal

260 deep ok tent

258 Deep Site, No RTT.

256 Ok. Good for RTT

254 Nice, good for lrg group.

252 nice

244 ok

242 real nice

240 good

 

Curious if anyone is driving 255/85r16's on the beaches? I know they exceed min requirements but was wondering how tall skinnies do

 

Just fine if you air down to 12-14psi. Those are tall and skinny but have a lot of sidewall to balloon out when you drop the psi. You’ll see people in RAV4s out there on all seasons.

 

If I’m not mistaken don’t you need a permit and a vehicle inspection for cape cod beach driving ? I heard it’s a PITA

 

I think the inspection is just having X items they list and that you have a 4x4/all wheel

 

Inspection takes 15 mins. Fill out paperwork, watch a video and the check your truck fast. Locals will report cars without permit stickers to the rangers. It usually those people who break the rules and get the place shut down.

 

Awesome thank you. Hopefully will get out on the sand this summer

 

Yeah super easy, they list the stuff you need on the site and you just chuck it all in the bed while you do your plover video.



I havea a few other people as maybe interested, so we’ll probably be there. I am TBD on camping with how close I am, might just make it a day trip, but could probably be convinced to do an overnight or two

 

The permit office at race point is open 7 days a week 8-4. Just have the the required stuff when you go to get inspected. $150 for the annual pass is not bad. The Nauset orv trail in orleans is $405. This map shows you what’s open, I like the hatches harbor area best https://www.nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/orv-map.htm