Camping

Washburn Island Day and Camping Use Guide – Reservations can be made for camping at Washburn Island on ReserveAmerica.com.

The camping season will run from May 23 to October 13, 2025 (last night to camp is 10/12/25) on Friday and Saturday nights only. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours ahead of arrival date, same day reservations will not be allowed.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), manages the island as a part of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Reserve’s main purpose is to foster research and education on coastal systems. We support recreation as a way to allow people to become more familiar with these special places. Washburn Island is one of the last large undeveloped coastal properties on Cape Cod and a jewel within the Reserve. Habitats consist of a barrier beach, oak and pine forest, and coastal salt ponds. Most of the present vegetation on the site dates from after World War II. Today, the island has ten campsites supported by three composting toilets – nine family sites and one group site that is limited to 25 people. There are also trails on the island for nature viewing and exploration.

The island, while accessible only by water, is very popular with day users and campers. Visitors come by private boat – they either beach their boats or anchor and wade ashore.

To reach the Island: You must have your own boat to access the island!

Check-In: Once on the island, campers should check-in with an Island Manager.
Alcohol is prohibited on all DCR property per Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulation 302 CMR 12.04 (28): Unless authorized by special use permit; no person may consume, possess, distribute, sell, or drink alcoholic beverages on DCR property.
Firewood: Please pre-purchase firewood ahead of arrival through Reserve America when making your reservation. Pre-purchased firewood can be picked up on the island from island manager during check-in. A limited amount of firewood will be available for purchase ($7/bundle) on the island. Exact change is required.
Parking: Overnight parking is no longer available at the town of Falmouth’s parking lot at White’s Landing (Town-owned Landing).

- East Falmouth Elementary School is graciously allowing campers to utilize their lot. Parking will be available on Friday and Saturday nights only at the East Falmouth Elementary School, located at 33 Davisville Road, East Falmouth, MA (Map Below).

- - This option will only be available from Friday, June 20 through Sunday August 31. Outside of these dates, campers will be responsible for finding suitable parking arrangements on non-DCR property. DCR is not responsible for towed vehicles, fines, theft, or damage.
  - Please be respectful of the school premises, and the surrounding neighbors. Trash is carry in; carry out. Please do not dispose of your trash on school premises.

- - If planning to use the lot at East Falmouth Elementary School:
  - There will be 2 spots available for each campsite, 1 for a vehicle and 1 for a trailer.
  - ALL vehicles must be off the property by 3 p.m. on Sunday.
  - Vehicles will need to display a parking tag on the vehicle dashboard at all times while on the property. You can either print your confirmation email at home or pick up a hangtag at the visitor center at WBNERR located at 131 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit, MA.

The visitor center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., staff will be available to assist.
If you arrive after hours, you can collect a parking pass from the mailbox marked for campers at the main Visitor Center entrance door.

More information: General information about all Massachusetts State Parks and Campgrounds can be found on the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s website at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation. Further information specifically about Washburn Island and the Waquoit Bay NERR can be found by calling the Reserve Headquarters at (508) 457-0495, or visiting Reserve Headquarters on Route 28 in Waquoit, East Falmouth.

Camping Reservations

Primitive campsites are available by reservation only. Reservations must be obtained prior to your arrival on the island. There is a one night minimum and two week maximum stay.

Reservations may be obtained online up to 6 months in advance at:
Please contact Reserve America to make all of your camping reservations.
Reserve America
877-422-6762
www.reserveamerica.com

The Reserve America call center is open everyday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The Reserve Headquarters does not take reservations for camping.

Site designation and capacity:
Sites 1-8 & 10 are family sites – max of 4 campers/2 tents per night; Site 9 is a group site – max of 25 campers/10 tents per night

Adjacent sites:
Sites 1 & 2 are very close together-Perfect for two families who want to be near each other. Sites 4, 5 & 6 also allow for close proximity; Sites 6 & 7 are about 500 feet apart. Families wanting to be close together should not reserve these sites.

Seclusion:
Sites 3, 7, 8, 10 are the most secluded.

Camping Fees

Family sites (1-8, 10) – up to 4 people (2 tents); $8.00 Out of State Residents and $8.00 for Massachusetts Residents

Group Site 9 – up to 25 people (10 tents); $ 25.00 per night

NOTE – There is a $8.65 transaction fee for each reservation transaction.

Cancellations:
You are asked to cancel reservations if your plans change. Without a prior cancellation or notification, your reservation is invalid as of 10:00 am on the 2^ndday of the reservation, your site can then be reassigned.

Arrival on Washburn Island:
Remember to bring along your Reservation Number when coming to Washburn Island!
Upon arriving, please check in with the Island Managers. Check in time is 1:00 pm, check out is 11:00 am.

Regulations

Fires: Do not bring firewood onto the island. Outside wood is prohibited and may result in the spread of harmful pests (insects, fungi, etc.), per 302 CMR 12.09 (9). Fires are only allowed in the fire rings at the campsites. You may burn downed wood collected from the campground area or you can pre-purchase firewood from the island managers. No fires allowed on the beach.

Only portable stoves and charcoal grills with a cover are allowed at the campsites. You may only use charcoal, propane, or white gas (no wood or artificial logs) at your site.

Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited on all DCR property per Commonwealth of Massachusetts Regulation 302 CMR 12.04 (28).

Pets: Pets are permitted in the campground, but not on the campground beach. Dogs must be leashed at all times on the Island. Owners are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of pet feces. Pets are prohibited from the outer beaches on Vineyard Sound (see map), to protect federally threatened nesting species.

Plants: Please stay off of dune areas as they serve as protection for the island. In the campground areas please use stairs and designated paths to help prevent erosion.

Shellfishing: Shellfishing is permitted in the bay with a license. Closure information and licenses can be acquired from the Town Halls in Falmouth and Mashpee.

Day visitors are required to leave the island by 8:00 pm. Quiet hours 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Violations of any of the above regulations will result in your being asked to leave the island and could effect your ability to camp in the future. The island is a special place; please help us manage it for the enjoyment and safety of all.

Important Reminders for Campers

Drinking Water: You must bring an ample supply of your own fresh water, as it is not available on the island.

Trash: This is a carry in/carry out camping area. You are responsible for carrying out ALL of your trash.

Toilets: Two composting toilets are located adjacent to the campsite areas. Their locations are shown on the map. Toilets are fully stocked and operational Memorial Day – Columbus Day.

Emergencies: Camp at your own risk! During the summer months Island Managers are stationed on Washburn Island. They carry a cell phone and can call for assistance. It is recommended that you also carry a cell phone.

Authorized sites only: Camping is only permitted on authorized sites. Please minimize your impact by leaving the site in better condition than it was when you arrived.

Ticks/ Poison Ivy: Tiny deer ticks are common on the island so check yourself carefully. You can pick up further information about Lyme Disease (carried by deer ticks) at Reserve Headquarters or from the Island Managers. Poison Ivy is widespread on the island. Be able to identify it and avoid it.

Boating Conditions: Conditions on the water can vary and change quickly. Be prepared for all weather and sea conditions and be sure to carry safety equipment on your boat.