Bourne Scenic Park Campground

Camping at Bourne Scenic Park Campground is a good base for visiting the Myles Standish State Forest, which forms part of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion. It encompasses large tracts of pitch pine and scrub oak forests, which are surrounded by 16 lakes and a number of ecologically significant coastal kettle ponds. There are more than 15 miles of paved cycling trails and 13 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as routes that are accessible to horseback riders. Keep your eyes peeled for eastern box turtles and native fishers while exploring the forest, as well as prairie warblers, eastern bluebirds, and whip-poor-wills.

The Bourne Scenic Park Campground is around an hour’s drive from the Cape Cod National Seashore, which was created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. It also forms part of the Atlantic coastal pine barrens ecoregion, as well as encompassing a number of historic lighthouse and landmarks in Eastham dating from the region’s earliest European settlement. Visit Marconi Station where the first two-way transatlantic radio transmission took place and admire the charming beach structures within the Dune Shacks of Peaked Hill Bars Historic District. Aside from its hiking and biking trails, there are several beautiful beaches where you can swim and relax during the warmer months.

Directly south of the Bourne Scenic Park Campground is the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1995 to protect the area’s salt marshes, cranberry bogs and Atlantic white cedar swamps. It provides vital habitat for migratory waterfowl, songbirds, and shorebirds, not to mention white-tailed deer, native red foxes, and the endangered New England cottontail rabbit. There are miles of walking trails that visitors can explore independently or during one of the regular interpretive programs, and hunting is available in designated areas with relevant licenses and permits.

The Bourne Scenic Park Campground is within easy access of numerous supermarkets where you can stock up on grocery supplies, as well as gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental. There’s a good selection of restaurants and eateries in Bourne and neighboring Buzzards Bay, with the fresh seafood a must-try.

In Bourne, don’t miss a visit to the Cape Cod Military Museum, which is dedicated to promoting an understanding of the contributions of Americans to 20th-century conflicts. There’s a particular emphasis on the role of southeastern Massachusetts, with military memorabilia and artifacts belonging to men and women who served both at home and abroad.

A short stroll from the museum is the Bourne Society Historic House, an 1830's residence with period-furnished rooms and a granite-walled barn. Another museum not to miss is the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum, which centers around a replica of a 17th-century structure built by pilgrims to trade with the Dutch and the Wampanoag Indians. Other buildings on the property include a replica 19th-century saltworks, a wooden smock windmill, and the relocated Gray Gables Railroad Station.

Traveling with kids? Make the 10-minute drive west to the family-owned water park that’s packed with lagoon-style pools and waterslides. Cool off in the wave pool or tackle the high-speed curves and drops of Squid Row, then enjoy a leisurely float down the Herring Run River. Young kids will love the attractions at Little Neck Beach while older children can challenge themselves on the rope bridges of Harpoon Lagoon.

A 15-minute drive in the other direction will take you to the Sandwich Glass Museum, which celebrates the local glassblowing industry. Watch one of the regular demonstrations to see glass artists in action, then browse the one-of-a-kind gifts for sale at the museum store. Also nearby are the Heritage Museums & Gardens, home to classic cars, American folk art, and a 1919 carousel, as well as a nationally significant collection of rhododendrons.

Whether you want to see native wildlife in the local refuges or discover the rich history of Cape Cod, book an RV in Barnstable County and start planning your next vacation.