Over ten years ago our family began camping at a place that has never ceased to satisfy our summer need for cooler temperatures, much swimming, and a night sky free of city lights. This summer alone, I have already returned three times to this beloved ground and now I wish to wax eloquently on all her virtues.

Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod sits in the crux of the Cape’s massive elbow just a half a mile south of its bay side shore. All 1,900 acres lay available for any citizen of the Commonwealth to rent for the current price of only $22 per night (slightly more for out of state and nicer accommodations like a yurt). Just bring your tent, some folding chairs and maybe even a portable shelter and the park provides the rest: a fire pit with grill, a picnic table, and a close by water spigot, bathrooms, and even showers! And best of all, when you go for 2-3 days during the week at Nickerson, there is almost always availability to book last minute and still have a decent choice of spots.