the Snappy Camper: The neat-o Nickerson State Park

the Snappy Camper

it's not just a life-it's an adventure...

the Snappy Camper: The neat-o Nickerson State Park

The neat-o Nickerson State Park

I just got back from Nickerson State Park and I gotta be honest-I didn't want to leave. A couple weeks back I thought Shawme Crowell was the biggest.campground.ever but Nickerson is really like Shawme's big boned older brother. It's about 4 miles from the entrance to the end, but filled with so much awesomeness in between that your really don't have to leave (even though there are many cool things to do in Brewster-more on that in a future episode.) There are 7 kettle ponds (ranging from very pond-y to almost tropical looking), miles of paved bike and blade trails, even more miles of hiking trails, and trails for horses (if you have one). Bike rental is available right at the entrance to the park, and one can rent boats inside after June 18.

I do have to say that the sites in each of the 7 areas vary GREATLY in size, shape and privacy, and can leave one feeling like Goldilocks rummaging through the three bears' sh*t to find the right balance of these super critical camping elements. I was lucky to land in site 32 in area 6 which worked out perFECtLY for me. Here's why:

all 500 or so square feet of my camping snappiness fit with room to spare
I was close enough to the bathroom to not be tempted to go in the woods, yet not so close I could hear other people, er, using it while nestled in my tent
I was nowhere near the garbage dumpsters
I was about a 6 minute walk from the most amazing kettle pond ever
I had about as much privacy as one can reasonable expect when in a campground

It was really the perfect place within the perfect place and a great place to use as a launching pad to out yonder or to just chill in the park. As far as amenities, there really aren't any more to add other than a better-than-average camp store which is open 8-8 7 days a week. They stock the usual, plus a selection of gear, souvenirs, postcards (and even stamps!)

Convinced? You can book your site by visiting ReserveAmerica.com. The cost is $15/night for MA residents (a couple bucks more for you out-of-towners) and RA will tack on a $9.25 booking fee. You'll be covered for 2 cars and 4 peeps. Pets are cool, alcohol is a no-go and don't bring any firewood in or out (there is plenty of downed wood in the park so you really wouldn't need to anyway). Stop making excuses and start making reservations!