Cheap vacations on Cape Cod start at the Shawme-Crowell State Forest campground. I’m not ashamed to use the word “cheap.” In fact it’s one of my favorite words - and has been long before the latest economic woes. In fact I dislike it when people hide behind words like frugal.

I always like to plan cheap vacations. And then save out a little extra for a special meal, tour or music event. Staying on Cape Cod can be so expensive. Especially if you need more than one room. About 10 years ago Leo and I bought a conversion van so that we could visit areas that are very expensive. I prefer a conversion van to a tent because I like my sleep number bed and an ability to lock a substantial door between my sleep number bed and the outside world.

Honestly I didn’t think that I would enjoy staying at a campground, but I’ve met a lot of nice people and shared many stories out under the sky. In Sandwich, we have the Shawme-Crowell State Forest which has 285 camping sites. If you are a state resident it’s only $15 a night, out-of-sate residents pay $18. You can make reservations up to 6 months early and as late as the day before. But I would highly recommend that if you want to stay at the Shawme-Crowell State Forest during  July or August you better make your reservations as early as possible. You can stay up to 14 consecutive days. You must make a full payment within 10 days of making the reservation.  We have many friends who use this option and always have a wonderful time.

The nice perk included in the Shawme-Crowell State Forest fee is that parking access to the Scusset State Reservation Beach is included. Access to Cape Cod beaches can be quite expensive during summer months.

Shawme-Crowell State Forest is also near the Cape Cod Canal, the Stop and Shop grocery store (so you don’t have to pay the inflated prices at smaller convenience stores), and the Sandwich Historic Town Center.  Of course you’re on Cape Cod so you’re free to travel all the way to Provincetown. Go whale watching even!