Nickerson

Nickerson State Park encompasses 1,900 acres of pine-oak forest surrounding eight crystal-clear kettle ponds on Cape Cod, offering exceptional camping and recreation.

The diverse habitats support white-tailed deer, coyotes, and numerous birds. The kettle ponds provide habitat for various fish and turtle species.

Pitch pine and oak forest typical of Cape Cod predominates. The ponds support diverse aquatic vegetation. Understory includes huckleberry and blueberry.

Eight kettle ponds formed by melting glacial ice blocks provide the park's centerpieces. The sandy outwash soils support the characteristic vegetation.

The Cape Cod location produces moderate maritime climate with warm summers and mild winters.

The park occupies former Nickerson estate lands. Samuel Nickerson made his fortune in Chicago railroads and banking.

Samuel Nickerson's widow donated the land to the state in 1934. The CCC developed initial facilities. The park has become one of Cape Cod's most popular camping destinations.

Eight miles of trails explore forest and pond shorelines. The Cape Cod Rail Trail passes through. Cliff Pond offers excellent swimming. Fishing is popular in all ponds.

The campground offers 420 sites. Beach facilities serve swimmers. The park is accessible from Route 6A in Brewster.

Water quality monitoring protects the pristine kettle ponds. The park provides essential recreation on increasingly developed Cape Cod.