Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

A State - Federal Partnership

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Washburn Island Day and Camping Use Guide

NOTICE:
All campsite reservations must be made through Reserve America.
Permits for sites 1, 2, and 9 are no longer available at the Waquoit Bay Reserve Headquarters. Please see below for more information.

Reminder: You must make your own arrangements to reach Washburn Island,
there is no ferry service to the Island.

Click here if no map appears above.

Welcome:
Thank you for your interest in Washburn Island. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the Island as a part of the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Site Designation and Capacity:
Sites 1-8 & 10 are Family sites (max of 4 campers per night). Sites 9 & 11 are group sites (max of 25 campers per night). Sites 1 & 2 are very close together. Perfect for two families who want to be near each other. Sites 4, 5 & 6 also allow for close proximity. Sites 6 & 7 are about 500 ft apart. Families wanting to be close together should not reserve these sites.

Camping Permits:
Camping is only permitted on authorized sites (304 CMR 13.01). There are 9 family campsites (max. 4 people) and 2 group sites (max. 25 people). Day visitors are required to leave the island by 8:00pm. Please minimize your impact by leaving the site in better condition than it was when you arrived.

You must have a permit to camp on Washburn Island. Permits for the period of Mid-May to Columbus Day weekend may be obtained in one of three ways, up to 6 months in advance. To reserve a site contact Reserve America on line at http://www.reserveamerica.com. An $8 fee is charged when you go through ReserveAmerica service.
Camp Massachusetts is Open:
September - March: 9am - 7pm
April - August: 8am - 9pm

Reserve Headquarters’ hours are:
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, year round
*You are asked to cancel reservations if your plans change. You must occupy your site on the day you have it reserved; if by 11am the next day you have not arrived, the campsite WILL be reissued (even if you payed for the site).

Camping Permit Fees: 2008 Fees are as follows:
Family Sites (sites 1-8 & 10)
$10.00 per night for Out of State Residents.
$8.00 for Massachusetts Residents)
Group Sites (9 & 11)
$25.00 per night for group sites.
Remember permits must be obtained prior to your arrival on Washburn Island!

Click on the Campsite Area Detail map to access site descriptions and photos!

To reach the Island:
You must have your own boat to access the island! It is recommended that you launch at the Town of Falmouth White’s Landing located on the Childs River (see driving directions for location). Overnight parking is permitted, however unattached trailers are not allowed to remain over night. Once in the Childs River, proceed south to Seapit point. Round Seapit Point and travel north up the Seapit River. Once in Waquoit Bay turn south out of the Seapit River. The undeveloped land to the south and west of Waquoit Bay is Washburn Island. The campsites are located about halfway down the eastern side of the island, overlooking Waquoit Bay. The distance from White’s Landing is less than 3 miles.

Driving Directions:
From the Sagamore Bridge (Cape Cod Canal) proceed toward Hyannis on Route 6 to exit 2 - Route 130. Follow Route 130 toward Mashpee for 7.2 miles and bear right on Great Neck Road just after the Flume Restaurant. Continue to the Mashpee Rotary. Halfway around the rotary take Route 28 toward Falmouth. Reserve Headquarters is located on the left 3.5 miles from the rotary and White’s Landing is located 0.4 miles beyond the Headquarters, also on the left.

Maps and Other Literature:
Maps of trails on Washburn Island and throughout the Reserve and additional literature about the Reserve are available at the Reserve headquarters (149 Waquoit Highway) on Route 28 in Waquoit, East Falmouth.
Look at photos of Washburn Island

Drinking Water:
You must bring your own water, as it is not available on the island.

Toilets:
Two composting toilets are available during the camping season and are located adjacent to the campsite areas. Their locations are shown on the map.

Ticks:
Ticks, including tiny deer ticks, are common on the island so check yourself carefully. You can pick up further information about Lyme Disease (carried by deer ticks) at Reserve Headquarters or from the Island Managers.

Poison Ivy:
Poison Ivy is widespread on the island. Be able to identify it and avoid it.

Endangered Birds:
At times the Piping Plover (a federally threatened species) and other rare species nest on the beaches of the island. It is important that they are not approached or disturbed. Pets are never permitted on the beaches for this reason.

Boating Conditions:
Wind, squalls and showers can come up suddenly. Conditions on the water can vary and change quickly. Be prepared for all weather and sea conditions and be sure to carry safety equipment on your boat.

Shellfishing:
Shellfishing is permitted in the bay at certain times. Licenses are required. Closure information and licenses can be acquired from the Town Halls in Falmouth and Mashpee.

Alcohol:
Commonwealth regulation 304-12.05 prohibits alcoholic beverages on DCR property.

Pets:
All dogs must be leashed at all times. 304 CMR 12.06 requires that all pets on DEM property have proof of rabies vaccination. Campers are responsible for the removal and proper disposal of pet feces at campsites. Check your dog for deer and dog ticks. Pets are also prohibited from all beach areas.

Sun Screen:
Sunscreen is strongly recommended. Be aware of the sun's strong rays and put sunscreen on yourself and your children before any exposure to the sun.

Plants:
Picking of plants degrades the environment of Washburn Island. Because of this, picking of plants is prohibited.

Arrival on Washburn Island:
Upon arriving on Washburn Island, please check in with the Island Managers. Managers live on the island during the summer. Their campsite is shown on the map. Staffing is sporadic in non summer months. Check in time is 1pm, check out is 11am.

Emergencies:
Camp at your own risk! During the summer months Island Managers are stationed on Washburn Island much of the time. They carry a cell phone and can call for assistance. It is recommended that you carry a cell phone when camping in non summer months.

Fires:
Open fires are NOT allowed (304 CMR 12.13). Only portable stoves using man-made fuel and charcoal grills are allowed.

Trash:
This is a carry in/carry out camping area. You are responsible for carrying out ALL of your trash.

More information:
General information about all Massachusetts Forest and Park Campgrounds can be found on the Department of Conservation and Recreation's website at www.state.ma.us/dcr. Further information specifically about Washburn Island and the Waquoit Bay NERR can be found by calling the Reserve Headquarters at (508) 457-0495, ext. 100 or visiting Reserve Headquarters on Route 28 in Waquoit, East Falmouth.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
PO Box 3092, 149 Waquoit Highway
Waquoit, MA 02536
PHONE: 508-457-0495 FAX: 617-727-5537

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