CAMPING

Washburn Island Day and Camping Use Guide

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.

Day visitors are required to leave the island by 8:00pm

Primitive campsites are available by reservation only and available mid-May through Columbus Day (mid-October). Reservations must be obtained prior to your arrival on the island.

Please call Reserve America to make all of your camping reservations:
Reserve America
877/422-6762
www.reserveamerica.com

Reservations from Reserve America (CAMP MA)
Camping Reservations for Washburn Island

Please note: There is no ferry service to Washburn Island. You must arrange your own boat transportation to the Island.

Check in time is 1pm, check out is 11am.
Upon arriving on Washburn Island, please check in with the Island Managers at their site. Managers live on the island during the summer. Staffing is sporadic in non summer months.

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.

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 paid for the site).

Camping Permit Fees:
Family Sites (sites 1-8 & 10)
$10.00 per night for Out of State Residents.
$8.00 for Massachusetts Residents)

$9.25 Transaction Fee per each reservation

Group Sites (9 & 11)
$25.00 per night for group sites.

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.

Launch Sites: You must have your own boat to access the island!
Town of Falmouth White’s Landing located on the Childs River (Route 28). 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.

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.

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:

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 DCR 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 prohibited on the outer beach, and the campground beach between April and September to protect nesting birds.

Sun Screen: Sun screen 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.

Fires: Open fires are NOT allowed (304 CMR 12.13). Only portable stoves using man-made fuel and charcoal grills are allowed. Charcoal must be extinguished and disposed of responsibly.

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.