Self-Contained-Vehicle (SCV) Camping in the Off-Road Vehicle Corridor

This Page is for Self-Contained Vehicle Beach Camping on the Off-Road Vehicle Corridor Only

Cape Cod National Seashore offers the opportunity for self-contained vehicle overnight camping along the ORV Corridor. You must have a self-contained vehicle that conforms to the requirements for accessing this corridor. You must also obtain a valid SCV permit from the ORV Office. Cape Cod National Seashore does not operate any camping facilities. Nickerson State Park is a nearby state campground and can be reached at [phone].

 

Tents and Camping Trailers Prohibited

Tent camping and camping trailers are never allowed anywhere on the ORV Corridor.

 

Camping is restricted to SCV permittees and allowed in SCV camping areas only on Race Point Beach. A SCV is defined as a vehicle with a self-contained water or chemical toilet, and, permanently installed gray and black water holding tanks with a minimum 3 day holding capacity. Cassette-style toilets, such as those found in some Mercedes Benz Sprinter models, are not permitted. Camping is limited to 100 vehicles per night and restricted to 21 days per vehicle from July 1 through Labor Day. Variable beach conditions and temporary beach closures may result in temporary or permanent changes in the locations and boundaries of the designated camping areas.

 

Important Links

• Return to the Main ORV Page
• Map of Current Corridor Status
• How to Get an ORV Permit
• Mandatory Equipment and Tire Size Requirement
• ORV Corridor Rules and Regulations
• ORV Corridor Fishing
• ORV Annual Reports

Learn and Explore

Time Limits & Holding Tank Regulations:

All SCV beach camping spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

From July 1 through Labor Day, all SCVs must obtain an overnight authorization (dump pass) at the ORV station before going onto the beach. If arriving after hours, you must obtain a dump pass at 9 am the following morning.

Authorizations (dump passes) must be posted with the expiration date clearly visible. Self-contained vehicles may be parked in the designated areas for a maximum total of 21 nights from July 1-Labor Day.

Authorizations are valid for up to 3 nights and renewable until the 21 night maximum is met.

SCVs must have a self-contained water or chemical toilet and permanently installed grey and black water holding tanks with a minimum holding capacity of 3 days for each tank.

 

Shorebirds

Piping plovers, least terns and other shorebirds nest on the beaches of Cape Cod. Protection of the threatened piping plover and their habitats is administered jointly by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Signs are posted near nests and exclosures are erected around nests to protect the chicks. Please check with a ranger for current beach closures.

 

Travel to Beach & Camping Areas:

Self-contained vehicles may only travel the beach from either the Race Point north or Race Point south access ramps to the boundaries of the self-contained vehicle areas. The foredune and foreshore areas are off limits to all vehicles.

• You are required to decrease tire pressure before entering the beach ORV driving corridor. Tire pressure is critical for successful off-road driving. 11 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) is recommended. Friction may cause pressure to increase while you drive making it necessary to stop and reduce pressure again. Your beginning tire pressure should not exceed 15 psi.
• Always check tides before entering the off-road corridor. Portions of the beach may be impassable at high tide.
• If you feel you are in danger of getting stuck - check your tire pressure and let air out if necessary; try backing up in your tracks before moving ahead. Do not spin tires, this will only cause the vehicle to dig in.
• Do not speed - excessive speed endangers you, your vehicle, other beach users, and wildlife. Experienced beach drivers know that a slow, steady speed and correct tire pressure are more effective than faster speeds.
• Always be alert for wildlife when driving on the beach - tern and plover chicks may attempt to hide in vehicle tracks when frightened.

 

Seals

Seals and seal pups rest on shore. Although they may appear to be tame, these animals are wild. Please do not approach them under any circumstance - this creates stress for the seal and may cause injury to you and the animal. If you suspect an animal is injured, please contact a ranger at 508-487-2100 ext. 0928.