Nickerson State Park

1,900 acres of pine-oak forest and glacial kettle ponds in Brewster — the Cape's flagship state park. Flax Pond and Cliff Pond offer clear freshwater swimming (a welcome alternative to cold ocean surf), plus kayak rentals, fishing, and eight miles of paved bike paths connecting directly to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Its 400+ campsites make it the classic budget base for exploring the mid- and outer Cape.