Cape Cod offers many great campgrounds for those that seek this less expensive and outdoorsy way of vacationing. Our family camped on the Cape at Peters Pond Park in Sandwich most summers, and I can truly say that camping there was one of the highlights of my childhood. To this day, Cape Cod is my favorite place on earth for a vacation.

There are over 20 campgrounds on the Cape, some with over 450 campsites, some with less than 80. And believe me - this is not your father's camping! Campgrounds now have many more options than just tent or "pop-up" sites. Many can accommodate RVs and trailers of up to 32 feet, and most have cabins or cottages, modern restrooms and even cable television hook-ups. Some even have RVs or trailers up to 40 feet on site for rent. Playgrounds and children's programs abound, as do baseball fields, rec halls, on site markets, and other amenities. Most campgrounds are also situated close to, or near the water - a great convenience for swimming and boating activities. From tennis courts to musical entertainment to bicycle rentals to internet cyber booths - Cape Cod campgrounds offer activities that were rare years ago.

Some campgrounds even cater to the different desires of today's campers by offering separate sections for couples seeking a quieter setting, group campers such as scouts or churches, RVs/trailers-only, as well as traditional family camping sites. Most sites for RVs and large "pull-through" trailers are in separate sections from tents, small trailers or cabins. Often cabins and cottages are grouped together as well. A few campgrounds allow pets, but some restrict this to off-season periods, and most allow only 1 pet per site. Make sure to bring your pet's rabies certificate, as most campgrounds require them now. We highly recommend that you check the rules and limitations thoroughly when you make reservations.

The cost for camping on Cape Cod, although not as expensive as hotels, can still add up. Most rates include only 2 adults. Even your own children often add to the daily cost - and - pets, extra vehicles, boats and visitors almost always require extra daily fees. Our research showed in-season rates varying from $33 to $46 per night for a standard tent site with water and electric service - and again - almost always this was for 2 adults only. Off-season rates varied from $18 to $34 a night for the same tent site with water and electric for 2 adults. Rate charts on the websites can be a little confusing, so be sure you get a clear explanation of your exact rates before you make your reservations.

A lot has changed about camping since my childhood days on Cape Cod, but a lot of it is still the same. You will still find s'mores around a camp fire, pick-up baseball games, trips to the camp store for a treat, hikes and long walks, kids climbing trees, the best tasting breakfast ever around a picnic table, and loads of memories that will last a lifetime.