How did a little place at the very tip of a peninsula in Massachusetts become so well-known and come to possess such a vibrant community filled with art, beauty, and friendly people? It certainly wasn’t because of the Pilgrims. Yes, the Pilgrims. That passionately religious group who set sail from England searching for a new home so to be free of religious persecution, first landed in Provincetown’s harbor in 1620. They didn’t stay long. After not getting along with the Nauset tribe of Native Americans, five weeks after landing they pulled up anchor and sailed further north to spread their beliefs and way of life in another part of Massachusetts…Plymouth.
An NBC Boston poll from 2019 ranked Massachusetts as the 47th friendliest state in the United States. Not a ranking to boast about for sure. The other New England states are not far behind. 
New Hampshire ranked 44th, Rhode Island ranked 41, Connecticut (where I was born and still live), ranked 38, Vermont ranked 34 and Maine, the friendliest of all ranked 31. Why are New Englanders so unfriendly?
I was reminded of this question last week when my husband Matt and our two French Bulldogs, Victor & Hugo took our Airstream camping at Coastal Acres Campground in Provincetown. Cape Cod is beautiful. Over the 33 years we have been together we have vacationed their approx. 8 times. Usually in Chatham. Our only trip to Ptown together was many years ago. So, when we learned that the Airstream of New England group was hosting a “Pets & Paws” rally in Provincetown, it was a great excuse to wake up the “MOJO RIDER”, pack up the puppies and head out on our first camping adventure of 2022.
The rally was held at Coastal Acres Campground right in the heart of Provincetown. The campground was still officially closed but allowed our group of Airstreams in for the weekend of April 8th-10th. They officially open the following weekend and many of the seasonal campers were there cleaning up their units to be ready. From the campground it is a ten-minute walk to Commercial Street where all the action is. 
A better location for camping does not exist in Provincetown! Not only are all the shops and restaurants close by, the National Sea Shore with its beautiful beaches and dunes along with biking and hiking trails are minutes away.
The campground has many seasonal sites along with their nightly rentals and has an adequate camp store for more than just essentials. It seems to me this is more of an adult campground, which is great because Matt & I are always searching for “Kid Free” camping. There is no bouncy house, pool, play area or arts and craft hut. From the patio set-ups many of the seasonal sites display, my guess is the campground is filled with owners who are social and like to have a good time.
Costal Acres is of course dog friendly. All of Provincetown is dog friendly. The campground does not allow open campfires. But you can use a Solo Stove or similar. Also, if you are looking at their website you might see upright BBQ stands. However, be aware they are only at the seasonal site locations. If you want to grill, make sure to bring your equipment. The campground has some trees, but most likely if you stay there, you will be in full sun. Some preferred sites exists nestled along a beautiful marsh that do offer some canopy and water views. These sites are for tents and RV’s / trailers that are no longer than 23’ approximately.
Our time is Ptown was truly enjoyable. The people in town and at staff the campground were all super friendly and accommodating to us and our group. Because everyone was so pleasant; it brings me back to my previous comments about New Englanders being unfriendly. Provincetown didn’t get that memo. Maybe it is because of the unique history of the area that has allowed it to move past all our New England uptightness. All I know is, we stopped in Hyannis on our way back home for lunch and immediately were offered some of that uptightness from a woman working at restaurant we were considering eat at. Oh well, I guess there is always Ptown! Thank goodness!
If you want to learn more about the history of Provincetown, check out this well done and informative article from the New England Historical Society.
https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/how-ptown-got-so-gay-gay-gay/
Happy Camping!
