Looking to get back to the basics and spend some time recharging in the great outdoors? In Massachusetts you can be in the great city of Boston in the morning and camping in a state forest by midday. Campgrounds in Massachusetts run the gamut from scenic lush forests, craggy coastline and gorgeous green farmland.
We’ll run through tent campgrounds, RV campgrounds and the amenities that each offers. Get ready to plan that family vacation, girls getaway or solo trip to a campground in Massachusetts offering hiking, biking, fishing and more.
Tips for Booking Massachusetts Campgrounds
When you’re booking your camping getaway, we highly recommend double-checking a few items to avoid surprises.
Book in advance for peak season, popular destinations or smaller campgrounds.
Some Massachusetts campgrounds are located in unique settings with ferry-only access. Make sure to book your transportation as soon as you’ve booked your site to avoid disappointment!
Always double check site occupancy. While some campgrounds allow for four guests in the reservation cost, many are based on two guests. To avoid surprise costs be sure to see how many guests a site includes.
Many campgrounds that are state run do not allow alcohol. If you’re envisioning fireside beers with friends, plan accordingly.
Almost all campgrounds in MA require you to buy firewood on-site or use charcoal. A rare few allow firewood to be brought in IF it goes directly from your vehicle to the fire pit and doesn’t touch the ground. Allow budget to purchase firewood.
If you’re traveling with a dog, be sure to check required paperwork so that you have it on hand.
Some campground showers operate on quarters. It’s a good idea to keep a roll in your car just in case.
You can camp near the city on the Boston Harbor Islands. Photo credit: Pixabay
Unique Massachusetts Campgrounds Worth the Effort
There are several campgrounds in Massachusetts that require a little bit more effort to visit. They’re remote, on islands and require special transportation. These unique experiences are worth the effort though! Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Boston Harbor Islands State and National Park
Looking for one of the most unique camping experiences in New England? You can camp on Peddocks Island, just off the coast of Boston. It’s a city camping experience that you won’t find anywhere else. Options include tent sites or yurts. To get to the island you’ll need to catch a passenger ferry from the Hingham Ship Yard. There is limited ferry capacity so make sure you book the tickets as soon as you reserve a tent site .
When packing for your Harbor Islands camping experience you’ll need to bring in water for each camper, anything you need for food prep and cooking and trash bags. This park is carry-in, carry-out.
Number of Campsites: Sites have composting toilets. There are restrooms with flush toilets at the Visitors Center.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in from 1:00 to 7:00 pm; check-out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Tent sites at Boston Harbor Islands are $8/night for MA residents and $20 for non-residents. Yurts are $55/night for MA residents and $140/night for non-residents. There is an additional $4.50 nonrefundable fee on each reservation.
Dog-Friendly Campground: No dogs.
Read More: Top Attractions to See in Massachusetts
2. Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground
569 Edgartown Rd. Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
508-693-3772
Seven miles off the coast of Massachusetts, Martha’s Vineyard is an extremely popular vacation destination. Its population swells dramatically during the summer. Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground has the distinction of being the only campground on Martha’s Vineyard. Its location in Tisbury, the Vineyard’s main port, makes it a great jumping off point for family-friendly island adventures. During peak season recreational activities are offered. The 2023 season will run from May 24th – October 11th.
Access to the campground involves taking a ferry from Woods Hole or another spot. Make sure you book your ferry passage when you book the campsite to avoid a lack of transportation later.
Number of Campsites: 103 tent camping sites
RV Sites: 50 RV sites and 27 cabins
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in runs from 3 pm-10 pm, alternate arrangements can be made for late ferry arrivals. RVs must check-in before dark. Checkout by 11 am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Nightly rates for campsites range from $69-$85 depending on season and primitive vs. electrical campsites. RV sites range in price from $108-$130. Site prices include two adults, additional costs apply for extra campers. Weekly discounts are available. If you want to select your site in advance there is a $10 fee.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Slightly. Dogs are not permitted during their peak season. You can bring your canine companions between opening day and June 30th and from September 1 to closing day. There is a dog fee of $5/night.
Massachusetts State Parks to Add to Your Camping Bucket List
Many of the campgrounds in Massachusetts are located at state parks. With over 150 state parks and about 30 offering camping, vacationers can select the perfect surroundings for their next trip. We’re going to outline a few of our favorites below. There are a few things to note that carry across all Massachusetts campgrounds at state parks.
Massachusetts doesn’t allow the transportation of firewood into or out of a Department of Conservation and Recreation Campground. Firewood can usually be purchased on-site with a credit card.
Alcohol is prohibited in all Massachusetts state parks and campgrounds.
MA residents enjoy discounted prices.
Most locations allow reservations to be made up to four months in advance.
3. Wompatuck State Park
204 Union Street Hingham, MA 02043 617-895-8245
Located in Hingham, Wompatuck State Park caters to active folks. With activities like biking, boating and geocaching you won’t hear “I’m bored”. If you’re looking to combine camping with access to Boston, Wompatuck State Park is only 35 minutes outside of the city.
Wompatuck State Park was named after a local Algonquin tribal chief the colonists called Josiah Wompatuck. It is said that he gave the park and the land to English settlers in 1665. The park itself spans a staggering 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. With over 40 miles of trails, campers won’t run out of hiking options. Biking is a breeze on the 12 miles of paved bike trails. There is a boat ramp and fishing is allowed in the Cohasset Reservoir. Flush toilets and showers are available to campers.
One of the park’s well-known features is Mt. Blue Spring. You can visit the spring house to fill up your water bottles with fresh drinking water. Another unique thing about Wompatuck is its past as an ammunition depot during two wars. Because of this history, there are old cement bunkers that you can hike near.
What You Need to Know About Wompatuck State Park
Number of Campsites: 250 campsites each campsite is furnished with a picnic table, pedestal grill and fire ring. Campsites have a capacity of four adults or two adults and the children in their care (and two vehicles) so be sure to book more than one if traveling with a larger group.
RV Sites: Roughly 125 back-in sites feature RV electrical hook-ups. Maximum vehicle length is 35’. There is a dumping station on-site.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in from 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check-out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Sites can be reserved up to four months in advance. The 2023 season runs from May 11, 2023 through October 8, 2023. There are no walk-in or same-day reservations. Cost is $17 for MA residents and $54 for out-of-state campers. Electrical hookups add $6 to your reservation and there is a $4.50 nonrefundable transaction charge on each reservation.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Limit of four pets per campsite. A current rabies certificate must be shown at check-in.
4. Wells State Park
159 Walker Pond Road Sturbridge, MA 01566
508-347-9257
Wells State Park campground is located in Sturbridge, MA near the Connecticut border. The 1400 wooded acres offer hiking and a wooded getaway close to Worcester. You can explore wetlands and see cliffs. Amenities include free showers, boat ramp access, swimming and fishing. During peak season, nature programs are offered.
Once you’re done hiking you can head over for a day at Old Sturbridge Village . If you have time I highly recommend crossing into Connecticut to visit Traveler Restaurant in Union, CT. This roadside restaurant offers one of the best tuna melts ever and your meal comes with two free books. The cafe is lined all over with bookshelves full of used books. It is one of our family’s favorite stops in the area.
What You Need to Know About Camping at Wells State Park
Number of Campsites: 55 tent/RV sites, 4 yurts, 1 group site
RV Sites: Yes. No dumping available. No hookups available.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in 1pm-9pm. Checkout by 11 am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Cost is $17 for MA residents and $54 for out-of-state campers. There is a $4.50 nonrefundable transaction charge on each reservation.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Up to four pets can be on each reservation. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate.
5. Myles Standish State Forest
194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330
508-866-2526
Centered in the middle of Interstate 495, Route 3, Route 44 and the Cape Cod Canal, this campground is located in the middle of over 12,000 acres.
Myles Standish offers 15 miles of bicycle trails, 35 miles of horseback riding trails and 13 miles of hiking trails that take visitors deep into the forest. If you’re visiting during the summer be sure to check out program offerings like pond shore walks and cranberry bog exploration. You can also tour a fire tower! Swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing are available at College Pond.
Once you’re tired of the woods you can head over to Plymouth, numerous golf courses or King Richard’s Faire.
What You Need to Know About Camping at Myles Standish State Forest
Number of Campsites: 400 campsites, including some equestrian-friendly campsites (must have Coggins papers for horses). Three yurts are available.
RV Sites: RVs are welcome but there are no hook-ups. There is a dumping station on-site.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in from 1:00 to 9:00 pm; check-out by 11:00 am. Quiet hours are 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Sites can be reserved up to four months in advance. The 2023 season runs from May 11, 2023 through October 8, 2023. There are no walk-in or same-day reservations. Cost is $17 for MA residents and $54 for out-of-state campers. Electrical hookups add $6 to your reservation and there is a $4.50 nonrefundable transaction charge on each reservation.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Up to four pets can be on each reservation. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate.
6. Salisbury Beach State Park
1 Beach Road Salisbury, MA 01952
978-462-4481
Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a popular spot for both RVers and tent campers. Its unique location on the coast, abutting a salt marsh and at the mouth of the Merrimack River lends it to activities. You can swim in the Atlantic Ocean, fish in the Merrimack River or take out a canoe for an adventure. From the campground you’ve got great views of Plum Island and the lighthouse. If you’re looking for beach camping closer to Rhode Island check out Westport Point’s Horseneck Beach State Reservation .
Had enough beach days ? Nearby you can take in a show at the Blue Ocean Music Hall, visit Plum Island Soap Co. or head to Joe’s Playland for skee ball and ice cream.
What You Need to Know About Camping at Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Number of Campsites: 484 sites available for tent camping, RVs and trailers. Sites are not shaded.
RV Sites: Yes. Sites have electric and water.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in time is 1pm-9pm. Checkout by 11am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Site fees are $22/night for MA residents, $70/non-residents. There are additional nightly costs of $4/water hookup and $6 electric hookup on all sites. You’ll also pay a $3 surcharge that benefits the Salisbury Beach Trust Fund and a $4.50 non refundable transaction charge on all bookings.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Up to four pets can be on each reservation. You must bring a current rabies vaccination certificate.
Note: Because of Salisbury Beach State Reservation’s location on a barrier, beach weather can cause closures. If the weather is looking sketchy, we recommend calling ahead.
If you’re RV camping many options exist at Massachusetts campgrounds ranging from rustic to glamping. Photo credit: Silvana Clark
Best RV Campgrounds in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a great destination for RV camping enthusiasts and offers a wide range of camping options. RV enthusiasts have many options for parking and camping across the state, from Andover to Salem to Pittsfield. You can enjoy camping near historic towns like Sturbridge or explore the outdoors by going hiking, fishing or mountain biking across Massachusetts. Whatever your camping preferences, you are sure to find experiences that suit your Massachusetts campground needs.
7. Normandy Farms Campground
72 West Street Foxboro, MA 02035
1-866-673-2767
Normandy Farms Campground in Foxboro, MA is the perfect spot for camping enthusiasts of all tastes and budgets. Foxboro’s location between Boston and Providence makes it a great stop on a trip to either.
If you love to bike this is the spot for you. Not only is there a bike park with a jump line, skills area and pump track but it backs up to the Foxboro State Forest which offers 23 miles of challenging bike trails.
Amenities include:
Creative Arts Center offering movies, arts and crafts, yoga and cribbage
18 hole disc golf course
1.5 acre dog park complete with agility equipment
Playgrounds, fishing pound, soccer field, softball field, volleyball, tennis, horseshoes, corn hole and bocce
Fitness center, laundry facilities, wellness center (with massages!) and a recreation lodge with activities and jacuzzi
4 Pools including one indoor pool
Number of Campsites: 400+ sites, 31 sites allow tent camping
RV Sites: Yes. Basic sites all the way up to full hook-up sites that include water, electric, cable and sewer are available.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in is after 3 pm. Checkout is 12 pm.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Rates are based on two people per site. Tents are limited to specific sites that run $40-$86/night depending on season. RV sites run from $61-$146/night depending on season and amperage.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Pets must have proof of current vaccinations, be leashed and not be left unattended.
8. Sun Retreats Cape Cod (formerly known as Cape Cod RV Resort)
176 Thomas B Landers Road East Falmouth, MA 02536
1-888-991-5331
With 55 acres to explore, Sun Retreats Cape Cod is a premier camping resort and family campground in East Falmouth. With tent sites, RV sites and vacation rentals options exist for groups of all sizes. Families will love the mini golf course, playground, lake, and boating options. The 2023 season runs from April 28-October 31st.
If you’re looking to be closer to the Upper Cape be sure to check out the Boston/Cape Cod Holiday KOA in Middleboro, MA.
Number of Campsites: 38 tent sites available. 34 Cabins available-sleeping between four and six guests.
RV Sites: 103 sites available- full hook-ups and both 30 and 50 amp sites
Check-In and Checkout Info: Tent/RV Check-In is at 2 pm. Cabin check-in is at 3 pm. Check out is at 11 am. Quiet hours are 11pm-8am daily.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Prices start at $45/tent sites. RV sites range from $63-$97/night. Cabins start at $120/night and go up to $204/night.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Dogs need to be leashed.
Read More: How to Rent an RV for Your Next Camping Trip
9. Pinewood Lodge Campground
Located in Plymouth, Pinewood Lodge Campground is a peaceful oasis between Rt 44 and Miles Standish State Forest. Tucked into 200 acres of forest, the campground features a 50-acre lake with over 3,000 feet of frontage and a 6-acre private island. This family-friendly mostly RV campground takes camping to the level of vacationing by packing in amenities and conveniences that will enhance your time. Parents will feel like they’re on vacation too when they can grab a drink from the full service bar (weekends) or mini-bar (weekdays).
Families will love:
two playgrounds
an ice cream shop and snack bar
horseshoes, bocce ball, basketball, volleyball
Number of Campsites: 7 tent-only sites, 6 yurts, 6 cabins, 230+ RV sites
RV Sites: Full hook-up RV campsites are available. Pinewood Lodge Campground has a factory-authorized service center for repairs.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in for campsites is after 1 pm. For cabin rentals check-in is after 3 pm. Checkout at 11 am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Sites range from $55-$75/night. Yurts, basic cabins, deluxe cabins and tiny homes are available. Prices range from $94-$210/night.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. Leashed pets are allowed. Max two per site, $5/night. Must bring proof of vaccinations with you.
Note: Unlike many other campgrounds the showers at Pinewood Lodge ARE metered and require quarters. Don’t forget to plan accordingly.
10. Atlantic Oaks Campground
3700 State Highway 6 Eastham, MA 02642
508-255-1437
This Cape Cod campground is designed to appeal to RVers. Located super close to the National Seashore Visitors Center and only 23 miles from Provincetown, Atlantic Oaks sits right on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Amenities include a playground, laundry, dog park, game room, free wifi, bait shop and pull-through campsites that have full hookups.
With access to the rail trail, it’s perfect for families who love active vacations and biking. Surfing and boogie-boarding is a huge attraction at nearby Coast Guard Beach. You can also check for available tours at Nauset Beach Lighthouse (the Cape Cod Potato Chip logo inspiration) and visit a working windmill (Eastham Windmill).
Number of Campsites: 100+ sites available
RV Sites: 45 30-amp sites, 39 50-amp sites
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in is from 1 pm-9 pm. Checkout is by 12 pm.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Tent sites (water only) run from $40-$62. RV sites run from $70-$104/night depending on season and 30 or 50 amp.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. While the campground does allow dogs (up to two, $4/night each) they don’t recommend bringing them. Dogs must be taken with you whenever you leave the campsite and the nearby beaches do not allow dogs.
Great Massachusetts Campgrounds for Families
11. Prospect Mountain Campground
1349 Main Road Granville, MA 01034
1-888-550-4762
Located in the scenic Berkshire foothills, this Massachusetts campground is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape nearby cities Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT. Nearby attractions include Granville Gorge, Granville State Forest and the New England Disc Golf Center. In our opinion this campground veers towards the glamping end of things. It’s the perfect warm-up for inexperienced campers or destination for a low-key girlfriend getaway .
Prospect Mountain has two ponds. One offers catch and release fishing and the other offers paddleboating. A heated pool is available between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Other amenities include horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, bocce, playground, game room, laundry rooms and propane filling onsite. Additional fun, family-friendly add-ons are available for a reasonable cost. These include laser tag, miniature golf and gemstone/fossil mining. Check their events calendar ahead of your trip to see if any additional activities are planned.
What You Need to Know About Prospect Mountain Campground
Number of Campsites: This campground is fairly compact. All but 14 tent sites have electric. There are also 14 cabins (1-2 bedrooms).
RV Sites: There are only 20 full hook-up nightly sites so if that is something you’ll need be sure to reserve early. Four wastewater dumping stations are located on-site.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in is at 2 pm. Early check-in can sometimes be accommodated, but you must call first. Checkout is 11 am.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Reservations aren’t required but during busy times they are highly recommended. Sites can accommodate up to six people. Rates run around $45/night for a standard tent site, $49/night for a premium tent site, $150/night for a 2 bedroom cabin and between $65-$115 for RV sites depending on pull-in vs pull-through.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Pets are welcome. You must have a copy of their rabies vaccination certificate for the front office to keep on file.
12. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park
15 Scott Road Lanesborough, MA 01237
413-447-9419
Mt. Greylock Campsite Park is located in western Massachusetts and has been voted Best of the Berkshires for many years running. It sits at the foot of Mt. Greylock State Reservation covering 47 acres. This peaceful campground offers generously sized sites with trees between them, giving a feeling of privacy even in a campground with amenities.
If you’re an adults-only party, I highly recommend booking one of their primitive campsites. They’re located away from the RV and electric campsites and tend to veer more towards friends camping groups and adults. This campground has tons of amenities including one of my favorites, horseshoes, along with a playground, heated pool, stocked fishing pond, activity center, volleyball, basketball courts and even laundry facilities. The bath house is open 24/7 and has toilets, sinks and free hot showers.
Although this campground is located next to state land it is not a state campground. Therefore drinking is allowed by those 21 and over at their own sites. Bringing in your own wood is still not allowed. You can purchase firewood on site.
What You Need to Know About Mt. Greylock Campsite Park
Number of Campsites: 110 campsites total- including RV sites.
RV Sites: Yes. They can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. All RV sites have water, electric and gray water hookups.
Cost & Reservation Rules: Pond and hilltop primitive tent sites are $40/night. Deluxe campsites with electric are $45/night. Site cost includes up to two adults and three children. Additional adults are $12 and kids are $6 up to the limit of four people and two structures (primitive) or six people and two structures (deluxe).
RV sites are priced based on RV size. Standard back-ins are $45/night, standard pull-throughs are $50/night, large back-ins are $55/night and large pull-throughs are $60/night. Weekly rates are available.
Check-In and Checkout Info: Check-in runs from 2 pm-9 pm. Checkout is 12 pm. Quiet hours are 11 pm-7 am.
Dog-Friendly Campground: Yes. You can have up to two well-behaved, leashed pets.
Which Massachusetts Campground Is Right for You?
As you’re looking through this list and selecting the perfect campground for your family, be sure to consider the size of your party, your budget, how important nearby activities are to you and what campground amenities are important to you.
What is your favorite Massachusetts campground? The post 12 Best Massachusetts Campgrounds Perfect for Adventure appeared first on She Buys Travel .
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