Winter Island Park

We stayed here during the month of October, for two nights back to back (in different spots). We wanted to come to Salem for the Halloween season, and didn’t think it would be that bad, despite many warnings about how crowded it gets (it gets CROWDED). 

I got our spots at Winter Island by repeatedly and obsessively hitting “refresh” for two days straight, and it paid off- couldn’t believe we snagged two nights there. I was worried about driving an RV through Salem, but Google took us around the main part of the city and it was fine. We saw much bigger class As and 5th wheels there (we are in a 26ft class c). So, no issues driving. 

Sites are power& water only, and you drive up the road on your way out to dump at the wastewater treatment plant (available for campground guests and Salem residents only). The dump hole is awkwardly placed and gross (we saw the previous dumper’s remnants!) but it was fine. 

The campground has good wifi that reaches throughout the campground, as well as good cell reception. We walked from there to town, but if that’s too far then there are Lyft and a trolley available. I believe the trolley was $22/adult, for a full day of a hop on/ hop off deal and a tour of the city.

Winter Island Park Campground: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer). I rate primarily based on desire for at least a moderate wilderness type experience w at least some camp site privacy. Overall Rating: 2.5(RV field and hanger spots; 4.5 (Bayside sites). Price 2023: $42 Usage during visit: 100% full because of October celebration in Salem. Site Privacy: None Site Spacing: Very close Site surface: Grass, gravel, and blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: Not near a major road. Through Traffic in campground: Some traffic down to parking lot. Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No. Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: At the site. Generators: I think all trailer sites have electrical hookups. Bathroom: Yes - old. Showers: Yes - old style. Dressing area is not private. Pull Throughs: All are back in. Cell Service (AT&T): Very good. Setting: 3 settings : Open field, Back up to warehouse with ocean view, On blacktop along harbor. Weather: Clear and cool Bugs: None. Solar: Yes Host: Yes. Rig size: Large rigs will fit in many sites. Sites: 12 - 16D along the bayside have a beautiful view of the bay. These sites would be fantastic to be in even though the sites are close together. The sites along the hanger have a water view with a huge parking lot in between. The RV Field area is only good as a convenient spot to visit nearby Salem attractions or Boston (1 hr plus drive through heavy traffic).

Stayed one night just passing through heading north. Arrived about 10pm after a long day of traffic and problems. Woke up bight and early and was totally impressed by the beautiful scenery!! Staff was great, place was clean. Definitely recommend!!