Best Campgrounds near Andover, MA

Campgrounds near Andover, Massachusetts range from state forest sites to private RV parks with various accommodations. Harold Parker State Forest's Lorraine Park Campground offers spacious wooded sites with tent camping and limited RV hookups, while nearby private campgrounds like Spacious Skies Minute Man provide cabin options. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire pits, picnic tables, and access to water, with some offering shower facilities and electric hookups for RVs.

The camping season in this region typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. "Quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am are enforced, and several campsites are large enough that if you have a small camper or van you may be able to pull through," noted one visitor. Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, which is strictly enforced at Harold Parker State Forest. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide water spigots at individual sites, though hookup locations may not always be convenient for RVs.

Campers report high satisfaction with the natural surroundings despite proximity to urban areas. A review mentioned that Harold Parker State Forest "feels like you are in the middle of nowhere" despite being less than 25 miles north of Boston and close to interstate highways. Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain clean bathroom facilities and free hot showers. Sites vary in privacy levels, with some tucked away from neighbors while others are more open and social. Several campgrounds feature waterfront options along ponds, providing fishing opportunities and scenic views. The region includes numerous hiking trails, swimming areas, and recreational activities within the state forest system, making it a convenient base for exploring both natural areas and nearby coastal communities.

Best Camping Sites Near Andover, Massachusetts (106)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    33 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

    "I live in a neighboring town to Andover. It’s so easy to get to."

    2. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    26 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

    "However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    3. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

    4. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 745-9430

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance."

    "We drove 3-1/2 days from Idaho to get to a COVID testing site which would take non MA residents and turn the results around under 48 hours. We needed quiet camping and not have it cost a fortune."

    5. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 225-3953

    "The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB."

    "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."

    6. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."

    "We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"

    7. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "Much of the lake is better suited to paddle craft rather than motor boats due to it's shallow nature and rocks. The an expansive beach as well, a camp store and boat rentals."

    "We were caught off guard by how far we had to drive from the entrance into the park to reach out campsite, but that was great - far away from the road."

    8. Beach Rose RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 463-0226

    "Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."

    "Kids had enough driving for the day so we had to stop. We called last min and were thankful they had a spot. Arrived at dark and they were friendly and accommodating."

    9. Cape Ann Camp Site

    16 Reviews
    Gloucester, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 283-8683

    $36 - $44 / night

    "Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you"

    "Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower."

    10. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    12 miles
    Website

    "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."

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Recent Reviews near Andover, MA

723 Reviews of 106 Andover Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Anonymous A.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Libbys Oceanside Camp

    Mesmerizing Experience Stunning Sunsets & Sunrises right from your campsite

     Libby's Oceanfront Campground York, Maine gives campers a mesmerizing coastline scene experience' you will experience stunning sunsets and sunrises over the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean' Sitting in your chair appreciating the tranquil and serene view. You are steps away from the beach from the time you arrive to the time you departed the staff is always available and always willing to help, answer any questions and give recommendations where to go eat and shop. Very clean restrooms, clean showers, clean laundry room. We enjoyed watching the surfers right from our campsite. Nubble Light house is minutes away from the campsites you can see the lighthouse from the campsite. 

    A great place to eat breakfast were the locals go is called Ricks Blue Jay Cafe minutes away on US1 fabulous food.  Go to Granite Whale Watching at Rye, Maine, visit Beach town village in York Maine great little shops and ice cream shops.

    We highly recommended this campground we will definitely return! :-)

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • S
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    Good Campground

    Stayed for over a week off season , mid September. Very quiet during the week , weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday / Saturday. 50 percent or more is seasonal camp sites. Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy. Owners are exceptionally helpful and work hard to keep the site functioning and clean. Coin operated showers with hot water, mostly nice and clean except after a crowd gets packed and checks out Sunday AM. Laundry room takes quarters for machines. Small store at office which was open every day. Game room with wi fi. Pool , playground , volleyball area. Good size wood bundle for $10 , delivered directly to your site. Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart.


Guide to Andover

Camping near Andover, Massachusetts provides access to diverse environments from wooded state forests to coastal beaches. The area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 80-85°F and cool falls with early color changes beginning in late September. Several campgrounds require reservations at least two weeks in advance during peak summer months.

What to do

Hiking at Harold Parker State Forest: The forest contains numerous interconnected trails suitable for day hikes. "Lots of trails and ponds," notes a visitor at Lorraine Park Campground, adding that sites are "huge with space in between."

Beach access at Salisbury: Located about 30 miles from Andover, Salisbury Beach offers swimming and water activities. According to one camper at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, "The beach was clean. We've been back twice but not to camp."

Historical sites exploration: The region contains Revolutionary War landmarks. A visitor at Spacious Skies Minute Man notes it's "a forested haven so close to Boston that you think you are in the country. Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites."

Water recreation: Multiple ponds in the area support fishing, kayaking and canoeing. At Pawtuckaway State Park, "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water."

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. At Harold Parker State Forest, one camper commented, "Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples," while another mentioned "Site 301 did not flooded at all" during heavy rain.

Urban escape opportunities: The region functions well for campers wanting nature while staying near urban areas. A visitor at Winter Island Park explained, "We spent two nights at this campground - the closest camping to Boston. The campground is right on the ocean with incredible harbor views. It was an easy bike ride to the Salem Ferry to get access into Boston for the day."

Off-season advantages: Fall camping can provide more privacy and availability. "Very pretty and historical trails to walk on. Not too far from the city," describes a camper at Spacious Skies Minute Man about fall camping, while another at Winter Island Park noted, "The campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites."

Proximity to coastal attractions: Several campgrounds offer base camps for exploring coastal towns. A visitor to Cape Ann Camp Site noted, "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Many sites fill quickly during summer months. A Pawtuckaway State Park visitor advised, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating."

Bathroom facilities vary: Conditions and availability differ between campgrounds. At Hanscom AFB FamCamp, one visitor reported, "Several clean modern bath houses, with hot showers and flush toilets," while a Cape Ann camper mentioned "pay showers (5 cents)."

Limited pet policies: Some campgrounds restrict pets during peak seasons. A camper at Pawtuckaway noted, "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months."

Traffic and noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas creates occasional disturbances. A visitor reported Winter Island Park has "noise during the day from the beachgoers, and the visits from raccoons and skunks at night (scavenging the food left by the beachgoers)."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A visitor to Tuxbury Pond RV Campground mentioned "The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained."

Beach options: Multiple sites provide swimming areas for children. About Winter Island Park, a camper shared, "The kids had a great time by the sea and the playground. Their are wildlife like skunks, racoons do put food in car."

Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer ranger-led programs. At Harold Parker State Forest, one visitor reported, "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike."

Entertainment options: Several campgrounds schedule family activities. According to a camper at Tuxbury Pond, "Heated pool, laundry, Wi-Fi that works, cable, 50 amp FHU. Good fire pit and nice facilities."

Tips from RVers

Site angles and layouts: RV sites vary in accessibility. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, a camper observed, "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord. Park staff told us we could back onto the grass in order to reach the electric."

Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping offers lower rates but limited amenities. An RVer at Winter Island Park noted, "None of the sites offer much privacy. You can explore the beach, launch a boat, catch a sunrise, or explore the remnants of Fort Pickering."

Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have complex layouts. About Spacious Skies Minute Man, a camper reported, "Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map!"

Hookup availability: Utilities differ widely between sites. A camper at Beach Rose RV Park mentioned, "Great campground, though spaces are small, place is clean, nice pool and staff is very friendly, helpful and responsive! It's only about a mile from the beach."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds in Andover, MA?

The best campground in Andover is Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest, offering clean wooded sites with easy reservation through Reserve America. Located in Andover itself, it's a convenient getaway with friendly staff and clean facilities. Many campers return annually to enjoy family time in the outdoors. For those willing to travel a short distance, Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury is another excellent option, particularly for RV campers. This small, family-owned campground near the beach features clean grounds, a swimming pool, and accommodating staff who go above and beyond during busy weekends.

What parks in Andover, MA offer camping facilities?

Harold Parker State Forest is the primary park in Andover offering camping facilities through its Lorraine Park Campground. Located less than 25 miles north of Boston and under 5 miles from the interstate, it serves as an excellent base for exploring Massachusetts' north coast or as a stopover when heading to New Hampshire and Maine. For those willing to venture slightly beyond Andover, Willard Brook State Forest Campground and Otter River State Forest offer additional public camping options. Otter River is particularly noted for being clean, well-maintained, and family-friendly with swimming options in a pond or a short drive to a larger lake.

What camping sites are available near Andover?

Several quality camping options exist within a short drive from Andover. Pearl Hill State Park Campground offers wonderful sites with varying privacy levels – site #18 is particularly desirable as it's situated next to a ravine with wooded surroundings. Salisbury Beach State Reservation provides an unbeatable beachfront location with convenient water and electricity hookups, making it perfect for group camping trips though it lacks privacy. Additional options include Tuxbury Pond RV Campground near South Hampton and Cape Ann Camp Site near Gloucester, both offering various amenities for different camping styles.