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

720 Reviews of 106 Andover Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    York Beach Camper Park

    Hideaway

    Don’t let the entrance turn you off. Once you get back into the campgrounds, it’s so cute. You are nestled in the woods. You feel like you are in the Forest but so close to the ocean. It’s calm and peaceful. The owners are so friendly and kind.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Very nice stopover

    Good place to spend the night.It was quiet comfortable and plenty of room between campsites

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.


Guide to Andover

Camping near Andover, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "There are hiking trails throughout the campground," making it perfect for nature lovers.
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy water sports, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground is a fantastic spot. A reviewer said, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Wompatuck State Park Campground are known for their natural beauty. One camper noted, "You can take a trail from the campsite," which is great for spotting local wildlife.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. One long-time visitor said, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Normandy Farms Campground, one guest said, "The staff is lovely," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A family at Normandy Farms Campground said, "It has so many things for the kids to do."
  • Choose Off-Peak Times: To avoid crowds, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground enjoyed a "quiet" experience mid-week.
  • Pack for the Beach: If you're near the coast, bring beach gear. Campers at Salisbury Beach State Reservation loved the "gorgeous clean beach."

Tips from RVers:

  • Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground advised, "Bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. One camper at Boston/Cape Cod KOA noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight."
  • Plan for No Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, don’t have electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No electric hookup, no sewer hookup."

Camping near Andover, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific campground details to make the most of your trip!

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.