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."
