Best Campgrounds near Arlington, MA

Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Arlington, Massachusetts. The Dyrt lists several established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, including Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest in Andover and Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford. These locations offer a mix of tent and RV camping options, with some sites providing electric hookups and water access. Wompatuck State Park Campground, located about 25 miles southeast, features both drive-in and walk-in sites for tents and RVs. For those seeking cabin accommodations, Spacious Skies Minute Man in the region and Ponkapoag Camp in Milton provide rustic cabin options alongside traditional camping areas. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October.

"Spacious, quiet, clean and conveniently located," noted one camper about Harold Parker State Forest. The camping season in the Arlington area generally runs from late spring through early fall, with most facilities closing by mid-October. Massachusetts state parks have specific regulations, including alcohol prohibitions that several reviewers mentioned. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer water spigots at individual sites, though hookup placement may not always be convenient for RVs. Cell service varies throughout the region, with Verizon users reporting 1-3 bars at most locations. Weather conditions are typically mild in summer but can include occasional heavy rain, so campers should check site drainage when selecting locations. Most campgrounds provide access to hiking trails, ponds for swimming, and other recreational activities.

Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer both wooded privacy and recreational amenities. According to one visitor at Harold Parker State Forest, "Sites are large, often with good separation from neighbors, some have a hilly approach." The proximity to Boston makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, with several reviewers noting they serve as convenient baselines for exploring coastal areas north of Boston or as stopping points en route to New Hampshire and Maine. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across campgrounds, with cleanliness varying by season and usage. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, basketball courts, and swimming areas are common features at the larger state park campgrounds. Several campgrounds provide access to ponds or lakes for fishing, paddling, and swimming, which visitors frequently highlight as key attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Arlington, Massachusetts (92)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

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

    $17 - $35 / night

    "north of Boston and <5 miles from the interstate, Lorraine Park campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides ample on-site activities and also serves as a jumping off point for exploring the Massachusetts"

    "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."

    2. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    7 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."

    3. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 895-8245

    $17 - $23 / night

    "Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."

    "I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."

    4. 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."

    5. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    17 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."

    6. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / night

    "The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."

    "Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities. That being said it was very nice and felt safe."

    7. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 740-1605

    $8 - $55 / night

    "The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure."

    "You may choose to leave from Long Wharf, near the Aquarium T stop on the Blue line, or from Hingham, with overnight parking available."

    8. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    9 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."

    9. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 961-7007

    $20 - $65 / night

    "The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw."

    "The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake. There are about 25 rustic cabins, and a few tent sites dispersed throughout the camping area."

    10. Cape Ann Camp Site

    16 Reviews
    Gloucester, MA
    28 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."

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Recent Reviews near Arlington, MA

705 Reviews of 92 Arlington Campgrounds


  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    Koa Cape Cod

    Stayed in several KOAs over last few weeks. I would say needs attention. Appearance is not up to standard. Restrooms and grounds are not as clean by comparison.

  • 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

    Massasoit State Park Campground

    Campsite was great, staff was rough

    I loved our campsite. But the staff was pretty rude. I was there for a family reunion. I told the staff my mom and dad would be dropping me off the next day, so they added their name to the site as it is a mile walk in. They didn’t give us another car tag, just said if there names were in the site we were good. Next night, we get dropped off in the rain, with a 50 lb bag of dog food and they wouldn’t let me parents take me to my site. Eventually we convinced them of we left my dad and sister at the front gate with them in the pouring rain, my mom could drive us in. They never even checked our reservation to see if the names were in there. Bring a car if you are camping here in a motorhome

  • 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.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.


Guide to Arlington

Camping spots near Arlington, Massachusetts offer unique settings within a 30-mile radius that cater to various camping styles. The region features a mix of wooded terrain, pond access, and coastal options with elevations rarely exceeding 500 feet. Sites typically experience temperatures ranging from 60-85°F in summer, with evening temperatures dropping to the 50s. Most campgrounds in the area don't require extensive preparations for elevation or extreme weather conditions.

What to do

Hiking and biking trails: Wompatuck State Park Campground features "numerous hidden trails known mostly to locals, making it ideal for low-traffic hiking, biking, and mushroom hunting," according to one visitor who appreciated the park's biodiversity. The campground provides easy access to "some beginner flowy mountain bike trails" that are perfect for casual riders.

Beach access: Cape Ann Camp Site offers proximity to coastal activities with a "nice beach nearby" that's just "down the street," described as "big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever." The site serves as an excellent base for exploring the Cape Ann peninsula.

Historic exploration: Winter Island Park camping provides a unique opportunity to explore maritime history. One camper noted you can "explore the remnants of Fort Pickering" and follow "a trail around the park with markers" while enjoying waterfront camping. Another camper mentioned the "beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there."

Wildlife observation: Ponkapoag Camp offers excellent nature viewing opportunities. A camper who visited with a field biology class reported, "We explored all over the bog looking for interesting species of plants and animals and found so many amazing things." The diverse wetland ecosystem supports unique plant and animal species not commonly found in urban areas.

What campers like

Private, wooded sites: Harold Parker State Forest gets high marks for site privacy with one camper noting, "Sites are large, often with good separation from neighbors, some have a hilly approach." Another visitor mentioned, "Awesome park. It was a quiet night and bathrooms where clean. Has spacious showers."

Water activities: Ponkapoag Camp offers a large pond that campers enjoy. "Water was nice and fish were biting," mentioned one visitor. Another camper described how "the kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot."

Proximity to Boston: Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides convenient access to the city while offering natural surroundings. A camper mentioned it's "close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston." Another reviewer noted it makes "a great basecamp for exploration of the area's rich culture and history."

Year-round options: Several camping areas near Arlington offer extended seasons. Camp Nihan provides year-round access with a camper noting it's "less than 30 minutes from Boston" while offering a "blend of rugged and convenient" camping experiences. The recently renovated bathroom facilities make it suitable for camping outside peak summer months.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most camping locations near Arlington require advance booking. At Hanscom AFB FamCamp, a military-only campground, there are "limited sites available off season. Summer season early May through end October." Reservations are essential during peak months.

Alcohol policies: Massachusetts state parks typically prohibit alcohol. One camper at Harold Parker State Forest noted, "Only complaint about Massachusetts state parks is no alcohol even while sitting in your site," though enforcement varies by location and circumstance.

Site characteristics: Campsite terrain varies significantly. At Wompatuck State Park, "Sites are more secluded than other camp grounds but can be a bit small." A different camper observed that some sites have "poison ivy, water pooling during rainstorms, and limited space for our dogs."

Facility limitations: Many campgrounds have limited facilities. At Ponkapoag Camp, it's "rustic camping, no water or electricity and the bathroom is an outhouse and no showers." Cape Ann Camp Site offers "showers [that] require payment with quarters" according to a recent visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly amenities: Spacious Skies Minute Man offers numerous family activities. One camper appreciated the "heated pool" along with "ping pong table!! Also have arcade, volleyball, and pet walk area." The campground's location allows families to explore historic sites in nearby Concord.

Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. At Winter Island Park, "The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks." Camp Nihan connects to "Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails."

Close-to-home adventures: Camp Nihan provides a perfect introduction to camping for families with young children. A visitor reported, "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," making it ideal for families with children aged 4-8.

Wildlife encounters: Camping areas feature opportunities to observe local wildlife safely. Cape Ann Camp Site has "spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc." Another camper at Winter Island Park mentioned evening visits from "raccoons and skunks at night," reminding families to secure food properly.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: For RVers visiting Wompatuck State Park Campground, site choice matters. One RVer noted, "Sites offer electric hookups only" and despite seeing "several other sites that could have accommodated our rig size," options can be limited when booking online.

Hookup placement: At Harold Parker State Forest, hookup placement can be tricky. "All sites have water which is a plus," but at Spacious Skies Minute Man, one camper found the "electric box a little far from parking site had to use an extension cord."

Dump station access: Not all campgrounds have onsite dump stations. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a dump station." Winter Island Park requires special arrangements as "the dump station is not on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this."

Navigating campground roads: Road layouts can challenge larger rigs. At Spacious Skies Minute Man, "Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map!" Another RVer mentioned the site was "level for the most part, made of gravel" with "good fire pit and nice facilities."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Arlington, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arlington, MA is Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.

What parks are near Arlington, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Arlington, MA that allow camping, notably West Hill Dam and Buffumville Lake.