Campers seeking RV camping near Ashland, Massachusetts can choose from several established locations within a 40-mile radius. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from April through October, with few options available during winter months. The region's heavily wooded terrain provides natural shade at most sites, though this sometimes impacts satellite reception and solar charging capabilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground features a boating pond with catch-and-release fishing, letting anglers enjoy freshwater fishing without hauling equipment far from their sites. "There's a huge dog park which has a dog washing station, water fountains for dogs and humans, agility-type obstacles for them to play on, dog kennels, and a bin with balls and Frisbees," notes a visitor to Normandy Farms Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks accessible directly from campgrounds allow for day hikes without driving. At Melville Ponds Campground, "The nearby hiking trail was perfect for our dog and while it was just a few miles long, it was great because it was within walking distance and she could swim in the pond," according to one reviewer.
Golf access: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park provides on-site golfing with 9 or 18-hole options. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc." One guest noted the value, stating "This campground is 1300 acres owned and operated by the Simonsen family in Derry, NH."
What campers like
Convenient proximity to attractions: Newport RV Park receives consistent praise for its strategic location. "This is the perfect place to stay if you're visiting Newport, RI. We had a great time at this small campground, very clean and nice staff. Not many amenities but we were there for the beaches and mansions," explains one reviewer.
Well-maintained facilities: Multiple reviews highlight clean amenities as a key factor in positive experiences. "Beautiful campground, clean facilities, decently priced. The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay!" states a camper at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Family-focused amenities: Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod offers amenities particularly appreciated by families with children. "Loved the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston. Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time," notes one visitor.
What you should know
Site setup challenges: Many campgrounds have site configurations that may require planning. According to a visitor at Thousand Trails Sturbridge, "We had site B1, which was water and electric. Close to the pond. Not directly at the pond, though. There is a huge area of woods with a walking trail starting at the edge of the campground."
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have poor connectivity, which can impact remote work plans. At Gateway to Cape Cod, "Cell reception was not good, neither with AT&T nor Verizon. They have Wifi at the park which I haven't tried. I believe - although I'm not sure that you have to pay for it."
Seasonal population differences: Some campgrounds have substantial seasonal resident populations, creating a different atmosphere than typical transient camping. "We stayed here for a week, our site was large with full hookups and the area was very clean, some sites in other sections are closer together. There are lots of seasonal campers so if you don't like that atmosphere this is probably not the place for you."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: When selecting a campground, consider the range of on-site activities. Woodmore Family Campground provides multiple recreation options: "It's great, although I was leery because of the rules they are not strict at all, you have to follow the rules but everybody does and it's a good experience, everyone is very friendly the owners are wonderful people."
Bathroom proximity: For families with young children, select sites near restrooms. "Our site was in a field that was near the bathrooms. We were on S1, near a septic pipe & there was a severely nauseating, strong smell of sewage coming from it; we went to the front desk the next day & asked to move to S5."
Entertainment schedules: Douglas Forest RV Resort and similar campgrounds offer scheduled entertainment. "The live band was cool but we had golf carts & parked vehicles pretty much surrounding us & some right on our campsite, it was a little awkward. Then around 8, there was a gentleman that started setting up for a comedy show."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Most campgrounds in the area have sites requiring significant leveling. At Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts, one RVer noted site issues: "The site had very long grass, bare rock and mud. It was not a site we would have wanted to stay on any longer than the one night."
Power considerations: Electrical systems vary widely between campgrounds, with some offering limited amperage. "The electrical system needs significant attention. Multiple RVs share single pedestals, and we observed exposed wire connections and pest issues at electrical boxes. Power fluctuations are common during warm weather, causing frequent breaker trips."
Traffic patterns: Internal roadways can present challenges for larger rigs. "Roads are in bad shape, especially the entrance. Overall though, a good campground," reports a visitor to Gateway to Cape Cod, while another camper noted, "The roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves."
