Massachusetts campers looking for outdoor adventures near Avon can enjoy several campgrounds within a short drive. Located 20 miles south of Boston, this region features typical New England hardwood forests with relatively flat terrain and numerous freshwater kettle ponds. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping offers comfortable days and cooler evenings with temperatures often dropping below 50°F after sunset.
What to Do
Explore historical trails: Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides convenient access to nearby Revolutionary War sites. "Close to minute man historical sites - revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston," notes Caitlin B. The campground is situated near Lexington and Concord, making it ideal for history enthusiasts.
Paddle the ponds: Pinewood Lodge Campground offers a peaceful pond setting for water activities. "We were lucky enough to get a site by the pond. There was great views from our site of the pond. On the site there was also a path down to a little dock on the pond that you could sit and relax on," writes Laurie, highlighting the water access opportunities.
Island exploration: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides unique offshore adventures. "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others…look for sea glass on Spectacle Island and climb the hill for a view of the Boston skyline, explore the old forts and visitors centers, earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak," recommends Jean C.
Beach access: Winter Island Park offers oceanfront camping with beach activities. "The beach is interesting with some tide pools as well as sand and warm water. Life guards were paying attention," shares Lisa M. This campground combines beach access with proximity to Salem's attractions.
What Campers Like
Clear swimming areas: Myles Standish State Forest features multiple kettle ponds for swimming. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," notes Kyle C. The forest's various ponds offer swimming options throughout the property.
Kid-friendly activities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA provides numerous children's activities. "As we pulled around the office we saw all kinds of activities for kids. Bouncy 'pillow', pool, bounce pad, sluice, miniature golf, and a playground," reports Samantha S. The campground serves as a family-oriented base for exploring the region.
Site privacy: George Washington State Campground offers well-spaced sites. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)," shares Nick P., highlighting the campground's layout and facilities.
Glamping amenities close to Avon: Beyond the luxury yurts mentioned previously, other glamping options near Avon include well-appointed cabins. "This campground is so well run I felt like I was in Disneyland's Frontier Land. They offer anything you could want. Spotlessly clean and wonderful employees. The pool is also great. The yurts are beautiful," mentions Jean T. about her upscale camping experience.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Campsites throughout the region book quickly, especially for premium spots and glamping units near Avon. "We wanted to explore the Cape and are members of the KOA rewards program so we chose here to stay. The staff were very nice and helpful," explains Samantha S.
Fee variations: State parks have different pricing for residents versus non-residents. "If you're not a Rhode Island resident the fee for most sites is $36/night. Is it worth it? Eh, probably not unless you're really jonesing to camp for a weekend in the Ocean State," mentions Ryan A.
Transportation logistics: When camping at Boston Harbor Islands, plan transportation carefully. "Unless you have your own boat (check regulations on the website; you'll need to anchor offshore overnight), you'll want to catch a ride on the ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands. Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part," advises Jean C.
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds charge for showers. "The new bathrooms are great! Lots of things to do in the area as well. Great food nearby," notes Jessica W. about George Washington State Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Find properties with scheduled activities: Normandy Farms Campground provides extensive family programming. "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean. I highly recommend staying here. It was a lot of fun," shares Liz W.
Look for campgrounds with beaches: Choose sites near swimming areas for built-in entertainment. "Winters island is a beautiful campground in Salem, ma. The kids had a great time by the sea and the playground. 1 of my daughters favorite summer activities this year," reports Candace H.
Consider premium sites for more space: Basic sites at popular campgrounds can be crowded. "I have belong to KOA's for quite a few years and I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. With that being said I did not take my own advice and I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to," advises Janet P.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Sites vary widely across campgrounds. "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio (Site E1). Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big-rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car. All utilities were well-placed and functioned properly," shares Nancy W.
Consider seasonal usage patterns: Campgrounds have different crowd levels throughout the week. "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity, like it was when we stayed. But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves," notes Kyle C.
Verify utility connections: Different campgrounds offer varying hookup levels. "There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between. Both back-in and pull thrus are available as are sites with shade and full sun," explains Nancy W.
