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Best Campgrounds near Ayer, MA

789 Reviews

Campgrounds near Ayer, Massachusetts range from state parks to private facilities, with several options accommodating tent, RV, and cabin camping. Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground, located on Ayer Road, provides a forested setting with full hookup sites and cabin rentals. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can access Pearl Hill State Park Campground, Willard Brook State Forest, and Harold Parker State Forest, each offering varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds in this region maintain a wooded, natural setting while providing basic facilities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails or water features.

Massachusetts state parks near Ayer typically operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping options. Pearl Hill State Park and Willard Brook State Forest close in early September, while some private campgrounds remain open later into fall. "For being in an urban area, you don't feel it once in the campground. You might hear a distant train, but not much else. The location was perfect to see so much in the area," noted one visitor about Minute Man Campground. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger coverage at private campgrounds and more limited connectivity in state forest areas. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly.

The camping experience in the Ayer area balances natural settings with proximity to historical attractions and urban amenities. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of using local campgrounds as a base for exploring Revolutionary War sites in nearby Concord and Lexington. Hanscom AFB FamCamp, though restricted to military personnel, received praise for its peaceful wooded setting despite being adjacent to a busy air base. State forest campgrounds typically offer more privacy between sites, with Harold Parker State Forest featuring "large sites, often with good separation from neighbors," according to feedback on The Dyrt. Water features appear in many campground reviews, with several properties offering swimming ponds, fishing access, or proximity to lakes. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., creating family-friendly environments even on busy summer weekends.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ayer, Massachusetts (133)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "Spacious Skies Minute Man is a forested haven so close to Boston that you think you are in the country. There are so many cool things to do just a short drive away."

    "The location was perfect to see so much in the area (Minute Man National Historical Park, Boston, Salem, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Providence etc)."

    2. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    3. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    4. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    25 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."

    5. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    17 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. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-8802

    $14 - $55 / night

    "This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.  "

    "This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained."

    7. Field and Stream RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Hollis, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 673-4677

    $47 - $80 / night

    "Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine. Nice people."

    8. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."

    "As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."

    9. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    "I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"

    10. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 882-9509

    $70 - $115 / night

    "Miles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground."

    "Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored."

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Recent Camping Photos near Ayer, MA

432 Photos of 133 Ayer Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ayer, MA

789 Reviews of 133 Ayer Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

Guide to Ayer

Camping near Ayer, 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 choose from.

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 exploring nature.
  • Water Activities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming. A reviewer said, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Family Fun: Campgrounds like Normandy Farms Campground offer activities for kids. One camper noted, "It has so many things for the kids to do," making it a great choice for families.

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. A 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 from George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Very clean bathrooms & hot showers," which is always a plus.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpful staff at campgrounds like Boston/Cape Cod KOA. One guest said, "The staff was nice," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know

  • No Hookups at Some Sites: Many campgrounds, such as Wompatuck State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor noted, "There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The weekend was packed!" so plan accordingly.
  • Pet Policies: If you're bringing a pet, check the rules. For example, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on trails but not in the campground during summer.

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Normandy Farms Campground said, "Everyone is so friendly," which helps create a welcoming atmosphere for families.
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Some areas, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, can have mosquitoes. A camper advised, "Watch for that," so bring repellent.
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "All sites are very private," which is great for families.

Tips from RVers

  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level, as noted by a camper at Normandy Farms Campground, who said, "We basically had to park sideways and use a lot of leveling blocks."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of your site before booking. A reviewer at Boston/Cape Cod KOA mentioned, "The sites in our section are packed right on top of each other."
  • Use Reservations: Especially during peak season, make reservations early. A camper at Salisbury Beach State Reservation recommended, "I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground."

Camping near Ayer, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Ayer, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ayer, MA is Spacious Skies Minute Man with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

What parks are near Ayer, MA?

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

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