Camping near Beverly, Massachusetts offers diverse overnight options stretching from the north shore's coastal areas to inland wooded settings. The region experiences typical New England seasonal patterns with warm summers averaging 75-85°F and cool spring and fall conditions dipping to 40-60°F. Many campers report wildlife sightings including wild turkeys and deer even at campgrounds near urban centers.
What to do
Beach access opportunities: At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, campers can enjoy direct ocean access just 22 miles north of Beverly. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other. RV & tent sites available. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!" notes Sara D.
Historical exploration: Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides a strategic location for exploring Revolutionary War sites. "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston," reports Caitlin B., making this military-only facility a practical base for history enthusiasts.
Water activities: Boston Harbor Islands State Park offers unique island camping accessed only by ferry. "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," shares Jean C.
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest offers wooded camping 15 miles from Beverly. "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds," reports Kelly F. This campground provides more privacy than coastal options.
Proximity to historic towns: Beach Rose RV Park places campers near charming coastal towns. One reviewer noted, "Great location from the ocean and some nice towns to visit. Boston and Salem are very close and you can take a train which is only 5 minutes away from the campground." The convenient public transportation makes city exploration practical without moving your camping setup.
Oceanfront camping: Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers direct ocean access. "Stayed here with my partner for her birthday while we were up in the Plum Island/Rockport area. Beautiful ocean access and great facilities. We stayed in a site right next to a large bathhouse with showers, plentiful stalls, and water bottle fill-up and rinse off station," shares Meg T.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limits: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October. Wompatuck State Park Campground typically runs "mid May to mid October" while Beach Rose RV Park operates "Apr 1 - Nov 15," offering one of the longer seasons in the area.
Site privacy varies significantly: Proximity between sites differs dramatically between campgrounds. At Wompatuck State Park, "Sites are more secluded than other camp grounds but can be a bit small," reports Tim L., while at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, sites are "pretty close together with little separation between each other."
Reservation timing: Especially for specialized camping options, book well in advance. For Boston Harbor Islands, "Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you're counting on a particulate day," warns Jean C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Camp Nihan Education Center offers child-friendly facilities close to Boston. "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. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy," shares Michael V.
Bathroom facilities: When camping with kids, clean facilities matter. At Lorraine Park Campground, "Awesome park. It was a quiet night and bathrooms where clean. Has spacious showers. Park rangers drive around campground often," notes Marisabel R.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide organized activities. At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained," though reviews are mixed regarding noise levels and overall experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection cautions: Cape Ann Camp Site offers different experiences depending on site type. "Cape Ann Campground is located close to Gloucester and Rockport. The campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites. The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," explains Della S.
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump facilities. At Winter Island Park, "the dump station is not on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this," advises one reviewer, an important consideration for extended stays.
Winter operation: Very few campgrounds remain open during winter months. Most shut down by early November, with Hanscom AFB FamCamp noting "Limited sites available off season. Summer season early May through end October," according to Heather C.
