Camping spots near Boxford, Massachusetts offer varied terrains with a mix of forest and coastal access within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences warm summers with average temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and cool spring and fall camping seasons dropping to 50-60°F at night. Many sites require reservations at least 2-3 months in advance during peak summer season.
What to do
Beach exploration: 10 miles from Boxford at The Pines Camping Area in Salisbury gives campers coastal access. "This camp ground was great for my family and doggie. Everyone we encountered was friendly. We did a camp site with not power. My son and I loved watching the baby field mice play in the marsh land," reports camper Heather B.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hikes at Pawtuckaway State Park offer excellent opportunities to spot local wildlife. "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub," writes Ellen C. The park's wetlands attract various species throughout the camping season.
Military history exploration: Free guided tours available at Hanscom AFB FamCamp during summer months. "The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB. In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond, so the campground makes a great basecamp for exploration of the area's rich culture and history," explains Janet R.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Reserve 4-6 months ahead for premium locations at Pawtuckaway State Park. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" notes J L. These sites offer direct lake access for water activities.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Weekly activities at Wakeda Campground keep kids entertained. "We have been camping here for many years. The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean," shares Kelly F. The campground maintains regular recreational programming throughout summer.
Proximity to historic towns: Less than 5 miles from Cape Ann Camp Site to coastal attractions. "Cape Anne is beautiful. 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 could walk for ever," describes Ron C.
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies by season: Several campgrounds have different standards during peak times. "The park has a full time bathroom attendant from 8 AM to 8 PM, so restrooms and showers were well kept," notes Cynthia K. at Winter Island Park, while other facilities may have limited hours.
Mosquito preparation essential: Bring sufficient repellent, especially for sites near marshland. "The con of this camp ground was the mosquito, we went through 3 deep woods cans in just the first night. They were crazy and kids were eaten alive," warns Heather B. about The Pines Camping Area.
Glamping close to Boxford, Massachusetts requires advance planning: Luxury options at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort book months ahead. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," reports Rebecca S. Premium sites with full amenities typically require 2-night minimum stays.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas make Wakeda Campground ideal for younger children. "Its a nice no frills campground. We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm," shares Kris S. The playgrounds provide entertainment during downtime.
Swimming options: Lifeguarded beaches at Pawtuckaway State Park operate 10am-6pm during summer. "What a beautiful location! If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at! Kayaking, swimming area and hiking were all 5 stars!" exclaims Erin W.
Event scheduling: Weekend activities at Winding River Campground provide structured entertainment. "We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few," reports Lisa H. Check the activity calendar when making reservations.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: 30-50 amp service available at most sites near Boxford. "We chose this campground because we got a booking discount on the Dyrt app. Pros: Friendly staff, clean bathrooms, clean grounds, gated campground with card key access in/out of the grounds, 2 pools, pavilion, activities/entertainment," notes Sara D. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Dump station access: Not available at all locations, so plan accordingly. "Great location, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," explains Zachary W. about Wakeda Campground, which provides full hookup options.
Level site selection: Request specific areas when booking. "Our site (#124) was one of the new sites which they had just completed. It was a gravel back-in which was plenty long and level. They recently seeded the area so new grass was starting to grow," describes Nancy W. about Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort, highlighting the importance of researching specific site characteristics.
