Camping spots near Carlisle, Massachusetts feature a mix of state parks and private facilities within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences seasonal temperature fluctuations with spring and fall camping offering milder conditions between 50-70°F, while summer months can reach 85°F with occasional thunderstorms. Campsites throughout the region provide varied terrain from pine forests to waterfront locations, with many facilities closing between November and April.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Hanscom AFB FamCamp serves as an excellent base for visiting Revolutionary War landmarks. "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," notes Janet R.
Paddle nearby waterways: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, water activities are a major draw. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," says Matt R. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals and multiple water access points.
Beach activities: For coastal camping options, Salisbury Beach State Reservation provides ocean access within driving distance. "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!" shares Sara D.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest offers spacious campsites according to campers. "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds," mentions Kelly F. Another camper adds, "Some very large private sites, some great family sites. Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples."
Clean facilities: Winter Island Park maintains consistently clean facilities despite high usage. One camper reported, "The campground has a full time bathroom attendant from 8 AM to 8 PM, so restrooms and showers were well kept." Another noted, "The park has very few campsites, you definitely need to reserve a spot before you come. The manager, David, is super friendly and helped me out BIG because I didn't have a reservation and they were filled up."
Proximity to Boston: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to Boston while providing natural settings. A visitor to Salisbury Beach State Reservation commented, "So we went with our two dogs. there were plenty of other people there with dogs as well. there were a lot of children on bikes and playing. The restrooms were clean. The beach was clean." This balance of nature with urban accessibility makes these camping spots near Carlisle appealing.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Pearl Hill State Park Campground fills quickly during peak season. "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! #18 is right next to a ravine, so it was wooded on one side," reports Jenny M. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations 6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds feature pine-covered sites which create specific camping conditions. "We camped here in September 2019 and had a wonderful time. One word of caution however, our site and many others were completely covered with sticky pine needles. They get stuck on your shoes to a depth of almost a half-inch! It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes," notes Alan from Pearl Hill State Park.
Weather considerations: The northeast experiences variable conditions, especially in spring. At Pawtuckaway State Park, a camper shared: "We stayed here twice, once in September 2013 and then again in September 2018... In 2013 site 25 was a little challenging since it was on a downgrade and we were hit with a an unexpected 36 hour downpour and there was only one suitable spot for our tent since the terrain is very rocky."
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation options: Normandy Farms Campground offers extensive facilities for children. "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," says Liz W. The campground maintains organized activities throughout the summer season.
Choose family-friendly locations: Wompatuck State Park Campground provides a solid option for families despite some limitations. "This is a family friendly campground with plenty of paths for walking and biking. The sites are very close together," mentions Heidi R. Consider booking sites away from main roads to reduce traffic noise.
Bring appropriate gear: At Winter Island Park, one camper advises: "We camped in tents and loved this campground. The restrooms were very clean and being cleaned constantly. The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks." Families should note that certain campgrounds have specific equipment requirements like off-ground fire containers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For RVers visiting Spacious Skies Minute Man, site dimensions vary considerably. "Site seems level for the most part, made of gravel. Heated pool, laundry, Wi-Fi that works, cable, 50 amp FHU. Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map! Good fire pit and nice facilities," advises Brittany V.
Check hookup locations: At multiple campgrounds, hookup placement can present challenges. A Hanscom AFB FamCamp visitor noted, "This is a nice spot to stop. It has e/w/s hook up and an ok shower facility that needs a bit of a facelift. Dogs are welcome but there really isn't a space/park area for them to run off leash." At Salisbury Beach, another camper mentioned, "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord."
Consider access roads: For larger rigs, campground approach roads matter. Pearl Hill State Park has limitations according to one review: "You can get in here with a smaller RV, but the campground isn't built for larger units with the turns and curves. They've only designated 3 sites for 35' rigs; everything else is 15-20'." Most campgrounds post maximum vehicle lengths on their reservation systems.
