Camping options near Chelmsford, Massachusetts span across northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, with most sites open from May through October. The region's relatively flat terrain averages 200 feet above sea level with moderate temperatures during camping season, typically 70-85°F in summer and 50-65°F in fall. Wooded sites predominate in the area's state forests and private campgrounds, offering natural shade during peak summer months when humidity can reach uncomfortable levels.
What to do
Hiking trails and water activities: At Bear Brook State Park Campground, visitors access over 40 miles of trails through a 10,000-acre forest preserve. "The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," notes one camper. The park also offers multiple ponds for fishing and swimming.
Mountain biking opportunities: Bear Brook State Park Campground has become known for its extensive trail system among mountain bikers. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The biking trails were a blast," reports a regular visitor.
Golf and camping combination: For those who enjoy golf, Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers a unique experience with its on-site course. "Nice RV campground with alot of seasonal residents. Plenty of tent sites. On site general store with grill. Fishing and swimming on property along with a club house," mentions one camper, highlighting the diverse activities.
Historical exploration: Sites near Chelmsford provide access to Revolutionary War history. Pawtuckaway State Park offers proximity to historical sites, with one camper noting it has "Excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, birding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground receives high marks for its lake access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" reports one camper. Another adds, "There are at least three campground areas, one of which is on an island and has tent sites along the water."
Clean facilities: The Pine Campground maintains well-kept grounds despite its smaller size. "Beengoing here for years. Its a very cozy smaller campground with extremely friendly staff. Usually the owner who does the rounds at night. Very lenient with fires," notes a regular visitor.
Streamside camping: The Pine Campground offers a unique natural sound feature at many sites. "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night," shares one camper, highlighting this peaceful aspect not found at many other campgrounds near Chelmsford.
Proximity to Boston: Winter Island Park provides convenient access to metropolitan areas while maintaining a camping atmosphere. "We spent two nights at this campground- the closest camping to Boston. The campground is right on the ocean with incredible harbor views," explains one visitor who appreciated the urban accessibility.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Chelmsford fill quickly during peak season. At Winter Island Park, "Small camp. Have very few campsites, you definitely need to reserve a spot before you come," warns one camper.
Site variations: Campsite quality and privacy vary significantly between and within campgrounds. At Willard Brook, "Site 3 is a great site. Large and seperated enough from others," notes one camper, while others point out less desirable locations.
Seasonal timing: Most campgrounds operate from May through October with limited shoulder season availability. At Hanscom AFB FamCamp, one reviewer notes they're "Working on improving the grounds and services available. Limited sites available off season. Summer season early May through end October."
Beach access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas that become crowded on summer weekends. Calef Lake Camping Area includes "a swimming pond that you can canoe in that looked fairly clean," according to one visitor, though swimming conditions can vary based on recent weather.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activity options: Normandy Farms Campground offers extensive recreational facilities for children. "We spent a weekend here 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," notes one family camper.
Dog-friendly considerations: Many campgrounds welcome pets but have specific policies. At Calef Lake Camping Area, "Awesome that they have a dog pond and the fishing was good there too," mentions one camper, highlighting a feature that's particularly appealing for families with dogs.
Weekend entertainment: Scheduled activities enhance family camping experiences at several sites. At The Pine Campground, one visitor appreciated the "Pleasantly very friendly staff. Beautiful pool.. arcade lounge," providing options for children when weather isn't cooperative.
Site selection for family needs: Choose sites strategically based on bathroom proximity and playground access. "We picked a site down the road from the playground, if you have kids you may want to be closer," advises one camper at The Pine Campground, offering practical insight for families.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most glamping close to Chelmsford, Massachusetts requires careful planning for larger rigs. At Willard Brook State Forest Campground, "Sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines. Most of the sites are best suited to tents and small trailers (think teardrops and pop-ups), but a couple of sites can accommodate slightly larger units."
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between campgrounds. At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, "We stayed here for a week, our site was large with full hookups and the area was very clean, some sites in other sections are closer together," notes one RVer describing the experience.
Off-season options: Limited campgrounds remain open year-round. The Pine Campground operates throughout the year, providing options for shoulder-season camping when others have closed.
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds have access issues. At Tuxbury Pond, "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance," warns a helpful RVer.
