Glamping opportunities near Chelsea, Massachusetts include sites within a 1-hour drive radius. Winter Island Park in Salem offers oceanfront camping just 9 miles from Chelsea, with sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. Located on a peninsula, campers can watch planes from the adjacent airport take off and land while enjoying water views. Many sites provide electricity and access to clean facilities.
What to do
Beach exploration: Water activities at Winter Island Park in Salem combine history and recreation. "The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks. Also there's a beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there," notes Heather P. The park also has remnants of Fort Pickering with historical trail markers.
Day trips: Ferry access to Boston provides convenient transportation options. "We spent two nights at this campground- the closest camping to Boston. The campground is right on the ocean with incredible harbor views. It was an easy bike ride to the Salem Ferry to get access into Boston for the day," shares Rae M. from Winter Island Park.
Wildlife viewing: Unexpected encounters at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground include various animals. "We collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks. I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub," reports Ellen C. The park's wetlands attract diverse wildlife.
What campers like
Private sites: Spacious accommodations at Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester provide wooded camping experiences. "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome. They have water, sewer, and electric hookups," according to Lajaun C. The campground's natural setting includes rocky formations throughout the property.
Entertainment options: Family activities at Normandy Farms Campground include organized programs. "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," reports Liz W. This campground operates from April through November.
Waterfront locations: Lakeside camping creates memorable experiences for visitors. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares J.L. from Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. Many water-adjacent sites require advance reservations, especially during summer months.
What you should know
Military access: Exclusive options exist for service members. "This is a great place for military members. Full hook ups, houses to rent, tent sites, and lots to do. Once the season closes very quiet, lots of stores in the area close," explains Larry N. about Fourth Cliff Recreation Area in Humarock.
Reservation timing: Advanced planning necessary for premium sites. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites!" warns Rae M. about Winter Island Park. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, with waterfront and premium sites booking months ahead.
Transportation logistics: Ferry scheduling requires preparation when visiting island camping spots. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells," explains Jess G.
Tips for camping with families
Accommodation options: Various shelter types suit different family needs. At Hanscom AFB FamCamp, "The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent," reports Janet R. Military families find this option particularly accessible.
Kid-friendly activities: Water features keep children entertained. "The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay!" shares Kristen L. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Safety considerations: Campground security varies between locations. At Winter Island Park, "We drove 3-1/2 days from Idaho to get to a COVID testing site which would take non MA residents and turn the results around under 48 hours. We needed quiet camping and not have it cost a fortune. Campground is well kept and they're being very diligent about keeping the bathhouse clean after each use!" notes Lisa M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Hookup availability differs among campgrounds. "Driving in you quickly realize how huge this park is with some 400 RV sites, tent sites, yurts, lean-to's, safari tents, and cabins. There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between," explains Nancy W. about Normandy Farms.
Beach access: Proximity to shoreline influences site desirability. "Our site (27) was large enough for an 8 person tent, 4 person tent, EZ Up, and a pop up dog house for our pooch. We also kept our 2 kayaks on our site during our stay. Being so close to the beach had its pros and cons," shares Cynthia K. about Winter Island Park.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping experience throughout the year. "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet," notes Kris M. about camping in the region.