Campsites near Danvers, Massachusetts provide access to both woodland and coastal environments within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at low elevations ranging from sea level to about 400 feet, creating varied camping terrain from forested hills to oceanfront settings. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity near the coast, while spring and fall camping seasons can see overnight temperatures drop to the 40s.
What to do
Explore historical forts: Winter Island Park offers remnants of Fort Pickering to explore while camping near the ocean. "You can explore the beach, launch a boat (paddle or motor), catch a sunrise, or explore the remnants of Fort Pickering. There's a trail around the park with markers, but they're not well maintained," notes one visitor.
Visit nearby towns: Campgrounds like Cape Ann Camp Site serve as convenient bases for exploring coastal communities. "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views," reports a camper.
Paddle in wildlife areas: Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers water recreation beyond just beach activities. "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching. Beware of tides and strong currents in these areas," advises one reviewer.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded forest sites at Lorraine Park Campground in Harold Parker State Forest. "Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples," mentions one reviewer, while another notes, "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds."
Close-to-city camping: Campers value locations that allow for urban exploration while having a nature base. "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," states a Winter Island Park visitor.
Peaceful wooded settings: Tranquility is highlighted at Wompatuck State Park Campground, where despite proximity to urban areas, campers find quiet natural environments. "Wompatuck is a charming state park with numerous hidden trails known mostly to locals, making it ideal for low-traffic hiking, biking, and mushroom hunting," shares one reviewer.
What you should know
Shower costs vary: Some campgrounds charge for shower use. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "showers require payment with quarters" as one camper noted. Confirm shower costs before arrival as they aren't always included in camping fees.
Campsite privacy differences: Site separation varies significantly between campgrounds. 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," while other campgrounds like Beach Rose RV Park feature more compact sites.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Sites fill quickly during peak season (July-August) and holiday weekends. One camper notes for Winter Island Park: "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites!"
No alcohol policy: State parks enforce alcohol restrictions even at campsites. Several reviewers mention this as a consideration when planning trips to Massachusetts state parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Campgrounds with play areas provide important recreational options for children. One camper at Winter Island Park shared: "Winters island is a beautiful campground in Salem,ma... the kids had a great time by the sea and the playground."
Ranger programs: Some campgrounds offer educational activities led by staff. At Lorraine Park Campground, "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting local animals at various campgrounds. "There are wildlife like skunks, racoons do put food in car. Each site has a grill and shade," notes a Winter Island Park camper, while another mentioned Cape Ann's "beautiful boulders" and wildlife: "spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, RVers should note: "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord. Park staff told us we could back onto the grass in order to reach the electric."
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have size limitations. As one RVer at Beach Rose RV Park explained: "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have on-site dump stations. At Winter Island Park, "the dump station is not on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this."
