Many campgrounds near Dover, Massachusetts operate within short drives of surrounding communities. Located within Norfolk County, Dover sits about 15 miles southwest of Boston at an elevation of 150 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall bring wider temperature variations with overnight lows sometimes reaching the 40s.
What to do
Explore nearby fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities, like Tuxbury Pond RV Campground where visitors can enjoy boating on the pond. "Pros: Friendly staff, clean bathrooms, clean grounds, gated campground with card key access in/out of the grounds, 2 pools, pavilion, activities/entertainment, fairly quiet during quiet hours, laundromat, playground, dog park, boating pond, Horse shoe & Basketball court," notes Sara D.
Visit local attractions: When staying at Newport RV Park in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, campers gain easy access to regional highlights. "The location of this park was great for what we were doing – not too far from Newport but in a nice quiet section of town. The distance between sites was far enough that you did not feel cramped or on top of your neighbor," shares Nancy W.
Take advantage of hiking trails: Many campgrounds connect to walking paths. "The nearby hiking trail was perfect for our dog and while it was just a few miles long, it was great because it was within walking distance and she could swim in the pond," mentions a visitor to Newport RV Park.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention cleanliness as a highlight at Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury Beach. "Great campground, though spaces are small, place is clean, nice pool and staff is very friendly, helpful and responsive! It's only about a mile from the beach," notes Ray C.
Recreational amenities: Swimming pools rank high on campers' priority lists. "Beautiful campground, clean facilities, decently priced. 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.
Proximity to beaches: Coastal locations are popular for summer camping. "We rode bikes to Salisbury Beach and my young adult son rode his longboard to the beach. We thought the small campsites would bother us, but after one day we got used to it and it was fine," reports a Beach Rose RV Park guest.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some parks offer more room than others. At Douglas Forest RV Resort, "The RV sites are spacious and easy to navigate, with full hookups and strong Wi-Fi— a big plus for us since we work remotely on the road," according to Tye G.
Cell service and connectivity: Working campers should research reception before booking. "Cell reception was not good, neither with AT&T nor Verizon. They have Wifi at the park which I haven't tried. I believe - although- I'm not sure that you have to pay for it," notes Mara S. about Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod in Rochester.
Weather preparation: New England weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. "When I got here in the rain, the staff at check in was very nice. Driving around picking my site, the roads were extremely uneven and the rain had created huge lakes in the middle of the road as well as on the sites themselves," reports a Gateway to Cape Cod visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly activities: Parks with organized events keep children engaged. "We had a great time relaxing around the campfire with another family. The playground was a hit for our kids!" shares alissa T. about Thousand Trails Sturbridge.
Check playground conditions: Play areas vary in quality and maintenance. "It's a huge park with mostly seasonal/annual campers. Gated. Section A is right near the entrance and this is where most of the transient sites are," notes Mara S.
Consider location for day trips: Family outings often extend beyond the 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. There are lots of seasonal campers so if you don't like that atmosphere this is probably not the place for you. It's a great base for sightseeing," remarks Betty H. about Tuxbury Pond.
Tips from RVers
Level sites matter: Many RV campers report needing leveling equipment at various parks. "Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car. All utilities were well-placed and functioned properly. The site was level," reports Nancy W. about her stay at Normandy Farms Campground.
Premium site benefits: Upgraded sites often include concrete pads and patios. "Sites are level and a decent size with a picnic table, fire pit, shaded by the tall pines," notes Becca A. about Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts.
Seasonal variations in facilities: Some amenities close outside peak season. "Heavily treed and shaded campground, extremely large to walk from front to back. Had good kids crafts. Loved the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston. Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time," explains Michael J. about Gateway to Cape Cod.