Camping opportunities near Dunstable, Massachusetts range from developed state forest campgrounds to full-service RV resorts within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 200-400 feet with hardwood forests dominating the landscape and average summer temperatures reaching the mid-80s. Many campgrounds in this area feature water access, with several offering tent sites backing onto streams or ponds.
What to do
Hiking close to camp: At Willard Brook State Forest Campground, visitors connect to numerous trails directly from the camping area. "There are hiking trails in the area and, of course, swimming at the small pond. A nearby roadside waterfall offers another picnic area opportunity. For a longer hike, you can hike to and from Pearl Lake State Park," notes one camper who appreciates the variety of trail options.
Water activities: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground provides excellent paddling opportunities about 25 miles from Dunstable. "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," reports one visitor who enjoyed the lake access.
Golf and camping combo: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers a unique option with "1300 acres owned and operated by the Simonsen family in Derry, NH. The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc." This setup provides a different type of outdoor recreation approximately 22 miles from Dunstable.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the water-adjacent camping options near Dunstable. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" One visitor specifically recommends "site 25" though notes it can be challenging during heavy rain as "water runoff from the road above and the driveway all ended up flowing right under our tent into the lake."
Small, quiet settings: Campers seeking more intimate glamping close to Dunstable, Massachusetts value the smaller campgrounds. At The Pine Campground, one visitor reports, "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. Dog friendly. Small river/brook rind behind the campground."
Swimming options: Autumn Hills Campground receives positive feedback for its water facilities. One camper notes "Staff was friendly, pool was nice & sites were fairly spacious." Another mentions "They do have a pool, park, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the Dunstable area operate seasonally. Bear Brook State Park Campground runs "early May-late Oct," while Willard Brook is open only "late May to early September." Check availability before planning your trip, especially during shoulder seasons.
Site privacy varies significantly: Site selection impacts experience considerably. At Autumn Hills, one camper reports, "Sites are very small, and extremely close together. My 28 foot travel trailer barely fit into the site, and our friends in the tent sites were basically on top of each other." Another notes, "No privacy. People will walk threw your tent site."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in this area require advance bookings, particularly for weekend stays. Researching specific site numbers before booking helps secure better spots. One camper at Pawtuckaway advises, "Definitely do your research on the different site numbers because some sites are much more private and scenic than others."
Tips for camping with families
Look for multiple recreation options: Friendly Beaver Campground offers extensive family amenities. According to one visitor, "We've been back her a few times because my girls love it. They have 3 outdoor pools(sports,toddler,regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days. They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games,playground and other events."
Consider bathroom proximity: When camping with children, bathroom location matters. At Autumn Hills, one family notes: "The closest bath/shower was well kept, with four bathroom stalls and the one huge shower, I imagine that the wait times in the summer months might be a hassle but in the off season it was hardly used."
Plan for weather contingencies: Summer storms can impact camping experiences. At Pawtuckaway, a family shares their experience: "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."
Tips from RVers
Check site sizes and layouts: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. At Tuxbury Pond RV 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."
Full hookup availability: For those seeking luxury glamping near Dunstable, Massachusetts with full amenities, check specific site offerings. At Hanscom AFB FamCamp, one reviewer notes, "Staying at #20 tent sight and loving it. No water on this site but there is electricity. Several options for bathrooms and all have hot running water."
Seasonal population considerations: Many campgrounds have permanent seasonal residents. At Tuxbury Pond, a visitor reports, "Mostly seasonal, overpriced. Transients are treated like unwanted step children." Consider this factor when selecting a campground for short-term stays.
