M
Marvin R.
Scout
ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Whole Trip Better
We brought the boat along and having access to the lake made the whole trip better. Nice to have everything right at the campground instead of having to load up and drive somewhere.
Camping near Essex, MA
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Essex, Massachusetts lies within convenient reach of several established campgrounds, most of which are located within 20 miles of town. Cape Ann Camp Site in nearby Gloucester provides wooded tent and RV sites with electric hookups, while Winter Island Park in Salem offers waterfront camping with easy access to urban amenities. The surrounding coastal region supports multiple camping styles, including traditional tent sites, RV parks with full hookups, and a few locations with cabin rentals and glamping options. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally, typically from May through October.
Many campgrounds near Essex require reservations, particularly during the peak summer season when coastal New England draws significant tourism. "Many campgrounds are clean but very rustic. Facilities are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff," noted one camper about Cape Ann Camp Site. The region experiences typical New England weather patterns with warm summers and crisp falls, making September and early October particularly pleasant for camping. Winter camping is generally unavailable as most facilities close after Columbus Day weekend. The terrain throughout the area is relatively flat to gently rolling, with many sites situated near coastal features. Most established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though amenities vary significantly.
Campers consistently mention coastal access as a primary advantage of camping in this region. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to beaches and waterfront views, with Winter Island Park receiving particular praise for its oceanfront location. According to reviews, "Camping on the oceanfront was a rare treat!" Sites at Cape Ann have been described as "nice and wooded" with good privacy between campsites at many locations. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds are available at several campgrounds, though bathroom facilities at some locations have been noted as basic or dated. The region's campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for exploring coastal Massachusetts attractions, including Salem's historic sites, Gloucester's fishing heritage, and numerous beaches throughout Cape Ann.
Best Campgrounds near Essex (88)
1. Cape Ann Camp Site
"Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you"
"Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower."
from $36 - $44 / night
Check Availability2. Salisbury Beach State Reservation
"However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."
"The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability3. Winter Island Park
"Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance."
"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."
from $60 / night
Check Availability4. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
"Every site seems to have its own water spigot, though it's not necessarily conveniently located if you want to hook up a trailer/RV. There are 11 sites with water/electric."
"You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."
from $17 - $45 / night
Check Availability5. Beach Rose RV Park
"Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."
"Kids had enough driving for the day so we had to stop. We called last min and were thankful they had a spot. Arrived at dark and they were friendly and accommodating."
6. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
"entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."
"We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"
7. Wompatuck State Park Campground
"Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."
"I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."
from $17 - $23 / night
Check Availability8. Wakeda Campground, LLC
"We had bathrooms located near our site. They were four separate bathrooms that had a sink and toilet and were clean. They did offer showers in another area but I did not use them."
"Our full hookup site was very close to other sites, so unfortunately we had to deal with some noise issues."
from $48 - $97 / night
Check Availability9. The Pines Camping Area
"There’s not much around here to do, but for us we enjoyed the calmness."
from $35 - $46 / night
Check Availability10. Hampton Beach State Park Campground
"One side of the campground is bordered by an inlet that fishing boats use to head out from the harbor. Another side is sand dunes, that are the south end of Hampton beach."
"Hampton Beach SP is a small beachside campground for self-contained RVs only; if you’re in a tent, you may want to look south to Salisbury SP just a few miles across the border into MA."
from $70 / night
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Drive Time
- 41 min from Boston, MA
- 58 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 14 min from Worcester, MA
- 1 hr 22 min from Providence, RI
Recent Camping Photos near Essex, MA
231 Photos of 88 Essex Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Cape Ann Camp SiteD
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Camp Nihan Education Center
Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
Black Bear Campground
Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
Tidewater Campground
Wakeda Campground, LLC
Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
Winding River CampgroundL
Seacoast Camping and RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Essex, MA
603 Reviews of 88 Essex Campgrounds
- D
Dwain S.ScoutSalisbury Beach State Reservation
Showers were a bit cold. Site had rubbish scattered about.
Renee R.
GuideWinter Island Park
Cool location!
Hard to beat being right on the water with a lighthouse! But it's kind of a kooky campground.
Pros:
- Gorgeous views.
- Cute little trails.
- Super friendly staff.
- The bathrooms were always being cleaned (which is nice), but the bathrooms are dilapidated, so it's kind of like putting lipstick on a pig.
Cons:
- It's just an odd arrangement of sites. The RV area is a parking lot. Some tent sites don't allow cars on them. Our site #37 was cool, but right by the busy entrance.- As we stayed in October, the entire area is Halloween central. There were tour trolleys coming in all day, and since we were near the entrance we felt like animals in a zoo.
- As mentioned previously - the bathrooms could use a serious upgrade.
- Renee R.Guide
Spacious Skies Minute Man
Probably great, if you're looking to enterain kids.
Let me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
Carla L.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Had A Good Time
Fishing off the dock in the evening was such a nice way to end the day. We didnt catch much lol but still had a good time.
- GGeorge H.Scout
Berry's Grove Campground
Change Of Scenery
Came up from Boston for a little change of scenery and this worked out great. Close enough that the drive wasnt a hassle but it felt like we were actually getting away.
Kirsten F.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Small Campground
Small campground, which we actually really liked. It wasnt crowded or overwhelming and we could just relax at our site.
Hollie M.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Brought The RV Up
We brought the RV up for a weekend and everything was really easy. Hookups were right there and getting settled took no time at all.
Kyle P.GuideNormandy Farms Campground
Best Campground in the Northeast!
I can understand why this place is rated one of the best campgrounds in the country. This was my first time camping here with my own RV and it did not disappoint. Our site was spacious, and centrally located within the campground, they have all the amenities you can imagine living up to that “resort” title. Ranging from multiple pools, hot tubs, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, etc. the cell service was great, they offer WiFi, and much more. I love the store, it gives off that Great Wolf Lodge feel, and it has everything inside you may need. Including a little hidden café that surprisingly made good lattes. This place is massive, and I’ve never seen a campground that had as many million dollar RV’s in one place. That atmosphere is just great here. There is so much to do. It’s so big you need an e-bike just to get around. Resort-style campgrounds like this come at a steeper price compared to others, but in my opinion, Normandy was well worth the cost. We look forward to revisiting, often!
Guide to Essex
Camping options around Essex, Massachusetts include small coastal campgrounds and larger state parks within a 20-mile radius. Water and electric hookups are standard at most sites, while seasonal camping remains prevalent with most facilities closing by mid-October. The summer peak season requires advance planning, with local campgrounds filling quickly from June through August. Shoulder seasons offer more availability with mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Harold Parker State Forest Campground offers extensive trail networks through wooded areas. "There are lots of trails and ponds," notes Kelly F. from Lorraine Park Campground. The forest environment provides shaded paths suitable for warm-weather exploration.
Beach activities: Multiple campgrounds provide beach access within short distances. "We really enjoyed camping and going to the beach. The camp ground is full of beautiful boulders and fire pits," reports Dan from Cape Ann Camp Site. Salisbury Beach State Reservation places campers steps from the water.
Historical exploration: Camping at Winter Island Park offers proximity to Salem's historical attractions. "The park has a full time bathroom attendant from 8 AM to 8 PM, so restrooms and showers were well kept. There are wildlife like skunks, racoons do put food in car," advises Candace H. from Winter Island Park.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Sites with natural separation receive positive feedback. "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome," writes Lajaun C. about Cape Ann Camp Site. Natural vegetation and mature trees provide privacy at many locations.
Bathroom facilities: Maintained restrooms rank highly in camper satisfaction. "Awesome park. It was a quiet night and bathrooms where clean. Has spacious showers. Park rangers drive around campground often," says Marisabel R. from Lorraine Park Campground.
Water access: Oceanfront or pond-adjacent sites earn consistently high ratings. "Big sites with water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table. Most of them are drive in," writes Migdalia G. about camping options in the area. Water recreation remains a primary regional attraction.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites," notes Rae M. about Winter Island Park. Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day fill fastest.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. "It opens about a month before Memorial Day weekend for a quieter shoulder season," explains Jean C. about Hampton Beach State Park Campground.
Site sizing variations: RV sites can be limited at some locations. "Campsites are clean the people are friendly and very close to the beach," reports Marianne O. from Wakeda Campground. Some campgrounds feature primarily seasonal residents with limited transient availability.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. "The playground is perfect for kids, the creek is right behind you which gave us beautiful views right outside our RV window(s)," shares Stephanie from The Pines Camping Area.
Beach proximity: Oceanfront options offer family-friendly activities. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other. RV & tent sites available. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!" says Sara D. about Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Pool alternatives: Some campgrounds offer swimming options besides the ocean. "Campground was great. Nice sites plenty of space and with a full park for the weekend you didn't feel on top of each other," notes Ryan B. about campground amenities in the region.
Tips from RVers
Site placement: Hookup locations vary between campgrounds. "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," shares Nancy W. from Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Seasonal differences: Off-peak camping provides more privacy but fewer amenities. "We stayed at Wakeda Campground overnight during a trip from Maine back to Long Island, NY. It was located very close off of 95 and allows pets. We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest," writes Pawsfuradventure T. about Wakeda Campground.
Electrical requirements: Many campgrounds feature both 30 and 50 amp service. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," confirms Zachary W. about electrical reliability at regional campgrounds. Extension cords may be necessary at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Essex, MA?
Which is the most popular campground near Essex, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Essex, MA is Cape Ann Camp Site with a 4.1-star rating from 17 reviews.
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