Best Glamping near Essex, MA

Recent Glamping Reviews near Essex, Massachusetts

260 Reviews of 26 Essex Campgrounds

• 

  Matt R.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 5, 2019

  Normandy Farms Campground

  Nice but not my style

  This is glamping campground. It has a pool, game rooms, and everyone is packed in pretty close.

  I personally like state parks, lots of room and trees. I didn't feel that at Normandy farms but you might love it

• 

  Andrew P.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 21, 2020

  Normandy Farms Campground

  Glamping to the max

  I wasn’t sure I would like this level of glamping, but I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping. Maybe it’s covid, but it felt good to be “near” other people trying to find peace in a crazy world. So much positive about the resort, the snack bar has an awesome menu and cost is reasonable. Beer at the store wasn’t unreasonable priced. The clothing/swag was fairly priced. The facility is big enough to walk, bike, short run, the frisbee golf is the best set up I’ve ever used. I went recently(mid October) so the pools were shut down, but there was still lots of activities. The bath houses were very clean and there was music playing, another detail that sets this resort apart. The grounds, for a packed campground were actually well done with trees, and large stones around. You will hear other people at nearby sites, it didn’t bother me, in fact listening to all the various dogs barking at each other from their respective sites made me laugh. You can hear cars from 495, but once again, somehow it did not bother me. I’ve stayed at campgrounds up in NH that are dry camping, and I can hear cars on Rt 16 or on the Kanc. There is a catch, sites probably average $100/night or more, when all the amenities are up and running, it is well wort it. Shoot, I’ve stayed in hotels for $150/night with no amenities. This place has so much to do, or just sit by the campfire and drink beer and relax, or borrow a movie for free. Remember to return it or they will process the $20.00 hold. I’m definitely going back, kids had fun, I had fun. Pay ahead and get your gate codes, and you can drive right to your site, that was super convenient, see the positives keep showing up. Thanks for reading

• J

  Jean T.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 5, 2018

  Normandy Farms Campground

  top notch!

  This campground is so well run I felt like I was in Disneyland's Frontier Land. They offer anything you could want. Spotlessly clean and wonderful employees. the pool is also great. The yurts are beautiful.

• 

  Jenny M.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 11, 2019

  Dixon's Campground

  Yurts!

  Great, well maintained campground! The sites are close together but most spots are tucked neatly among the trees so it still feels like you're in the woods. Other campers were very friendly and respectful; we were there for the Fourth of July. Bathrooms are modern and clean. 

  We stayed in a "rustic" yurt (#47) - which had no water or electricity, but there was a spigot and outlet right across the road at the bathroom.  The yurt itself was well appointed, with things like bedding, a trash can, and even a privacy screen.  We brought sleeping bags to use, and ended up using them anyway.  

  $90/night might seem expensive for a campground, but considering this is so close to Ogunquit and the beaches, it's worth every penny for those who aren't looking to tent (or can't) and don't have a trailer.  

  Pay showers.

• 

  Deken S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 1, 2022

  Dixons Coastal Maine Campground

  Clean, quiet, friendly and helpful staff

  We've been there twice and have reservations for next year. Some sites are in the woods, some are in the field. The pool and restrooms are spotless. There are yurts, power and water available, plus tent-only sites. Highly recommended.

• M

  Martha H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 11, 2018

  Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

  Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor

  This campground has 6 yurts and 6 tent sites. The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure. The island is beautiful and has an old fort to explore as well as a lot of Rocky shoreline and trails. You can build bon fires and see gorgeous sunsets. During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids. On peddocks island there is plenty of drinking water available and a ranger station. These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings. I been 3 times and always have a great time. This campground is only open during the summer months.

• 

  Jean C.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 13, 2019

  Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

  Ranger Review: Banner & Oak Traveler Shirt at Boston Harbor Islands

  Campground review: Camping at Boston Harbor Islands requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company. Unless you book one of the 12 yurts on Peddocks island, the camping is rustic; you’ll need to bring everything, including water. Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you’re counting on a particulate day. I only visited the campsites on Peddocks Island, so I can’t speak to the ones on Lovell, Grape, and Bumpkin. 

  Getting there: Unless you have your own boat(check regulations on the website; you’ll need to anchor offshore overnight), you’ll want to catch a ride on the ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands. Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part, not least because they don’t make the inter-island ferry schedule as readily accessible. Here’s the scoop: 

  1. Check the ferry schedule. Figure out which departure makes the most sense for you. You may choose to leave from Long Wharf, near the Aquarium T stop on the Blue line, or from Hingham, with overnight parking available. For Bumpkin and Grape Islands, you’ll want to leave from Hingham; Peddocks and Lovells are available from either departure point
  2. Buy your ticket online in advance. Some town libraries have passes offering 2-for-1 ferry rides, so if you’re a MA resident in the greater Boston area, it’s worth checking that out first. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at an extra$20 for the ferry, but that fee covers your round trip as well as the use of the interisland ferries so you can explore other islands. If you’re traveling as a family, look at the family pack for another discount. You can show the ticket on your phone when you board. 
  3. Pack as lightly as possible and plan to carry or wheel it to your site. If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items on and off the ferry and to your site on the island. There may or may not be carts available on the island. Peddocks has running water available, but otherwise you’ll need to bring gallon of water/person. If you want to grill, bring your own charcoal; otherwise bring a stove or bring food that doesn’t need to be cooked. You may scavenge wood to build fires below the high tide line only. No alcohol and no pets. 

  The yurts on Peddocks are great, providing shelter from the elements, bunks with mattresses, electricity, a ceiling fan, table with benches, and a grill. There are 6 yurts up a small hill, with a composting toilet and water from a tap nearby. The 6 tent sites are also in this area. An additional 6 yurt sites are below the hill and in the woods, so it’s a slightly longer walk to the toilet. at the top of another hill there is an open, grassy area, also with a composting toilet, that provides group campsited.

  While you’re out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others…look for sea glass on Spectacle Island and climb the hill for a view of the Boston skyline, explore the old forts and visitors centers, earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak. In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks. 

  Ranger Product Review: Banner& Oak Traveler Shirt 

  As a Ranger with the Dyrt, I sometimes get to test items; in this case I ordered the Banner& Oak Traveler long-sleeve t-shirt  in indigo. It’s long sleeved and super soft, but the first time I went to put it on, I realized the Banner& Oak tag along the hemline was sewn through both the front and back, so I couldn’t put t on until I removed the tag. I didn’t have scissors with me, so it was tough to get it off and ultimately I ended up with a hole in both the front and back. I’ve worn this on strolls through the woods when the weather was nice, but cool and on the foggy morning ferry ride to the island. The sleeves are not constricting and when I pushed them up to my elbows, they stayed in place while I hiked. I will say that it is a unisex t-shirt and the sleeves and body of the shirt tend to run long. I like that, but if you're petite, it may be annoying.

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 19, 2024

  Hanscom AFB FamCamp

  Recreation camping close to Lexingtin and Concord

  The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees, as well as for RV camping for active duty military on temporary orders. The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB. Proximity to the base provides access to the base exchange and other facilities, but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces such as basketball and outdoor sports, and an indoor game and recreation room complete with crafts supplies for the kiddos and tourism info for the lical area. In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond, so the campground makes a great basecamp for exploration of the area’s rich culture and history. You are also not too far from Cambridge, and can easily access Boston from there if you like.

  There are several clean modern bath houses, with hot showers and flush toilets. The office staff is very helpful and friendly!

  Dogs are welcome too.

• 

  Jean C.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 7, 2020

  Winter Island Park

  Rustic, urban campground on the water, near Boston

  This campground offers basic campsites, with electric available on RV sites. Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance. Tent sites tend to be grassy, but not all offer parking on site, so choose carefully. They do not permit tents on RV sites and vice versa. None of the sites offer much privacy. 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. Stay here if you want to be near the water or explore the region. FYI - the dump station is not on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this.

  I'm often asked about the best place to camp when visiting Boston and options are limited close to the city. This is one of two campgrounds located <25 miles from Boston with good commute options into the city. If you choose to drive, beware that traffic is a nightmare and parking expensive, but if you have a group that may price out to be less expensive than the commuter rail. The commuter rail is 2 miles from the campground and during peak season a shuttle runs between the campground and Salem.There's a high speed catamaran that runs to and from Boston (though stopped due to CoviD-19 in 2020), but it's expensive. The MBTA offers a special weekend commuter rail pass with their online app. 

  Salem offers plenty of sightseeing options, including the National Park Service Salem Maritime NHS, the House of 7 Gables, Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem Witch Museum. Farther afield, the seacoast towns are worth exploring and you can catch a whale watch out of Gloucester.

• 

  Nancy W.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 31, 2017

  Normandy Farms Campground

  Huge park with lots of amenities and activities

  We planned a brief stop in the Boston area with the intent of seeing the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum and Normandy Farms appealed to us for various reasons. One reason was the fact that they have dog walkers that will come to your site and take care of your precious pooch while you are away. Not knowing how long we would be away from the campground that service was a great option. As it turned out, we did not need to use this service but for some it would be a great perk if you were going to be gone all day. And with Boston traffic, we can see how that could happen. By the way, the library is well-worth it.

  When you enter Normandy Farms it is more like checking into a hotel than campground complete with a concierge and express check-in. The park is gated and a code is needed to enter and leave giving you a sense of security but I’m not sure it is necessary. 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. Both back-in and pull thrus are available as are sites with shade and full sun. Premium sites have paved patios while other sites are gravel. Roads are paved and plenty wide enough for big RV’s to navigate. They offer cable television that yielded nearly 100 channels. Wifi worked well at our site and other places throughout the park. All sites come with a fire pit and picnic table. 

  We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio (Site E1). 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. At the time we were there in October the campground was not very busy but we imagine that things get a little crazy when the park is full. 

  There is a really long list of amenities for this campground….four pools (include an indoor heated one), fitness room (with elliptical, treadmills, bikes, machine and free weights), creative arts center, camp store, 20,000 square-foot activities building (with adult only lounge, pool table, arcade, games, wide-screen televisions, sauna, Jacuzzi), restaurant, huge off-leash dog park (you can reserve individual day kennels), BMX bike park, horse shoe pits, baseball diamond, volleyball, fishing pond, shuffleboard, disk golf, and playground, and probably a few more things I missed. During the busy summer months there is a long list of activities ranging from yoga to kids games.

  Normandy Farms is approximately 35 miles from Boston. If you don’t want to drive to the city, you can park at the nearby train or subway station and ride into the city. You are just five miles from Gillette Stadium (home of the New England Patriots) and Patriot Place (a hub for shopping and dining). About a mile from the campground is Foxboro State Park where you will find 20+ miles of hiking trails. Also within a five mile radius are plenty of restaurants, shopping, hardware store, grocery store, and more. 

  Some of the really good features are the huge dog park which has a dog washing station, water fountains for dogs and humans, agility-type obstacles for them to play on, dog kennels, and a bin with balls and Frisbees. I also liked (and used daily) the fitness center which had functioning equipment and a large television to help pass the time while working out – and was never crowded. The large community building has and adult-only lounge which serves as a nice place for people to get together and watch television or hang out without kids. With everything this campground has to offer you can see why it is a destination park for some people as their kids would be busy all day. 

  The downside really is the price and how many sites there are. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful getaway this is not it.

• 

  Steve V.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 25, 2019

  Dixon's Campground

  Ranger Review: Red Ledge Thunderlight Jacket at Dixon’s Campground

  **Campground Review: **

  Dixon’s Campground is located on US Route 1 in Cape Neddick, Maine, just minutes from the coast and about an hour south of Portland. Dixson’s Campground is a medium sized private campground that has tent only and water& electric tent/RV sites, as well as three yurts. The campground also has full hook up sites for seasonal guest that sit out on a separate area away from the transit campers. I have included a campground map in my pictures for your orientation. Most sites are wooded with lots of shade. There are a few grass sites with more sun near the office. The sites vary from small and close together to large with some privacy. All style sites include a picnic table and fire ring. 

  Check-in was easy and the staff was very helpful in providing info and answering questions about the area. A host guides you to your site and assist you in positioning if needed. The campground is gated and you have to“rent” a swipe card to access the gate for$10 (cash) and you get your$10 back when you return the card at checkout. The roads in the campground are a little skinny so if you have a large trailer you may want to consider your site location appropriately or you may get stuck in a curve or have a challenging time backing into your site. We stayed on site 84 on this visit. The site was level and well shaded, but small yet worked with our teardrop trailer. 

  The bathroom were new and very unique here (I have never experienced this style before; see my pictures). The bathroom closest to us had two toilet stalls and two shower stalls each with their own direct outside access. Sinks for hygiene were on one end of the bathroom and sinks designated for dish washing only were on the other side of the building. The Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The showers are metered and cost $0.50 per 5 minutes, so don’t forget your quarters! There is also a trash dumpster and recycle bins at each bathroom. 

  Firewood and a small camp store was available at the office. There is a full grocery store about 10 minutes away. 

  We found good cell phone service with Verizon throughout the property. The campground did have wi-fi and it worked ok at our site. 

  The campground also has a heated pool, playground, and outfitter that provides rentals, lessons, and guides. There is no laundry at the campground, but we found one about 10 minutes away. 

  Dixon’s sits between two tourist towns so there is plenty to see, lots of great restaurants, and close to beaches. Many restaurants are dog friendly (at least on the patio) and the beaches at this time of year are dog friendly after 6PM. We really enjoyed walking the beaches and checking out the lighthouses in the area. The only down side of being near two tourist towns is that traffic can get thick at some points in the day. 

  We really enjoyed our stay at Dixon’s and the surrounding area to the point we have marked this as a definite stop when we make it back to Maine again.

  **---------------------------- **

  **Product Review: **

  As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Red Ledge Thunderlight Jacket. This rain jacket from Red Ledge is very handy to have in your gear list. It is available in multiple colors (I got black because I somehow get dirty while camping) and is very lightweight. There is no liner so works great in the summertime heat, but is still loose enough to wear a fleece or something underneath. I also like that there are multiple draw strings to tighten up the fit if desired (waist, cuffs, hood, and headband). The pockets are large, deep, and close with zippers. The jacket also comes with a stuff sack so you can roll it up and easily stow it in your day pack or pocket in your car. We did experience light to heavy rain during periods of our stay and the jacket is highly effective and I had no soak throughs even the heaviest rain. I highly recommend this jacket and it’ll be a part of my normal outdoor gear set.

• 

  John S.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 28, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Great folks, great sites..

  Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc..

• 

  Dan

  Scout

  

  Sep. 8, 2020

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  We stayed an extra night

  We had a great time camping and going to the beach. The camp ground is full of beautiful boulders and fire pits. We were tent camping and were very happy with our site.

• R

  Ron C.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 4, 2020

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Great spot

  Cape Anne is beautiful. 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 could walk for ever.
  The campsite we loved; it was clean & secluded enough but close enough to others to meet & greet if you wanted. Pic: out our window and local sites

• C

  Cristina P.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 20, 2020

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Very cute hidden gem

  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. Definitely recommend it!

• 

  Bill B.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 22, 2022

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  NOT Big Rig Friendly

  Will not be back.

• M

  Mir D.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 22, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Great campsite!

  Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower. No cell service but wifi available at the office. Only thing we didn't like washere a lot of people walking dogs and let them "go" wherever.

• D

  Della S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 25, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Cape Ann Campground

  Cape Ann Campground is located close to Gloucester and Rockport. The campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites. The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites. Clean Bathrooms and pay showers (5 cents). The owners are very helpful. Call and they will help you find a spot if you have questions.

• 

  Rebecca S.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 3, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Great beach access

  Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilites are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff.

• 

  Sandra C.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 12, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Fantastic!!!!

  Perfect for a getaway!

• 

  laurie M.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 16, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Good location

  Location works well. Very narrow road coming in after 128. More for smaller RVs and tent camping. Picnic tables could be replaced. Grass was cut while we stayed which is a good thing as it was quite long. We might stay again.

• 

  Rob G.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 16, 2018

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Great staff

  Great location

• 

  Lajaun C.

  Scout

  

  Feb. 10, 2020

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Great Site

  Love this campground. The staff is awesome. Very helpful. The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome. They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot. It is also close enough to stores if you need more. Very close to a nice beach too.

• 

  Emily T.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 27, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Perfect beginner camp spot

  Cape ann has everything you need for an easy, hassle free camp experience. It’s right off the main road, checking in is quick and employees are helpful. There is a corner store, bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pit, cell service, and close beach access. Everything you need for a beginner camping experience.

• 

  Mike H.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 7, 2021

  Cape Ann Camp Site

  Ok place not great

  Wooded sites clean bathhouse, good location. Negative part of the camp has a dirt road. When it rained large mud-puddles to drive through.

• 

  Megan S.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 31, 2024

  Winter Island Park

  Good way to stop in Salem for October

  I stayed one night here to experience Salem during Halloween at a tent site. Positives are access to Salem, Uber and Lyft are available though scarcer as the night gets later (10:30 pm), it is also on the trolley line if you need transportation during their business hours, great view for sunrise. Negatives are there is no privacy at the sites, everything is very open, fires must be off the ground, and the bathrooms are old and may not be stocked.

• R

  Rick R.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 13, 2020

  Winter Island Park

  Next to Boston

  Great place for coming in and out of Boston