Tent camping near Essex, Massachusetts provides access to varied ecosystems within a short drive. The North Shore region features rocky coastal areas adjacent to dense woodland settings, with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F during peak camping season. Campers find both primitive and established tent sites, some requiring advance reservations during the busy summer months from June through September.
What to do
Beach exploration: 25 cents per shower at Cape Ann Camp Site provides affordable amenities after a day at the beach. "Nice beach nearby. Close to many towns and activities. We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," notes camper Ben E. The campground serves as a convenient base for coastal activities.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer the best opportunities to spot local wildlife at campgrounds throughout the area. "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc.," reports John S. about his experience at Cape Ann Camp Site.
Island hopping: Ferry required for reaching Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground. "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," explains Martha H. Ferries depart from Long Wharf in Boston or Hingham Shipyard.
What campers like
Wooded seclusion: Natural terrain creates privacy between sites at Cape Ann Camp Site. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area. Definitely recommend it!" shares Cristina P. Many tent campers appreciate the natural buffer between camping areas.
Waterfront access: No boat needed for enjoying the coastal location. "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," writes Ron C.
Proximity to attractions: Short drives to notable coastal towns from Camp Nihan Education Center. "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes. All of this right in Saugus MA, less than 30 minutes from Boston," notes Michael V.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Limited booking windows for most area campgrounds. Boston Harbor Islands State Park operates only "from June to Labor Day weekend," with Peddocks Island offering both yurts and tent sites that "book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance," according to Martha H.
Terrain considerations: Uneven ground at many tent sites requires preparation. "The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving... The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads," warns one reviewer about Cape Ann Camp Site. Bringing ground padding is recommended.
Water access: Variable facilities across different campgrounds. "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," advises Jean C. regarding Boston Harbor Islands.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Multiple attractions keep children engaged throughout your stay. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!" reports Samantha N. The resort is located about an hour's drive from Essex.
Site selection: Look for level areas when traveling with young children. Camp Nihan Education Center offers sites that are "super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods," making it ideal for "kids aged 4-8," according to Michael V.
Transport considerations: Pack compact when using public transit to reach island camping. "We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells," explains Jess G. about reaching Boston Harbor Islands.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric are common at established campgrounds near Essex. At Cape Ann Camp Site, campers note they have "water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot," according to Lajaun C., who adds that the location is "close enough to stores if you need more."
Site conditions: Request information about site specifications before booking. "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs. Have great activities daily for the kids a nice store onsite," notes Aaron G. about Salmon Falls River Camping Resort, though he cautions about management transitions affecting services.
Dump stations: Limited availability requires planning ahead. Cape Ann Camp Site provides a dump station "near the street" according to camper reviews, though it's not available at all campgrounds in the area. For shorter stays, arriving with empty tanks is recommended.
