M
Maggie B.
Scout
ScoutOtter River State Forest
Highly Recommend
Great place to camp. Reasonably priced. Clean hot showers and dish washing station. Clean-Quiet-Well Patroled and Maintained. Nature based activities for kids.
Best Campgrounds in Massachusetts
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Massachusetts campgrounds range from forested state parks to beachfront destinations with varying levels of amenities. Notable options include Nickerson State Park Campground in Brewster, offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with boat access to nearby ponds, and Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, featuring 400 sites with comprehensive amenities including electric and water hookups, shower facilities, and trash service. The camping landscape includes everything from primitive tent sites in state forests to luxury RV resorts with full hookups and recreational facilities.
Camping seasons in Massachusetts typically run from April through October, with some facilities like Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground operating year-round. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when demand peaks. State park campgrounds like Wompatuck, Harold Parker, and Myles Standish provide affordable options with varying levels of amenities, while private resorts offer more extensive facilities at higher rates. Weather conditions can significantly impact camping experiences, particularly near coastal areas. As one camper noted, "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you're looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back."
Many campers specifically seek waterfront locations throughout the state, with several coastal and lakeside options receiving high ratings. Visitors particularly value clean facilities and peaceful surroundings, though experiences can vary significantly by location and season. Several campgrounds near Cape Cod provide convenient beach access, while inland options offer forest immersion and greater privacy. Families appreciate campgrounds with recreational amenities and organized activities. According to one visitor, "We had a great 4 night stay here in our TT. It's a more rustic campsite and doesn't have the bells and whistles of the bigger corporate owned campgrounds. There's plenty to do on the island itself so it's not an issue at all." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping represent the majority of options, with specialized tent-only or RV-only facilities being less common.
Best Camping Sites in Massachusetts (162)
1. Nickerson State Park Campground
44 ReviewsOrleans, MAWebsite+1 (508) 896-3491$22 - $55 / night
"It is at the edge of the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike Path from where you can access both bay side and ocean beaches by bike. it is also walking distance to a bayside beach."
"We even got the Massachusetts resident discount with his home address. When we arrived, it was a very easy check in. They gave us directions to our site and even to the store to buy fire wood."
2. Normandy Farms Campground
40 ReviewsFoxborough, MAWebsite+1 (866) 673-2767$50 - $200 / night
"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."
"We were here a couple years ago and told everyone we knew about it in the PNW never knowing if our big road trips would have us near Foxboro again."
3. Wompatuck State Park Campground
42 ReviewsHingham, MAWebsite+1 (617) 895-8245$17 - $23 / night
"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."
4. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
32 ReviewsNorth Reading, MAWebsite+1 (978) 475-7972$21 - $45 / night
"north of Boston and <5 miles from the interstate, Lorraine Park campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides ample on-site activities and also serves as a jumping off point for exploring the Massachusetts"
"There aren't many campgrounds open in Massachusetts this early in the season, but Harold Parker State Forest was! I snagged a group campsite since we'd have four tents."
5. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park
30 ReviewsLanesborough, MA+1 (413) 447-9419$40 - $70 / night
"Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."
"Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"
6. Spacious Skies Minute Man
29 ReviewsAyer, MAWebsite+1 (978) 772-0042$44 - $999 / night
"The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."
"Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."
7. Salisbury Beach State Reservation
27 ReviewsSalisbury, MAWebsite+1 (978) 462-4481$28 - $38 / night
"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."
8. Boston/Cape Cod KOA
23 ReviewsMiddleboro, MAWebsite+1 (508) 947-6435"This is a busy campground due to its location . Easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, Newport, and many more attractions."
"We selected this campground because of its proximity to family who we would be visiting. It was very convenient to Providence, Cape Cod, and Duxbury."
9. Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground
21 ReviewsSandwich, MAWebsite+1 (508) 888-0351$17 - $55 / night
"I like this campground because it is close to home. There isn't much to do here within the campground. It has two areas. The one nearer the camp entrance is smaller than the second. "
"We have stayed here during our exploration around cape cod. It's a but farther away from the main location, but we loved the quiet and tranquility of this campground."
10. Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest
20 ReviewsSouth Carver, MAWebsite+1 (508) 866-2526$17 - $35 / night
"My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."
"Good access to surrounding new England towns."
Recent Camping Photos in Massachusetts
508 Photos of 162 Massachusetts Campgrounds
Ashley F.
Cozy Wooded Nook
Matt R.
Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites
Darcy D.
North of Highland Camping Area
TJ H.
Fernwood Forest Campground
Jacob S.
Camp Coldbrook Golf & RV Resorts
Megin F.
Prospect Mountain Campground and RV Park
Molly G.
Shady Knoll Campground
Bill K.
Northampton / Springfield KOA
Our Greight Escape ..
USCG Cape Cod RV
Brie B.
Barton Cove Campground
Shawn D.
Pine Acres Family Camping Resort
Recent Reviews in Massachusetts
1003 Reviews of 162 Massachusetts Campgrounds
Greg S.
LegendTravelers Woods Of New England, Inc
4.3 stars
Pros- easy on off of the interstate. Very nice people! Nicely kept grounds. Cool camp store. Nice playground and green space. Scenic small river runs along the back of the property. Beautiful surrounding area! Cons- swimming isn't allowed in the river! It's crystal clear and deep in spots right next to camp sites. Crushing blow that we couldn't play in it. Sites pretty tight. Moderate highway noise. Only full hookup sites are up by the highway without any nature to speak of.
If you are like us and want to play in the creek, drive or walk a half a mile up the road and take a little path right before the low bridge. Great swimming hole in some of the clearest water I have ever seen.- S
Stan M.ScoutNickerson State Park Campground
Love this Park
This is a great asset to the Cape. We live here and it's great to have such a wonderful park right here. No crossing the bridge is a very high point. This park has it all:
Biking, Hiking, small store, swimming, fishing, kayaking or canoeing and close to town if you have other needs or just want to go eat elsewhere. It also has nice bathrooms and showers.
Alicia V.ScoutIndianhead Resort
Worst place to RV
Long review from a long-term camper, but if you’re considering staying here, it’s worth the read so you know what you’re paying for. My husband and I have stayed here for the past three years, and this year has been, without question, the worst experience we’ve had. We prepaid for a 6-month stay, expecting a quiet, well-managed campground. Instead, we’ve dealt with inconsistency, poor communication, and management that seems focused on the wrong priorities. Before the campground was even fully open, we came to prepare our camper because there were already other campers on the property. While we were there, a woman repeatedly followed us around and watched us before finally approaching us. Rather than treating us like returning guests who have stayed here for years, we were made to feel like we didn’t belong and were questioned as if we were trespassing or trying to live here for free. Ironically, people who don’t even pay to stay here regularly park on the property to use the lake without anyone questioning them. Apparently, paying customers receive more scrutiny than people who aren’t customers at all. Because of that interaction, we were told we couldn’t return for weeks. When we were finally allowed back, our electricity hadn’t even been turned on, and we had to wait while no one seemed particularly concerned about getting it working. Then, completely out of the blue, we were told we had a past-due balance that had supposedly existed all along. At no point were we ever notified. No phone call. No email. No letter. No conversation. Yet somehow we were expected to fix a problem we didn’t even know existed. Meanwhile, the issues that actually affect paying guests continue to be ignored. On weekends and almost every holiday, large groups takes over the campground with 20+ tents, blasting music well into the night and early morning with absolutely no respect for the people who actually pay to stay here. They spread out wherever they want, take over common areas, and even park in front of occupied campsites to the point that we’ve had trouble getting into our own site. Even worse, people were plugging into our electrical service without permission, causing our camper to repeatedly short circuit. We eventually had to install a lock on our own electrical box because management did nothing to stop it after it was brought to their attention. That’s what makes this so frustrating. Management seems incredibly quick to police long-term residents over minor issues, yet has no problem looking the other way while other people take over the campground, block campsites, disturb everyone around them, use utilities they aren’t paying for, damage property, and ignore every basic campground rule. The former management understood that people who spend thousands of dollars to stay here deserve a safe, enjoyable, and well-managed campground. Rules were enforced. Problems were addressed. Paying guests mattered. Now it feels like the people causing the problems face no consequences, while the people paying to be here are the ones expected to tolerate them. I also wouldn’t recommend this campground for families. The“playground” looks like it hasn’t been properly maintained in a very long time and honestly looks like it could earn a child a tetanus shot instead of a fun afternoon. The basketball hoop has been broken, and the laundry area is tucked behind some of the dirtiest bathrooms on the property, surrounded by overgrown grass. None of it reflects the kind of campground this used to be. It’s disappointing because this campground had so much potential and used to be a place we genuinely enjoyed returning to every year. Unfortunately, poor management and a complete lack of consistency have changed that. If you are looking for a campground, there are way better options in the surrounding area with better amenities and better people.
- MMaybe I.
GuideNickerson State Park Campground
Love this place
This campground was wonderful. While the campsites aren’t extremely secluded, there’s still plenty of privacy. The park itself is beautiful, and it’s a fantastic place for both fishing and kayaking. I highly recommend visiting Cape Cod and staying here if you’re looking for a relaxing camping experience.
Dave G.ScoutSweetwater Forest
decent campground
no laundry or swimming other than that very beautiful
Kaitlynn F.ScoutSunset View Farms
So fun!
I have 4 kids, 8 and under and they had an absolute blast. We will definitely be back.
Kyle G.ScoutTully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
Amazing
9/10 Have to cart everything to site but everything else good
Kaitlyn B.
TravelerAdventure Bound Camping Resorts Cape Cod: North Truro
Loved it!
We came from their Horton’s location which had zero privacy so we were happy when we were able to switch our reservation last minute with no problems. The North Truro campsites were spaced out (we were tent camping), trees for privacy, and a walkable path to the nearest beaches.
Guide to Massachusetts
Camping in Massachusetts offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Wells State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “We hiked pretty much all the trails in the park that weekend & did a night hike given by a guide.”
- Water Activities: Campgrounds such as Lake Dennison Recreation Area offer swimming and fishing. A visitor said, “The lake is clean and the beach is clean and soft(ish).”
- Wildlife Watching: Many areas are rich in wildlife. One camper at Otter River State Forest noted, “If you are looking to get away and unwind this is a great place to do it in.”
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Pine Acres Family Camping Resort stated, “Super friendly staff, clean bathrooms, nice sites and a beautiful pond.”
- Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A visitor at Pearl Hill State Park Campground mentioned, “The camp sites are very well spaced apart so you get plenty of privacy and it's very quiet.”
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Partridge Hollow Campground said, “Simple clean friendly family run campground.”
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Willard Brook State Forest advised, “I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.”
- Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Otter River State Forest is open from mid May to mid October.
- No Alcohol Policies: Certain campgrounds, like Wells State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A reviewer noted, “A surcharge which makes it $50/night for non-MA residents... will have us skip this place in the future.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Thousand Trails Sturbridge said, “The playground was a hit for our kids!”
- Plan for Mosquitoes: Some areas can be buggy. A camper at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, “The mosquitoes here were something out of a Soviet lab.”
- Bring Extra Supplies: Campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A visitor at Lake Dennison Recreation Area suggested, “I had to use my portable grate to make cooking over the live fire easy and pleasant.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV sizes. A reviewer at Pearl Hill State Park Campground noted, “You can get in here with a smaller RV, but the campground isn't built for larger units.”
- Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A camper at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, “The driveway to site 38 was a mess. Tree limbs and brush invaded the drive.”
- Look for Amenities: Check for electric hookups and dump stations. A visitor at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort appreciated, “They provide water, electric, showers, and septic pump trucks that come to you.”
Camping in Massachusetts can be a great experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best state parks for camping in Massachusetts?
What are the best state parks for camping in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers several outstanding state parks for camping experiences. Clarksburg State Park Campground stands out for its consistently clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families. Willard Brook State Forest Campground in north-central Massachusetts features level sites among towering pines and proximity to Damon Pond. Other notable options include Myles Standish State Forest with its multiple ponds, Wellfleet Hollow for Cape Cod access, and Shawme Crowell for its family-friendly environment. Most Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol, provide basic facilities including bathhouses, and require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. For the best experience, book well in advance for summer weekends.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Massachusetts?
Is dispersed camping allowed in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts generally does not permit dispersed camping on public lands. Unlike western states, Massachusetts has stricter regulations about camping outside of designated campgrounds. The state's high population density and limited public land contribute to these restrictions. Ponkapoag Camp offers a rare primitive camping experience that's accessible from Boston, but it's still a designated area, not true dispersed camping. Most public lands in Massachusetts require campers to stay in established campgrounds with proper facilities. For those seeking a more remote experience without crowds, look to less-visited state forests during off-peak times rather than attempting unauthorized dispersed camping, which could result in fines.
Where can I find backcountry or primitive camping in Massachusetts?
Where can I find backcountry or primitive camping in Massachusetts?
True backcountry camping options are limited in Massachusetts, but several locations offer primitive experiences. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston provides remote-feeling sites with direct water access, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. For a more isolated experience, Otter River State Forest offers well-maintained but less developed sites. The Appalachian Trail corridor through western Massachusetts permits primitive camping at designated shelters and tent sites. Remember that even in these more remote settings, camping is only permitted in designated areas, not true dispersed camping. Most primitive sites require advance reservations, especially during peak season, and have minimal facilities like vault toilets but no running water or electricity.
How much does camping typically cost in Massachusetts?
How much does camping typically cost in Massachusetts?
Camping costs in Massachusetts vary widely based on amenities and location. State park campgrounds typically range from $17-35 per night for residents, with non-residents paying $5-10 more. October Mountain State Forest Campground represents typical state forest pricing, while Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury demonstrates the higher-end private options that can reach $50-75 per night for RV sites with hookups. Premium locations near Cape Cod or popular vacation areas generally command higher rates, especially during peak summer season. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays, off-season camping, or Massachusetts residents. Reservation fees ($7-10) typically apply when booking in advance through the state reservation system.
Where can I find backcountry or primitive camping in Massachusetts?
Where can I find backcountry or primitive camping in Massachusetts?
True backcountry camping options are limited in Massachusetts, but several locations offer primitive experiences. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston provides remote-feeling sites with direct water access, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. For a more isolated experience, Otter River State Forest offers well-maintained but less developed sites. The Appalachian Trail corridor through western Massachusetts permits primitive camping at designated shelters and tent sites. Remember that even in these more remote settings, camping is only permitted in designated areas, not true dispersed camping. Most primitive sites require advance reservations, especially during peak season, and have minimal facilities like vault toilets but no running water or electricity.
Is dispersed camping allowed in Massachusetts?
Is dispersed camping allowed in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts generally does not permit dispersed camping on public lands. Unlike western states, Massachusetts has stricter regulations about camping outside of designated campgrounds. The state's high population density and limited public land contribute to these restrictions. Ponkapoag Camp offers a rare primitive camping experience that's accessible from Boston, but it's still a designated area, not true dispersed camping. Most public lands in Massachusetts require campers to stay in established campgrounds with proper facilities. For those seeking a more remote experience without crowds, look to less-visited state forests during off-peak times rather than attempting unauthorized dispersed camping, which could result in fines.
What are the best state parks for camping in Massachusetts?
What are the best state parks for camping in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts offers several outstanding state parks for camping experiences. Clarksburg State Park Campground stands out for its consistently clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families. Willard Brook State Forest Campground in north-central Massachusetts features level sites among towering pines and proximity to Damon Pond. Other notable options include Myles Standish State Forest with its multiple ponds, Wellfleet Hollow for Cape Cod access, and Shawme Crowell for its family-friendly environment. Most Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol, provide basic facilities including bathhouses, and require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. For the best experience, book well in advance for summer weekends.
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