Camping near Gloucester, MA, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and nature lovers alike.
What to do:
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to lakes for kayaking. One reviewer mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
- Hiking: Trails abound in the area, especially at Bear Brook State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "You can take a trail from the campsite," making it easy to explore the beautiful surroundings.
- Beach Days: Campgrounds like Salisbury Beach State Reservation are close to the beach. One camper said, "Great location. Perfect for a beach weekend."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Normandy Farms Campground highlighted, "The bathrooms/showers are spotless with piped in music and hairdryers."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground mentioned, "The pitches are spacious and shaded."
- Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Sandy Pines Campground have amenities for kids. One parent shared, "The playground was also just up the hill from us and was a HUGE hit with our 3-year-old."
What you should know:
- Pet Policies: Some campgrounds have strict pet rules. At Wompatuck State Park Campground, pets are allowed only on hiking trails and not in the campground during summer.
- Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can be busy, especially during peak season. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "The sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. A review for Shawme Crowell State Forest mentioned, "This place is old. Sites not well maintained and not well labeled."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds that have playgrounds or kid-friendly activities. One parent at Normandy Farms Campground said, "Absolutely love this campground. It has so many things for the kids to do."
- Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially near water. A camper at Shawme Crowell State Forest advised, "Bug spray and fans are a definite when sitting outside due to mosquitoes."
- Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours to ensure a peaceful stay. A visitor at Salisbury Beach State Reservation mentioned, "Loud neighbors after quiet hours."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger rigs. A review for Boston/Cape Cod KOA noted, "Our site however was pretty awful. It was purely loose dirt with no grass or gravel."
- Bring Leveling Blocks: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. A camper at Normandy Farms Campground suggested, "Bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
- Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check for campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Minute Man Campground appreciated the availability of electric sites.
Camping in Gloucester, MA, offers a variety of experiences, from beach days to hiking adventures. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
