Several RV parks and campgrounds operate within 30 miles of Gloucester, Massachusetts, creating options for campers exploring the North Shore. The area experiences a coastal climate with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season from May through September. Cell service varies considerably between locations, with Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort reporting very good coverage while more densely wooded parks may limit reliable connections.
What to do
Beach access year-round: Beaches near Hampton Beach State Park Campground remain accessible through multiple seasons. "The oceanfront location is classic NE style summer camping. Also classic NE style, it's packed in the summers. We caught the tail end of the season last year and the beach was super peaceful and much quieter than in high season," notes Lyssa M.
Fishing opportunities: Hampton Beach State Park offers direct access to fishing spots along the Hampton River. "There's a jetty to sit on and fish from or watch the sunrise. I enjoyed the morning deep sea fishing trips from companies across the street," reports Jean C. The inlet alongside the campground sees regular boat traffic heading out from the harbor.
Golfing options: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park combines camping with a golf course. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc," explains Christy C. The 1300-acre property offers camping with recreational amenities built around the course.
What campers like
Wide sites at specific parks: Some campgrounds prioritize spaciousness despite the region's generally tight spacing. At Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort, campers appreciate "wide/grassy sites and quietness all contribute to a very good stay," according to Susan J., who adds, "If you want shade, not much but you have plenty of space to just sit on your other side of your RV and use that for shade."
Meticulously maintained grounds: Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort receives consistent praise for cleanliness. Rebecca S. states, "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well." Another reviewer notes, "This park really cares about appearance and grounds-keeping is top notch. Our site had a nice grassy space with a small garden planted with flowers."
Entertainment programming: Some campgrounds feature regular entertainment options during peak season. At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, campers found unexpected entertainment value: "The band was good & the stand up comedy was awesome. For the most part, the comedians kept it fairly clean & our 9 yr old did not get any of the jokes that were a little sassy," reports Sara D.
What you should know
GPS navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have reported issues with mapping services. "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance," warns Sara D. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Site selection limitations: Online booking systems don't always allow site selection. One reviewer noted, "You do not get a choice during the online booking to choose the campsite to reserve & the site # is not included in the confirmation email," making arrival potentially confusing without proper communication.
Variable cellular coverage: Connectivity fluctuates across the area. One camper at Tuxbury Pond reports, "Forget about cellphone signal, it was 0," while others note decent connectivity at different parks, indicating travelers should research specific park connectivity before arrival if internet access is needed.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access considerations: Many campgrounds offer swimming pools but seasonal timing varies. At Beach Rose RV Park, Ray C. found "a nice pool and staff is very friendly, helpful and responsive! It's only about a mile from the beach. We rode bikes to Salisbury Beach and my young adult son rode his longboard to the beach."
Kid-friendly activities: Playgrounds and recreational areas provide options for children. "The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained," notes Kristen L. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, while others mention recreation fields and game rooms at various parks.
Evening entertainment options: Some parks offer family activities after dark. Jean C. describes Hampton Beach State Park's proximity to "the boardwalk and all of its activities as well as and Wed evening fireworks & concerts," providing entertainment beyond the campground itself.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: While many rv parks near Gloucester, Massachusetts advertise level sites, actual conditions vary. At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, one camper warns that "the 30 amp sites are very close together" and "the campground layout is quite unusual, with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you."
Advanced reservations essential: RV spots fill quickly, particularly waterfront options. At Hampton Beach State Park, "Reservations are usually made a year in advance" according to Kevin K., who adds it's "right on the ocean with the beach just over the sand dunes. The cost is $70 a night. A little high, but well worth the cost."
Site navigation concerns: Maneuvering large RVs can be difficult at some parks. Nancy W. explains, "The roads in the park are fairly narrow and we had to drive over the grass across from our site in order to back in. Lucky for us nobody was parked in that site."
