Camping sites near Hamilton, Massachusetts offer options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks within 30 miles. The area sits at the intersection of coastal and inland forest ecosystems, creating diverse camping experiences. Winters typically see temperatures below freezing with periodic snowfall, while summer camping season runs May through October with daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler coastal evenings.
What to do
Pond fishing and kayaking: At Harold Parker State Forest, campers can enjoy several ponds suitable for fishing and small watercraft. One visitor noted, "There are lots of trails and ponds" perfect for outdoor recreation during warm months.
Mountain biking on wooded trails: Wompatuck State Park provides extensive trail networks for cyclists of all skill levels. As one camper mentioned, "God access to some beginner flowy mountain bike trails" makes this location appealing for those bringing bikes.
Fall foliage viewing: Cape Ann Camp Site offers excellent autumn color viewing opportunities from mid-September through October. "The sites are nice and wooded," reported one reviewer, providing natural scenery during New England's famous fall season.
Salem Halloween festivities: For October camping, Winter Island Park provides convenient access to Salem's Halloween events. According to a visitor, "It is also on the trolley line if you need transportation during their business hours" making it easy to reach festivities without driving.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest receives consistent praise for site size. One camper reported, "The sites are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean." Another noted, "Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples."
Beach accessibility: Proximity to ocean beaches ranks highly among camper preferences. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, one visitor shared, "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff" highlighting the convenience of oceanfront camping.
Clean facilities: Wakeda Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. A reviewer stated, "The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean," reflecting the overall maintenance standards campers value in the region.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Cape Ann, one camper mentioned seeing "wild turkeys, deer, etc." while others reported spotting seals, hummingbirds, and various bird species at coastal locations.
What you should know
Out-of-state pricing considerations: State parks charge significantly higher fees for non-Massachusetts residents. At Wompatuck State Park, "For out-of-state visitors, the cost might not be justifiable, with rates of $17-23 per night for in-state visitors and $60 for out of staters."
Site selection importance: Many campgrounds have significant variations between sites. One camper at Wompatuck advised, "I was disappointed with our assigned spot. Despite seeing several other sites that could have accommodated our rig size, K05 was the only option available when booking online."
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds require quarters for showers. At Cape Ann Camp Site, visitors should be prepared as "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change."
Reservation timing: The most desirable camping locations fill extremely quickly. At Hampton Beach State Park, "It is very difficult to get reservations as it is extremely popular" with many sites booked up to a year in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playground access: The Pines Camping Area offers dedicated play areas for children. As one visitor mentioned, "The playground is perfect for kids, the creek is right behind you which gave us beautiful views right outside our RV window(s)."
Consider off-peak timing: For families seeking quieter experiences, shoulder season camping offers advantages. At Hampton Beach State Park, one camper observed, "Extremely crowded in high season, empty in off season" making late spring or early fall better for families wanting more space.
Prepare for insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain sites, especially near marshland. One camper at The Pines Camping Area warned, "The con of this camp ground was the misquote, we went through 3 deep woods cans in just the first night."
Select sites away from common areas: For families needing earlier bedtimes, requesting sites farther from pavilions and activity centers can help. At Harold Parker State Forest, a ranger "ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike" but could create noise during evening hours.
Tips from RVers
Book specific sites when possible: At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, one RVer 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," suggesting calling directly for site specifics.
Prepare for tight spaces at beach locations: Many oceanfront RV sites trade spaciousness for location. At Beach Rose RV Park, one camper observed, "Spaces are small, place is clean, nice pool and staff is very friendly, helpful and responsive!"
Plan for utility access issues: At some campgrounds, hookup placement can be challenging. A visitor to Salisbury Beach State Reservation shared, "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord."
Consider membership options: For extended stays, campground membership programs may provide value. Thousand Trails membership applies at Tuxbury Pond Campground and other regional locations, potentially reducing costs for longer visits or multiple stays.
