Camping near Hanson, Massachusetts puts visitors 20-30 minutes from Plymouth's historic coastline and within easy reach of Boston's urban attractions. The region features low-lying pine forests with sandy soil and numerous kettle ponds formed by retreating glaciers. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons can see overnight temperatures drop into the 40s.
What to do
Pond swimming and fishing: Pinewood Lodge Campground offers access to a scenic pond for cooling off during summer months. One visitor noted, "There was great views from our site of the pond. On the site there was also a path down to a little dock on the pond that you could sit and relax on."
Biking on dedicated trails: At Myles Standish State Forest, cyclists can enjoy miles of paved and unpaved trails through pine forests. A reviewer mentioned, "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns."
Canal exploration: Bourne Scenic Park sits directly on the Cape Cod Canal with excellent fishing opportunities. A camper shared their experience: "Beautiful location right along the canal that you can bike down to the beach or just to watch some fisherman reel in some massive fish."
Autumn camping events: Seasonal celebrations provide unique activities during the off-season. One camper at Normandy Farms described, "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer good separation between camping spots. At Barretts Pond Campground, a camper appreciated that there's "generally good spacing and great views. The stuff further out tends to feel more remote."
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers highlight the well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A camper at Pinewood Lodge mentioned, "Only used the bathroom occasionally and it was clean. Staff are friendly and helpful."
Access to Boston Harbor Islands: For a unique experience, Boston Harbor Islands State Park offers island camping with urban views. A visitor explained the appeal: "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others…look for sea glass on Spectacle Island and climb the hill for a view of the Boston skyline."
Multiple swimming options: Several campgrounds feature natural swimming spots. At Charge Pond in Myles Standish, a visitor noted, "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds."
What you should know
Reservation timing: For popular sites, advance planning is crucial. A camper at Boston Harbor Islands advised, "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings."
Variable site conditions: Some campgrounds have significant differences between sites. At Barretts Pond, one camper warned, "Avoid J28, especially if it's going to get wet."
Alcohol restrictions: Unlike private campgrounds, Massachusetts state parks have specific rules. A camper at Myles Standish State Forest pointed out, "When you are sitting by the campfire, sometimes, chilling with a beer or another adult beverage is nice. Not in Massachusetts State Parks. No alcohol allowed."
Shower facilities: Prepare for varying shower setups. At Pinewood Lodge, one camper noted, "Don't care for the coin operating showers," while another mentioned, "Nice friendly place, beautiful sites nice fireplaces bathrooms are close by and clean."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA offers dedicated children's programming. One parent shared, "The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts."
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Bourne Scenic Park highlighted, "Lots of playgrounds for different ages, Bounce pad (in-ground), Pool."
Swimming safety: When camping with children, consider the swimming conditions. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, a parent observed, "The pool is very small and when it is crowded it is more for wading than swimming."
Dog-friendly features: For families with pets, some campgrounds have special accommodations. At Pinewood Lodge, a camper mentioned, "There is a dog park, though," while another noted that two dog parks at the campground are "a huge benefit for us."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Normandy Farms Campground, an RVer advised, "Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. At Bourne Scenic Park, one RVer noted, "The majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks. In fact, some sites were ridiculously unlevel and took a scary amount of blocks."
Hookup variations: Check what utilities are available before booking. At Normandy Farms, a visitor explained, "There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between."
Site sizing concerns: Some campgrounds have tight spaces between RVs. A camper at Bourne Scenic Park warned, "Sites are way too close together. Felt like I was camping with the people on the next site."
