Best Campgrounds near Harvard, MA

Harvard, Massachusetts and surrounding towns feature several wooded campgrounds with a mix of traditional and modern camping options. Spacious Skies Minute Man campground, located just minutes from Harvard, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations among tall pine trees. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Pearl Hill State Park Campground and Willard Brook State Forest, both offering diverse accommodation types including cabins and tent camping. The region is particularly popular for visitors exploring Boston's historic sites, as most campgrounds are within an hour's drive of the city.

Most developed campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, though some like The Pine Campground remain open year-round. Mixed-use campgrounds typically offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, though amenities vary considerably between locations. The terrain is predominantly forested with moderate hills, offering natural shade at most sites. Road access is generally good with paved approaches to campground entrances, though interior roads may be narrower with some tight turns at certain locations. As one camper noted, "The roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map!"

Campground options near Harvard range from basic forest service sites to resort-style facilities with heated pools, recreation halls, and organized activities. Family-friendly amenities are common, with many locations featuring playgrounds, game areas, and easy access to hiking trails. Privacy between sites varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more spacious, wooded settings than others. A visitor to Minute Man Campground observed that "For being in an urban area, you don't feel it once in the campground. You might hear a distant train, but not too much else. The location was perfect to see so much in the area." Several campgrounds in the region highlight their proximity to Revolutionary War historical sites, making them popular bases for exploring Concord, Lexington, and other nearby historical destinations.

Best Camping Sites Near Harvard, Massachusetts (123)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $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."

    2. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 225-3953

    "The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB."

    "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."

    3. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    4. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    33 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / 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"

    "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

    5. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    6. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-8802

    $14 - $55 / night

    "This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.  "

    "This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained."

    7. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

    15 Reviews
    Rutland, MA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 882-9509

    $70 - $115 / night

    "Miles and miles of country/forests surrounding pine acres, however pulling in you’ll soon realize how much goes on inside the campground."

    "Although the tent sites are a distance from anything, the main areas of the campground are fantastic. With a full calendar of events (some free, some cost $) you will never be bored."

    8. Field and Stream RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Hollis, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 673-4677

    $47 - $80 / night

    "Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine. Nice people."

    9. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    35 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities. That being said it was very nice and felt safe."

    10. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    "I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"

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Recent Reviews near Harvard, MA

772 Reviews of 123 Harvard Campgrounds


  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    Good Campground

    Stayed for over a week off season , mid September. Very quiet during the week , weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday / Saturday. 50 percent or more is seasonal camp sites. Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy. Owners are exceptionally helpful and work hard to keep the site functioning and clean. Coin operated showers with hot water, mostly nice and clean except after a crowd gets packed and checks out Sunday AM. Laundry room takes quarters for machines. Small store at office which was open every day. Game room with wi fi. Pool , playground , volleyball area. Good size wood bundle for $10 , delivered directly to your site. Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart.

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Very nice stopover

    Good place to spend the night.It was quiet comfortable and plenty of room between campsites


Guide to Harvard

Camping near Harvard, Massachusetts, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. “There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest,” says a visitor.
  • Water Activities: At Normandy Farms Campground, you can enjoy swimming and canoeing. One camper mentioned, “The park includes a large family beach on the lake.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Wompatuck State Park Campground is great for spotting local wildlife. A reviewer noted, “You can take a trail from the campsite, with good sights while hiking.”

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. One long-time visitor said, “If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground mentioned, “Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Boston/Cape Cod KOA said, “Staff and Management are available to help.”

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: If you’re bringing pets, check the rules. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on trails but not in the campground during summer. A reviewer noted, “Pets are NOT permitted in the campground or beach area during the summer season.”
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier campgrounds on weekends. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, “The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A camper at Wompatuck State Park Campground pointed out, “There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. Normandy Farms Campground offers a variety of activities for kids. A parent shared, “It has so many things for the kids to do.”
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground said, “The sites were spacious and nice.”
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray, especially near water. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground warned, “Watch for ticks.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Boston/Cape Cod KOA noted, “Some sites in our section are packed right on top of each other.”
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Normandy Farms Campground suggested, “Bring plenty of leveling blocks!”
  • Use Reservations: Book your spot ahead of time, especially during peak season. A visitor at Salisbury Beach State Reservation mentioned, “I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground.”

Camping near Harvard, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Harvard, Massachusetts?

For camping near Harvard, Massachusetts, consider Willard Brook State Forest Campground, a small state forest site with level sites and towering pines just up the hill from Damon Pond. Otter River State Forest is another excellent option in north central Massachusetts, known for being clean, well-kept, and family-friendly with swimming options in a pond or a short drive to a larger lake. Both offer a peaceful woodland experience within reasonable driving distance of Harvard. These state parks provide good amenities while still letting you enjoy Massachusetts' natural beauty.

Are there RV rentals available in Harvard, Massachusetts?

While Harvard itself has limited RV rental options, nearby areas offer solutions. Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury is a small, family-owned RV park that may have rental information for the region. For RV camping options near Harvard, Spacious Skies Minute Man offers good amenities for RVers. Your best bet is to contact these campgrounds directly about rental partnerships or check online RV rental marketplaces that serve the greater Massachusetts area, as they often offer delivery to your chosen campground.

What summer adventure activities can I find in Harvard, MA?

Harvard and surrounding areas offer excellent summer adventures, particularly water activities. Tully Lake Recreation Area provides paddling opportunities with canoe/kayak launches and waterfront access. Wells State Park offers a comprehensive trail system with varying difficulty levels perfect for hiking and mountain biking adventures. The region boasts numerous swimming spots in natural ponds and lakes, fishing opportunities, and scenic nature trails. For families, many of these areas combine camping with day-use recreation facilities, making them perfect bases for exploring central Massachusetts during summer months.