Best Tent Camping near Harvard, MA

Searching for a tent campsite near Harvard? Finding a place to camp in Massachusetts with your tent has never been easier. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Harvard's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Harvard, MA (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    31 Reviews
    380 Photos
    311 Saves
    North Reading, Massachusetts

    The campground, also known as Lorraine Campground, has 91 campsites that are spread out sufficiently to provide a real "forest" camping experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and a pedestal grill. A water spigot is located on each campsite and a dumping station is available. We are pleased to inform you that we now have eleven campsites with 20/30/50 AMP hookups! The comfort stations have showers and flush toilets. Comfort station 3 and 4 are accessible.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $17 - $54 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Greenfield State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Willard Brook State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Willard Brook State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Willard Brook State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Willard Brook State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Willard Brook State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Willard Brook State Forest

    3. Willard Brook State Forest

    4 Reviews
    38 Photos
    69 Saves
    Ashby, Massachusetts
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $14 - $23 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Island Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Island Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Island Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Island Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Island Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Winter Island Park

    4. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    79 Photos
    326 Saves
    Salem, Massachusetts
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $35 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    5. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    9 Reviews
    90 Photos
    3 Saves
    Royalston, Massachusetts

    Overview

    The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers invites you to come relax at Tully Lake. There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities for you and you family. Although the dam was built primarily to reduce flood damages on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers, the 1,300-acre reservoir area provides a place for you to get away from it all and connect with nature.

    Recreation

    Tully Lake offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Activities in and around the lake include mountain biking, camping, disc golf, hiking, picnicking, boating, and fishing and hunting in the appropriate seasons.

    Facilities

    The Tully Lake Pavilion is located in the recreation area and offers picnic tables and grills. Maximum group size is 50 people with parking for 25 passenger vehicles at the upper gravel lot. The recreation area has a small playground for young children, volleyball court, and a horseshoe pit. Bathrooms are provided, but there is no running water.

    Natural Features

    The 1,262-acre Tully Lake property is managed to sustain a healthy ecosystem for future generations. The thriving biodiversity of the Tully River Valley and the interconnections of our forests, wetlands, waters, and wildlife are valued and managed for the long term. Tully Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, from tiny insects and song birds, to large mammals such as deer and moose. Fifty-five percent of the reservoir area is wetlands, providing habitat for fish, waterfowl, song birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals such as beaver, mink and otter. The rest of the property provides habitat for upland species such as deer, coyote, fisher, owl, fox, raccoon, skunk, porcupine, rabbit, and squirrel. The forest within Tully Dam's reservoir area is composed primarily of white pine, providing habitat for owls and woodpeckers, red-tailed hawks, and white-tailed deer.

    Nearby Attractions

    When visiting Tully Lake there are several opportunities for visitors to explore in the surrounding area. At the north end of the lake there is a tent only campground run by the Trustees of the Reservations which provides a perfect launching point to enjoy the outdoor attractions nearby. Ten miles away is the Birch Hill Dam, another Army Corps project that provides miles of trails and river to explore. The Quabbin Reservoir is also within a short ten mile drive of Tully Lake and serves the city of Boston as its water supply. The Quabbin is a unique area; there were four towns flooded to create it, and it has some of the most interesting blends of human and natural history in the region.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Please review the cancellation and refund policy at the bottom of the webpage. In general, we will require at least two weeks prior to your reservation to consider a request.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    6. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    67 Photos
    89 Saves
    Hull, Massachusetts

    Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park welcomes campers to one of many campsites located on Peddocks Island.

    Enjoy a night under the stars at Boston Harbor’s second largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, and scenic beaches. Campers can reserve a tent site or one of many newly installed yurts featuring bunk beds and electricity.

    Peddocks Island can be accessed by park ferry from Hingham or by private boat.

    Experience the ultimate urban escape with an overnight camping stay on the Boston Harbor Islands!

    Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park welcomes campers to one of many campsites located on Peddocks Island.

    2023 camping reservations open on Wednesday, April 19!

    Enjoy a night under the stars at Boston Harbor’s second largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, and scenic beaches. Campers can reserve a tent site or one of many newly installed yurts featuring bunk beds and electricity.

    Peddocks Island can be accessed by park ferry from Hingham or by private boat. Island Campgrounds

    Peddocks Island tent campsites can accommodate up to 4 adults or 2 adults and their dependent children. Group sites are also available and can accommodate up to 30 people.

    Yurt campgrounds are also available on Peddocks Island. Yurts accommodate up to 6 people and feature bunk beds and electricity.

    All campsites feature composting toilets and picnic tables. Running water and flush toilets are available at the Visitor Center near the ferry dock. Grills and shade shelters are available within close walking distance of most sites.

    Resident staff live on the Island during the visiting season and provide Island supervision, emergency communication, park and campground management

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Yurts
    • Glamping

    $8 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Cape Ann Camp Site

    7. Cape Ann Camp Site

    14 Reviews
    21 Photos
    247 Saves
    Gloucester, Massachusetts
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $36 - $44 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Education Center
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Education Center

    8. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    49 Saves
    Saugus, Massachusetts

    Camp Nihan is the perfect place for your next group camping experience. There's plenty of opportunities to learn about the local habitat. Explore a variety of nature and wildlife across 65 acres.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities

      10. Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities

      1 Review
      1 Photo
      3 Saves
      Edward MacDowell Lake, New Hampshire

      Overview

      Edward MacDowell Lake is situated in a quiet corner of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

      This day-use area lies just off State Route 101 on the shores of the picturesque lake named after the famous composer and concert pianist, Edward Alexander MacDowell.

      Natural Features:

      The 165-acre lake is surrounded by densely forested rolling hills. Shady pine, birch, poplar, maple, oak, beech, hemlock and alder trees cover the area.

      Wildlife is abundant in and around the park. White-tailed deer, moose, beaver, fisher, muskrat, otter and many other mammals make their homes around the lake. Birders may observe many species including osprey, hawks, owls, great blue herons, woodpeckers, waterfowl and songbirds.

      Recreation:

      Visitors can spend days kayaking and canoeing on the scenic lake, and a boat ramp is provided for easy lake access.

      Fishing is also a popular activity. Largemouth bass, pickerel, perch and horned pout are all found in abundance.

      Several hiking trails link up around the lake as well, including the West Ridge Trail, which runs along the entire western edge of the lake and up through the surrounding wetlands.

      Younger visitors enjoy the parks Junior Ranger Program, which focuses on the surrounding forest, its wildlife and waterways and protecting the environment. Kids ages six through 12 become honorary park rangers upon completion and receive a patch and certificate.

      Facilities:

      This year-round park is open from sunrise to sunset. It offers two day-use picnic shelters, perfect for large parties or family functions. Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and grills are provided.

      A swim beach, playground, horseshoe pits and volleyball court offer additional recreation opportunities.

      Nearby Attractions:

      Educational programs are offered by park rangers, and the nearby ranger station contains interpretive exhibits.

      • Pets
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Harvard

    701 Reviews of 19 Harvard Campgrounds


    • R M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
      Nov. 1, 2024

      Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      Hidden jewel in Andover Ma

      I use up my two weeks allotted here at Harold Parker every year. A great place to enjoy family in the outdoors .clean sites. clean bathrooms and friendly staff. I live in a neighboring town to Andover. It’s so easy to get to.

    • Megan S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Winter Island Park
      Oct. 31, 2024

      Winter Island Park

      Good way to stop in Salem for October

      I stayed one night here to experience Salem during Halloween at a tent site. Positives are access to Salem, Uber and Lyft are available though scarcer as the night gets later (10:30 pm), it is also on the trolley line if you need transportation during their business hours, great view for sunrise. Negatives are there is no privacy at the sites, everything is very open, fires must be off the ground, and the bathrooms are old and may not be stocked.

    • Lorrie W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Ashuelot River Campground
      Oct. 5, 2024

      Ashuelot River Campground

      Ashuelot campground

      Site 47 pull thru. Nice clean campground ! No neighbors left and right. Staff very nice. Very noisy tho in sites by the river due to Rte 10. We enjoyed the campground. Small and cozy. Nice size sites

    • Judy W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground
      Oct. 4, 2024

      Bear Brook State Park Campground

      Bearbrook Pros and Cons

      Con: Signage is awful! Hard to find park, office and cabins! Once there, Looong drive to both campground and Cabins.

      Pro: cabins are on a remote lake. Perfect for star gazing! Rustic but comfy (beds) cabins. Bring all your own stuff. No electricity, so no lights. Our cabin had a steep path. Others did not.

    • f
      Camper-submitted photo from Sunset View Farms
      Sep. 21, 2024

      Sunset View Farms

      Lovely spot in the woods

      We booked last minute (2 hours before we arrived) and were met with the friendliest staff ready to help us at 7:30PM and get us checked in. Perfect spot if you don’t mind a 40 minute ride over to The Big E fair which is what brought us out to this part of MA. The restaurant was so nice, and to my surprise more than accommodating as I have celiac, they really went above and beyond. We will definitely be back next summer for a longer stay.

    • katherine B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Forest Lake Campgrounds
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Forest Lake Campgrounds

      People who run it are rude and of their word

      Paid in full for a week in July, we stay here every year. Learned in May that I had cancer and would need surgery and weekly chemo until the end of September. Contacted Forest Lake Campground in May to cancel reservation, discussed options and was told we could carry our week over for later. Just received the all clear from my Dr today. Called to make reservations and was told they would not honor our already paid week. They said we would not get our money back either. Won’t stay here again as they are not people of their word.

    • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
      Sep. 16, 2024

      Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      Quiet but expensive for out of state

      Need to make reservations before 2pm!! This campground is nice and calm with a lot of space and bathrooms. There are water hookups at tent sites. Didn’t have any issues, just it is a little expensive for someone from out of state. We paid $54 because we are from Ohio

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
      Sep. 5, 2024

      Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      Wonderful

      This is one of the best places we saw. We were here during a quiet period in August. The pitches are spacious and shaded.

      The sanitary building is clean with good showers.

      There is a lovely pond in which you can swim. It is somewhat small when crowded but nevertheless very lovely.

      The water in the pond is not streaming so be prepared for mosquitoes when camping close to the water.

      There is a well maintained playground for kids and there are activities planned for kids and adults.

      We would definitely return.

    • G
      Camper-submitted photo from Ponkapoag Camp
      Aug. 30, 2024

      Ponkapoag Camp

      Beautiful

      Had an amazing stay, cabin was perfect and comfortable. Water was nice and fish were biting. Can’t wait to come back.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Winding River Campground
      Aug. 18, 2024

      Winding River Campground

      Great time with kids

      We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few. Staff were friendly and helpful.

    • Jonathan J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park Campground
      Aug. 17, 2024

      Wompatuck State Park Campground

      Everything you NEED

      This spot does have everything you need. It is very remote and a lot of distance between campsites. Lots of trees. The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest. There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug. Like I said what you need, but not want you might want.

    • Jean V.
      Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park Campground
      Aug. 11, 2024

      Wompatuck State Park Campground

      Good (not excellent)

      PROS

      - 45 min from Boston

      - You have everything you need there: firewood, bathrooms (with shower, soap and toilet paper), a camp pit...

      - You get a map in the entrance - very helpful for hiking.

      - You can take a trail from the campsite.

      - Good sights while hiking, with good spots to have lunch or pause for water.

      CONS

      - Only one really: You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods. There is NOT a decent amount of land between each campsite. So if you have neighbors all around, you'll feel like in a village!

    • Tracy W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Autumn Hills Campground
      Jul. 31, 2024

      Autumn Hills Campground

      Enjoyable and memorable experience

      Autumn Hills Campground is AWESOME! It’s remotely located and the amenities and activities are amazing, something for everyone! The staff is so friendly and helpful and I can’t say enough how clean the bathrooms, laundry room and store are! The super nice owners, Adam& Jennifer are constantly making upgrades and changes and have really created a beautiful, family oriented campground! I recommend you take the virtual tour online so you can pick a sight that works for you and book it soon.

    • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Brook State Park Campground
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Bear Brook State Park Campground

      Nice, Clean but crowded, and most sites are close together

      This was my first time staying at Bear Brook, it's an easy campground to get to, once you get to the west gate it's about a 4-mile drive to the campground, if you're coming from the east it's about 1.5 miles.

      The first impression was impressed by the size and how organized everything was. Check-in was easy, then driving to my site (#7) took a minute.

      That's when I realized the sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in. Other sites on each end are further apart.

      The campground has a beach, a playground, a Ball field, and a store. The roads are all easy to drive on but narrow.

    • Megan F.
      Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park Campground
      Jul. 17, 2024

      Wompatuck State Park Campground

      Small Issues

      I would probably nitpick stay at this park again. The site we had paid for was not given to us. The shower in the bathroom did not provide hot/warm water until the end of my shower, and then the water would not turn off. Also, the lady camping beside us was tent camping, and she literally smoked weed the whole time she was there. We have children, and while she was there, you couldn’t do anything outside without smelling it. Overall, not the best campground.

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Normandy Farms Campground
      Jul. 8, 2024

      Normandy Farms Campground

      Very Enjoyable 1 night stay

      We enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.

      We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.

      We will return.

    • aThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Canoe River Campground
      Jul. 8, 2024

      Canoe River Campground

      Good But Not Ideal for us

      The campground was very busy with families events activities, etc. If you prefer a noisy fun experience and a more social experience with your very close neighbors, this is the pot for you. Our preferred style of camping requires more space and less noise. The pool bathrooms were gross, but the other facilities area near the tent sites was very nice and clean.

      The food was great and the staff is friendly. Overall we had a great time, but its unlikely we’ll return mostly due to the noise level.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies French Pond
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Spacious Skies French Pond

      Plenty of room

      I only stayed a few nights, but enjoyed it thoroughly. I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak.  The bathrooms were clean and easy to access, since I do not have sewer in my small pop-up. I spent most of my time exploring the area since there are a lot of things to do very close to this campground.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Spacious Skies Seven Maples
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Spacious Skies Seven Maples

      Fiddleheads and Moose

      The seven maple trees that greeted guests may be gone, but not the spirit of the campground. Staff were helpful and cheerful along with the chain saw carved bears that greeted me. A very nice shady campground with clean bathhouses - one with a moose guarding the entry - and common areas.

    • Mal L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Keyser Pond Campground
      Jul. 4, 2024

      Keyser Pond Campground

      Fun time

      Me and my fiancé last minute booked a 4th of July trip last minute and had a wonderful time! Our site was all rocks and we were tenting but we made it work knowing we booked the trip last minute! Brought our dog and he had fun!

    • M
      Camper-submitted photo from Charlie Brown Campground
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Charlie Brown Campground

      Riverside Delight!

      This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so  much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids! The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly.  We did a late checkout for $5 extra, but the noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue as well. 

      Of note: We camped with friends, who were given a spot next to a large group of people (weekend prior to 4th of July is to be expected). The group were very polite and abided by quiet hours, but they were having fun and a bit loud for my buddy's 2 month of baby. They requested to move sites, and the management was super accommodating and apologetic. Helped him move his site and threw in some firewood for the troubles.

    • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from West Thompson Lake Campground
      Jun. 27, 2024

      West Thompson Lake Campground

      Pleasantly surprised

      We had an excellent experience at this camp ground. The Staff and Rangers were polite and welcoming. We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property. Once the boat races finished each day the camp was very quiet and peaceful. Had a great weekend

    • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park Campground
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Wompatuck State Park Campground

      Good for Mass Residents

      Wompatuck is a charming state park with numerous hidden trails known mostly to locals, making it ideal for low-traffic hiking, biking, and mushroom hunting. However, one side of the campground appears to be shut down.

      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. Sites offer electric hookups only.

      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. The site was small and tight, with poison ivy, water pooling during rainstorms, and limited space for our dogs.

      Additionally, both groups across from us were large families with many children, which detracted from the tranquility of our stay. I thought there was a limit to the number of people per campsite, but it appears that might not be the case.

      Lastly, be aware that alcohol and outside firewood are prohibited at this campsite.


    Drive Time


    Guide to Harvard

    Tent camping near Harvard, Massachusetts offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the great outdoors.

    Some prices for tent camping range from $23 to $60

    • At Willard Brook State Forest, tent camping is available in a serene environment, though amenities are limited, making it a rustic experience.
    • Tully Lake Recreation Area offers tent sites starting around $23, providing a peaceful setting with access to fishing and kayaking.
    • For a more developed experience, Harold Parker State Forest has tent sites priced at approximately $60, featuring clean facilities and a lovely pond for swimming.

    Tent campers should check out local activities

    Campground features that enhance the experience

    • Harold Parker State Forest provides spacious, shaded sites with flush toilets and showers, making it a comfortable choice for families.
    • At Winter Island Park, campers can enjoy electric hookups and a market nearby, along with easy access to Salem's attractions.
    • Tully Lake Recreation Area features a central bathhouse and offers canoe and kayak rentals, enhancing your outdoor adventure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Harvard, MA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Harvard, MA is Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Harvard, MA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Harvard, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.