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Campgrounds near Hathorne range from wooded tent sites to full-service RV parks, with notable locations like Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest and Winter Island Park providing scenic woodland and coastal settings. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals. Harold Parker State Forest features spacious wooded sites with water hookups, while coastal options like Cape Ann Camp Site provide ocean proximity and full amenities including electric, water, and sewer hookups.
Camping seasons in this region typically run from May through October, with most facilities closed during winter months. Harold Parker State Forest operates from late May to early September, while coastal locations like Salisbury Beach State Reservation remain open into mid-October. Reservations are essential during peak summer weekends, particularly for sites with hookups or water views. The region experiences typical New England weather patterns with warm, humid summers and occasional rainfall. As one camper noted, "Harold Parker is pretty basic as it comes. It's a nice place for sure. Lots of hiking. All the sites are very wooded. And there's some sites along a river for fishing and such."
Campers consistently highlight the spacious sites and natural setting at Harold Parker State Forest, with several reviewers mentioning the surprisingly large campsites and good separation between neighbors. Many sites feature water spigots, fire pits, and picnic tables, though amenities vary between locations. The campgrounds within reasonable distance of Hathorne provide varying levels of privacy and development, from basic facilities to full-service RV parks. One visitor shared that Harold Parker offers "spacious campsites, some are very private and some are more suitable for a group to combine a couple together, bathrooms are cleaned a couple times a day, trails in the area are great, swimming area, close to grocery shopping if you forgot something." Most campgrounds in the region balance natural surroundings with proximity to coastal attractions and urban conveniences, making them popular for weekend getaways from Boston.
"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."
from $17 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance."
"We drove 3-1/2 days from Idaho to get to a COVID testing site which would take non MA residents and turn the results around under 48 hours. We needed quiet camping and not have it cost a fortune."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."
"The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you"
"Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower."
from $36 - $44 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."
"Kids had enough driving for the day so we had to stop. We called last min and were thankful they had a spot. Arrived at dark and they were friendly and accommodating."
"The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."
"Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."
"I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."
from $17 - $23 / night
Check Availability"entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."
"We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"
"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."
from $44 - $999 / night
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GuideWe stayed at site 81, it was near the entrance and right on the pond! The sites were spacious, so it was easy to maneuver our 21 ft travel trailer. The camp bathrooms were across from our site, they weren’t terrible but could use a bit of cleaning!
ScoutGreat little mom and pop campground with tent and RV sites
TravelerPublished rules are can only be here for 30 days with a three week extension possible. The fact is at least half of the spaces are occupied by full time residents with one resident stating she has been here for two years. The airfield noise is excessive during the day. The airfield closes at 11 PM so at least it is not all night long. We booked a pull through and they wanted to put us in a small back in site with shared utilities. I put my foot down and was given a pull through. On a positive note, the bath house is clean and the laundry room is not over priced
ScoutThis is a really great campground. However, the cell service is terrible. I do have Wi-Fi, but it is very weak. I would count on having to use Starlink.
GuideI was lucky enough to score one of the waterfront spots for one night of my stay. I backed in and opened the rear doors of my campervan and just stared at the ocean view for hours. Spectacular!
LegendWe visited in early June and really appreciated the shade at our site as the temps rose into the mid-80’s. There are lots of tall pine trees but are trimmed back and not a problem getting or big-rig through the park or in our site. We loved site 47 which was long and level with nice grass around it. The next site (46) was pretty close, but luckily nobody was in it while we visited. Our patio area was fairly large with no other sites next to it, just a road. We chose a 50A/water pull thru site and the electric was good at 124 volts on each leg. Honey wagon service is quite expensive at $35/pump out, or you can use the dump station for free. We used the campground cable tv and got about 60 stations, included the major stations (local news was out of Boston). This was a good thing since the trees blocked our Dish receiver from getting any channels. The wifi was 2.4G and just o.k. You could surf the internet but definitely not strong enough to stream. I went to the lodge and got great wifi speed to download movies quickly.
The campground is gated and charges$15/day for visitors. There are lots of amenities. There is a good access to a small lake (with a canoe/kayak launch and rentals), fishing pier (for catch and release, no license required), ice cream stand, food truck, playground, a large dog park (with two runs), laundry, playground, horseshoes, etc. The campground is conveniently to the downtown Plymouth attractions (10 minutes) and a grocery store (2 miles).
The biggest downside was the dust since most of the roads are gravel. It was very dry during our visit and the dust was crazy. Another negative was the $5/day pet fee. There are restrictions as to where you can walk your pets in the campground and they are not allowed on the beach. There is a good size dog park with two runs. If you dog is afraid of gunshots, do not come here as there is a gun range nearby that is pretty loud.
ScoutI stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
ScoutAmazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
RangerThe first time we camped here was on Columbus Day weekend a number of years ago, and we got to see seals sun bathing on the beach. Are kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! The sites are a little close together and many of them are in direct sunlight , so that isn't the greatest , but if you have an awning, you should be good. We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too. Write down the street from camp, there is a street setup almost like a boardwalk, with arcades, live music, ice cream, food, and a carousel! There is also a bigger beach, and you are one twin away from New Hampshire. Lots to see and do here!
Camping in northeastern Massachusetts offers diverse outdoor options within 30 miles of Hathorne. The region contains a mix of coastal and forested campgrounds with most sites open from May through October. Weekday camping typically provides more site availability with coastal sites filling fastest during summer weekends when temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity.
Beach exploration: 1-2 miles from Winter Island Park offers opportunities along Salem Harbor. One visitor noted, "The beach is interesting with some tide pools as well as sand and warm water. Life guards were paying attention."
Historic site touring: Near Minute Man Campground provides access to Revolutionary War locations. "Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites, and famous people home tours such as Louisa May Alcott," shares a camper.
Trail system hiking: At Lorraine Park Campground offers numerous wooded paths. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun."
Kayaking: From Winter Island Park, paddlers can explore Salem Harbor. A recent camper stated, "We also kept our 2 kayaks on our site during our stay. Being so close to the beach had its pros and cons. The pros were the great view, easy put in for our kayaks."
Wooded privacy: Many forest sites provide natural separation between campsites. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a camper observed, "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds."
Urban accessibility: Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides convenient access to metropolitan areas. A visitor explained, "You are also not too far from Cambridge, and can easily access Boston from there if you like."
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained bathrooms are a common positive. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, one camper noted, "Good sites, with water and 30 amp electric. Easy walk to the beach. Dog friendly, big dump site, and good prices."
Spacious sites: Wompatuck State Park provides larger-than-average camping areas. A visitor shared, "Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples."
Site reservation timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends at popular locations. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a visitor advised, "Call and they will help you find a spot if you have questions."
Transportation options: Public transit is available from some locations. A Winter Island Park camper noted, "This is a city park with a beach and a campground. This is a no frills campground, though there is a playground and beach. It's less than 2 miles from Salem and on the trolley line."
Seasonal pricing variations: Non-resident fees can be significantly higher. A Wompatuck camper observed, "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."
Wildlife awareness: Evening visitors are common at some campgrounds. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a visitor shared, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Playground access: Multiple sites feature dedicated play areas. At Salisbury Beach, one visitor observed, "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other. RV & tent sites available. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!"
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. At Lorraine Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike."
Winter Island amenities: Beach facilities include lifeguards during summer. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms were very clean and being cleaned constantly. The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks. Also there's a beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there."
Activity centers: Minute Man Campground provides multiple recreation options. A visitor detailed, "Pool is small but quality. We enjoyed the ping pong table!! Also have arcade, volleyball, and pet walk area."
Hookup access: Position considerations may require extra equipment. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, one RVer shared, "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord. Park staff told us we could back onto the grass in order to reach the electric."
Site surface types: Varied throughout region with mixed gravel, grass, and concrete options. At Minute Man Campground, a visitor noted, "Site seems level for the most part, made of gravel. Heated pool, laundry, Wi-Fi that works, cable, 50 amp FHU."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have complex internal roads. As one Minute Man camper observed, "Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map!"
Seasonal sites: Several campgrounds have permanent residents. At Beach Rose RV Park, a visitor explained, "We meet some seasonal campers that were very friendly and informative about the area. Great location from the ocean and some nice towns to visit."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Hathorne, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hathorne, MA is Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 33 reviews.
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