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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
