Cabin camping near Haverhill, Massachusetts typically runs from May through October, with most locations closing for winter. The region features rolling forested terrain with elevations ranging from 50-300 feet above sea level across northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F during peak season, with humidity levels increasing near water features that dot the landscape.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent water access for canoes and kayaks. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," notes a camper.
Mountain biking: Bear Brook State Park Campground features extensive trail networks. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast," explains one visitor.
Swimming options: Most cabin locations include swimming access from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay!" reports a camper at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers prioritize lakefront sites. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares a visitor at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Cabin variety: Options range from rustic to modern. "We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm," explains a visitor at Wakeda Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between locations. "The bathrooms were a little dirty, but not awful, and we didn't read well that the place doesn't have a grill for cooking, just the fire ring," notes a tent camper at Cape Ann Camp Site.
What you should know
Shower costs: Some locations charge for showers. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom," according to a visitor.
Reservation timing: Weekends book quickly, especially for premium sites. "In 2018 we stayed in sites 110 and our friends stayed in 109 on Big Island. Those were wonderful sites, level with great views of the lake and are situated right across from the bath/shower," notes a camper at Pawtuckaway, highlighting how specific sites are often requested.
Operating seasons: Most cabin rentals operate seasonally. One camper noted at Bear Brook State Park, "I hadn't camped here in the past 8 years, so decided it was time to revisit; it helped that it was one of the campgrounds still open after Columbus Day weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Minute Man Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Pool is small but quality. We enjoyed the ping pong table!! Also have arcade, volleyball, and pet walk area," reports one family.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds schedule regular activities. At Winding River Campground, "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."
Site selection: Choose sites away from main roads for safety. "We were on site 25 which was a little challenging since it was on a downgrade and we were hit with a an unexpected 36 hour downpour and there was only one suitable spot for our tent since the terrain is very rocky," warns a Pawtuckaway visitor.
Tips from RVers
Power reliability: Consistent power is important for cabin and RV camping. At Wakeda Campground, a visitor notes, "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites."
Site specifications: Many cabins accommodate RVs parked alongside. "Level sites, quiet, and very clean restrooms make this a perfect spot for touring historic Boston, Concord, & Lexington," explains a visitor at Minute Man Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Be aware that some campgrounds change significantly with seasons. "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance," warns a visitor to Tuxbury Pond about navigation challenges.
