Camping sites around Haverhill, Massachusetts operate primarily from May through October, with most grounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. The region sits at the junction of the Merrimack River Valley and northeastern Massachusetts lowlands, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak season. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing completely due to the harsh New England winter conditions.
What to do
Archery practice: Bear Brook State Park features two dedicated archery ranges open to campers without additional fees. The wheelchair accessible docks provide fishing access for all mobility levels. "There are two archery ranges and wheelchair accessible docks for fishing," notes a visitor who appreciated these unique options.
Mountain biking: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems directly accessible from campsites. "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," shares a mountain biking enthusiast.
Wildlife observation: The wooded settings provide habitat for local wildlife including deer and wild turkeys. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," reports one Cape Ann camper who enjoyed the natural surroundings without leaving the campground.
Geocaching opportunities: Numerous marked trails contain hidden geocaches for tech-savvy explorers. Download maps and coordinates before arrival as cell service varies throughout the region. "Numerous trails call out for exploration, around ponds and up and down hills, with geocaches to be found," mentions one visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers prime lakeside spots that book quickly. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" notes one camper who secured a waterfront location.
Historical attractions: Multiple campgrounds provide access to significant historical sites including lighthouses and CCC-built infrastructure. "The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks. Also there's a beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there," reports a Winter Island visitor.
Convenient beach access: Cape Ann Camp Site provides proximity to coastal beaches without oceanfront pricing. "Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilities are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff," notes one reviewer appreciating the location.
Well-maintained facilities: Most campgrounds feature regularly cleaned bathrooms and showers, though some require coins for shower operation. "Clean Bathrooms and pay showers (5 cents). The owners are very helpful," mentions a Cape Ann camper regarding the affordable but practical setup.
What you should know
Limited off-season availability: The camping season strictly runs May through October, with most facilities completely closing after Columbus Day. "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," explains a late-season Bear Brook visitor.
Site spacing varies significantly: Wakeda Campground offers large wooded sites while others feature minimal separation between neighbors. "It's a nice no frills campground. We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm," shares a camper who appreciated the simplicity.
GPS navigation issues: Several campgrounds report problems with standard navigation systems. "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.
Seasonal camper presence: Many sites are occupied by long-term seasonal residents, particularly at Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park. "There are 300 camping sites with full hookups. Very reasonably priced at $40 per night. A lot of the campers are seasonal which is May - October each year," explains one reviewer about the permanent community.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground maintains playgrounds and recreational facilities specifically for younger guests. "Beautiful campground, clean facilities, decently priced. The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained," shares a family visitor.
Water activities: Multiple locations offer child-friendly swimming areas separate from fishing and boating zones. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up on three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," notes a Pawtuckaway visitor.
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy watching local wildlife like ducks that routinely visit waterfront sites. "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub," recalls a Pawtuckaway camper about this family-pleasing experience.
Secluded vs. social sites: Some families prefer privacy while others seek community areas near recreational facilities. "We stayed here two nights in 2015 en route to Maine. Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization," explains a Bear Brook visitor who appreciated the isolation.
Tips from RVers
Varying hookup placements: Winter Island Park and other campgrounds have inconsistent utility hookup locations requiring longer hoses and cables. "This campground offers basic campsites, with electric available on RV sites. Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance," explains an RVer detailing the setup.
Site leveling challenges: Numerous sites require significant leveling blocks, particularly at older campgrounds. "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services," warns a Hidden Valley visitor.
Late season emptiness: Columbus Day weekend marks the effective end of camping season with dramatically reduced occupancy. "During the peak season, I'm sure it's a different story given it's proximity to Concord and Manchester and the variety of activities available," notes a late-season Bear Brook visitor commenting on the emptiness.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with full hookups have on-site dump stations; confirm availability before booking. "FYI - the dump station is not on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this," advises a Winter Island camper sharing practical information.
