Tent camping near Haverhill, Massachusetts offers access to both inland forest settings and coastal areas within a 45-minute drive radius. The region experiences warm summers with average highs of 80°F in July and August, though evening temperatures can drop to the mid-50s even during peak season. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to New England's colder winters.
What to do
Water activities at nearby beaches: Cape Ann Camp Site provides quick access to nearby beaches where visitors can swim and enjoy coastal views. One camper noted, "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."
Explore historic coastal towns: Tent campers based at Cape Ann can easily visit charming New England communities. "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views," shares a recent visitor.
Hiking and nature trails: Military Park New Boston Air Force Station Recreation Area offers extensive outdoor recreational opportunities with "Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!" according to one reviewer. Trails range from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging terrain for experienced hikers.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings including deer and wild turkeys. One camper at Cape Ann Camp Site mentioned they enjoyed "Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc." during their stay.
What campers like
Wooded, private sites: Campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at several campgrounds. A Cape Ann visitor commented, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them," highlighting the privacy that tree coverage provides.
Multiple bathroom facilities: Huttopia Southern Maine maintains well-kept facilities that receive positive mentions. The campground "grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly," according to a review from a returning visitor.
Beach proximity: Many tent campers value coastal access. "We had a great time camping and going to the beach. The camp ground is full of beautiful boulders and fire pits. We were tent camping and were very happy with our site," noted one Cape Ann visitor.
Secluded walk-in options: For those seeking more isolation, Lost Boys Hideout offers walk-in sites that require a short hike. One visitor appreciated the "Simplicity at its best" atmosphere of these more remote camping options.
What you should know
Quarter-operated showers: Several campgrounds in the region use coin-operated shower systems. At Cape Ann Camp Site, showers require "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower" and another camper mentioned, "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change."
Site surfaces vary: Many tent sites have natural dirt surfaces rather than prepared gravel pads. At Cape Ann, "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads," which can affect comfort levels depending on weather conditions.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Haverhill operate from May through October. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground has an even shorter season, running "June to Labor Day weekend" only.
Advance reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on summer weekends. For Boston Harbor Islands, "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground offers extensive water-based activities for children. A visitor described it as "Kids Paradise" noting that "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Check for family programming: Some campgrounds offer scheduled activities for younger campers. One Salmon Falls visitor mentioned they "Have great activities daily for the kids a nice store onsite."
Consider campground noise levels: Family-oriented campgrounds may have higher activity levels. Boston Harbor Islands campground "can get noisy at night" according to one camper, which might affect light sleepers.
Transportation logistics: When tent camping at island locations, plan carefully for gear transport. One Boston Harbor Islands camper advised, "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium," suggesting families should "Pack as lightly as possible."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for large vehicles: Most tent campgrounds near Haverhill have limited capacity for large RVs. While Cape Ann Camp Site is described as "big-rig friendly" by one visitor who noted "All size RVs and tents are welcome," many other locations in the region can only accommodate smaller recreational vehicles.
Hookup availability: For RV campers requiring services, Cape Ann offers essential connections. According to one review, "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi," which is typical of the region's more developed campgrounds.
Leveling considerations: Level sites can be inconsistent at some campgrounds. One Cape Ann visitor noted they "had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," but site quality varies across locations.
