Camping spots near Ipswich, Massachusetts include several wooded retreats within a 20-mile radius of this coastal town. The area sits at sea level with numerous salt marshes and tidal rivers creating unique wetland camping environments. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with high humidity and frequent evening fog rolling in from the Atlantic.
What to do
Paddle with wildlife: Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers river access with diverse paddling options. "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching. Beware of tides and strong currents in these areas as they can make paddling difficult," notes Nancy W.
Fish the waters: Early season visitors can enjoy productive fishing from shore. "Great Spring Striper fishing. Lots of local restaurants and the center of town is super close," reports a camper. The jetty at Hampton Beach State Park Campground provides another popular fishing spot where visitors "can sit on and fish from or watch the sunrise."
Explore nearby towns: Take day trips to historic coastal communities from your campsite. "About 30 minutes north on I-95 is the New Hampshire town of Portsmouth which is super hip and has great restaurants. Definitely recommend visiting both of these towns if you have time," shares a reviewer at Salisbury Beach.
What campers like
Beach proximity: Many campers value the quick ocean access. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff," says Sara D. about Salisbury Beach State Reservation. At Winter Island Park, campers appreciate "camping on the oceanfront" with one reviewer noting it's "a rare treat!"
Wooded privacy: For those preferring forest surroundings, Lorraine Park Campground offers "nice wooded sites" with "spacious and beautiful" camping areas. A camper mentions, "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds."
Seasonal events: Summer visitors enjoy organized activities at campgrounds. "Summer has fireworks and projection screen movies," mentions a Salisbury Beach camper. Another notes that at Harold Parker State Forest, "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Prime oceanfront sites book far in advance. "It is very difficult to get reservations as it is extremely popular," notes a Hampton Beach State Park camper. For last-minute options, look inland to campgrounds like Cape Ann Camp Site where staff "will help you find a spot if you have questions."
Site spacing: Campsite density varies significantly between locations. "The sites' privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose," notes a camper at Lorraine Park. Oceanfront sites typically offer less privacy with one camper noting sites are "pretty close together with little separation between each other."
Weather considerations: Coastal conditions can change rapidly. "If it gets windy too," warns a Salisbury camper. Another mentions, "We caught the tail end of the season last year and the beach was super peaceful and much quieter than in high season."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Beach Rose RV Park offers convenient beach access without waterfront prices. "We rode bikes to Salisbury Beach and my young adult son rode his longboard to the beach," shares a camper, adding it's "only about a mile from the beach. Clean and friendly staff. Kid friendly."
Playgrounds and pools: Many campgrounds feature family amenities. "The playground is perfect for kids," notes a camper at The Pines Camping Area. Another mentions that Beach Rose RV Park has a "nice pool and staff is very friendly, helpful and responsive!"
Transportation options: When visiting Salem, consider Winter Island Park for its accessibility. "It's less than 2 miles from Salem and on the trolley line," notes a camper, making it convenient for exploring without moving your vehicle.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: Check hookup locations when booking. "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," advises a Salisbury Beach camper. Another RVer at Black Bear recommends planning ahead: "Wish we knew in advance how the hookups were layed out because it is way far away from where our hose would reach."
Wind protection: Coastal campgrounds experience strong ocean breezes. "Be careful of your awning as it is very windy," warns an RVer at Hampton Beach State Park. Consider bringing additional tie-downs or supports if planning to use awnings or screen rooms.
Level sites: Site grading varies across campgrounds. "Our site was large with full hookups and the area was very clean," notes a camper at Wakeda Campground. Another mentions having a "nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area" at Cape Ann Camp Site, which can make setup significantly easier.
