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roy T.
Scout
ScoutCountry Barn Motel & Campground
Very appealing cabins
I stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
Best Campgrounds near Lexington, MA
Campgrounds surrounding Lexington, Massachusetts offer a mix of developed options within a 25-mile radius of this historic Revolutionary War site. The region includes Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford, which serves military personnel with RV, tent, and glamping accommodations, and Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, providing spacious wooded campsites. Both federal and state facilities support traditional tent camping alongside RV sites with hookups, while several privately managed properties like Spacious Skies Minute Man feature cabin rentals. Most established campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October.
Access to campgrounds varies significantly by site ownership and management priorities. The Harold Parker State Forest campsites maintain large, secluded spots with drive-in access and nearby hiking trails, while still remaining close to Boston and coastal destinations. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when demand peaks. Water and electric hookups are common at the larger facilities, though tent-only areas exist at nearly all locations. Winter camping opportunities are limited, with only a few year-round options like Ponkapoag Camp south of the city. A visitor described Harold Parker State Forest as "less than 25 miles north of Boston and less than 5 miles from the interstate, providing ample on-site activities and also serving as a jumping off point for exploring the Massachusetts coast."
Campers consistently mention the surprising natural feel of campsites despite their proximity to urban areas. Several visitors highlighted the quietness and seclusion of wooded sites at Harold Parker State Forest, with one noting that "the sites are huge with space in between." Military families appreciate Hanscom AFB FamCamp's location near historical sites, with a camper sharing it's "close to Minute Man historical sites - revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston." The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically offer amenities like flush toilets, showers, and picnic tables, though facility quality varies by location. Most properties maintain reasonable proximity to Boston while providing enough separation to create a nature experience, making them popular for weekend getaways from the city.
Best Camping Sites Near Lexington, Massachusetts (104)
1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
32 ReviewsNorth Reading, MA13 milesWebsite+1 (978) 475-7972$17 - $35 / night
"north of Boston and <5 miles from the interstate, Lorraine Park campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides ample on-site activities and also serves as a jumping off point for exploring the Massachusetts"
"You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."
2. Hanscom AFB FamCamp
11 ReviewsBedford, MA3 milesWebsite+1 (781) 225-3953"The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB."
"This is a nice campground near historic Lexington and Boston."
3. Spacious Skies Minute Man
29 ReviewsAyer, MA17 milesWebsite+1 (978) 772-0042$44 - $999 / night
"Level sites, quiet, and very clean restrooms make this a perfect spot for touring historic Boston, Concord, & Lexington."
"The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."
4. Wompatuck State Park Campground
42 ReviewsHingham, MA26 milesWebsite+1 (617) 895-8245$17 - $23 / night
"Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."
"I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."
5. Winter Island Park
14 ReviewsSalem, MA19 milesWebsite+1 (978) 745-9430$60 / night
"Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance."
"We drove 3-1/2 days from Idaho to get to a COVID testing site which would take non MA residents and turn the results around under 48 hours. We needed quiet camping and not have it cost a fortune."
6. Normandy Farms Campground
40 ReviewsFoxborough, MA28 milesWebsite+1 (866) 673-2767$50 - $200 / night
"The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."
"Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities. That being said it was very nice and felt safe."
7. Camp Nihan Education Center
2 ReviewsSaugus, MA11 milesWebsite"The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."
8. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
8 ReviewsHull, MA18 milesWebsite+1 (781) 740-1605$8 - $55 / night
"The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure."
"You may choose to leave from Long Wharf, near the Aquarium T stop on the Blue line, or from Hingham, with overnight parking available."
9. Ponkapoag Camp
6 ReviewsRandolph, MA19 milesWebsite+1 (781) 961-7007$20 - $65 / night
"The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw."
"The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake. There are about 25 rustic cabins, and a few tent sites dispersed throughout the camping area."
10. Salisbury Beach State Reservation
27 ReviewsSalisbury, MA33 milesWebsite+1 (978) 462-4481$28 - $38 / night
"However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."
"The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."
Recent Camping Photos near Lexington, MA
333 Photos of 104 Lexington Campgrounds
Alexander H.
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Michael V.
Camp Nihan Education Center
Todd G.
Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
Martin B.
Spacious Skies Minute Man
Jean C.
Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
Asher K.
Wompatuck State Park Campground
Cody F.
Circle CG Farm Campground
aliyyah A.
Normandy Farms Campground
Della S.
Cape Ann Camp Site
Jenny M.
Pearl Hill State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
Jean C.
Willard Brook State Forest Campground
Recent Reviews near Lexington, MA
731 Reviews of 104 Lexington Campgrounds
Sue B.
RangerWest Thompson Lake Campground
Nice Campground!
We stayed at one of the lean-to sites and really enjoyed our time here. We went fishing and explored the area. We hiked to the tri-state marker (CT-MA-RI) on a nearby trail. Plenty to do and see! Bathrooms were cleaner than what we are used to in a state campground.
Alizé B.ScoutField and Stream RV Park
Highly recommend
Amazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
- Sue B.Ranger
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Love camping here!
The first time we camped here was on Columbus Day weekend a number of years ago, and we got to see seals sun bathing on the beach. Are kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! The sites are a little close together and many of them are in direct sunlight , so that isn't the greatest , but if you have an awning, you should be good. We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too. Write down the street from camp, there is a street setup almost like a boardwalk, with arcades, live music, ice cream, food, and a carousel! There is also a bigger beach, and you are one twin away from New Hampshire. Lots to see and do here!
- Sue B.Ranger
George Washington State Campground
Good location, average campground
Our first time camping here, we were trying to get a more secluded spot, but the pics on ReserveAmerica were not the greatest gauge of the sites. The sites were OK, some better than others, we didn't have any amenities but there was potable water nearby. There are cabins, which are really just bunkhouses with 2 bunk beds. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Our loop had porta potties nearby, we only saw one real bathroom with flushing toilets and showers. We did go for a nice hike, the North/South Trail goes through the campground and there are many trails in the area as well. We did a 5+ mile loop and got a good sense of what the trails are like. Found some geocaches and our pups got a good workout.
DevinScoutWinding River Campground
Close Sites, Loved the River!
My husband and I had a great time here! We went early in the season, so there were not many people there. We met the new owners/managers and they were very friendly. David was attentive and very helpful!
We stayed in the Oak Section at 317. The sites are pretty close together, which is why I gave a 4. We didn’t have neighbors, but I can imagine on a busy weekend, it might get crowded. The Utilities at this site were in an awkward spot, compared to where we wanted the camper.
- DevinScout
Spacious Skies Minute Man
The Road is Loud
My husband and I had a great time here! The owners and managers are amazing. Kind, friendly, attentive! We really appreciated them!
The reason for the 4/5 is due to the road noise, and the neighbors noise. The residents that boarder the campground are a bit loud. We camped at spot 72. If you are tent camping, I would recommend not camping at the 70’s spots. It’s just close to the road, and it can get noisy at times. It quiets down at night, but during peak travel times is a little loud. Head to the back of the camp ground. The bathroom looks further away than it is, but everything is very convenient!
Adam B.RangerBeach Rose RV Park
Nice people
Needed a spot to dump. They were one of only a very few places open in March. $20 to dump our tanks.
- MMatthew L.Scout
Forest Glen
Forest Glenn campground
Forest Glenn campground is a very nice campground on Wheelwright pond in Lee New Hampshire! Not well kept up but makes you feel like you’re still camping and not glamping ( glamorous camping ) besides some of the very nice campers here with 2 stories on them! Anyway cutting to the chase, just to let any new comers know that are looking for camping in the Lee area if you so choose to camp at forest Glenn depending who you are or how you approach this place dictates if you will have to feel like your stepping on eggshells your entire stay… the owner is a angry Drunk who is sometimes very nice to others or very nasty, and I personally mostly see him being nasty. A couple years back I wanted to look at the campground to see if this would be a place I wanted to stay at so I walked into the office and asked them if we could look around and the lady was in the process of writing us a pass to drive through. This man comes in and said whats going on so I politely told him that we were interested in his campground and we wanted to look around. He completely flipped out said he doesn't understand, said his campground is his back yard, we can't allow this how would you like if I just walked around your back yard etc etc.... yelling at us the whole time and spitting while screaming and then told us to get out of his sight…. This place mind you is overrun by golf carts and I have heard of incidents where people get hit by them because who cares about the posted 5mph speed limitations if your in a golf carts right? Right! And CLEARLY this place is a Double standard place so you will not be treated equal… and as far as I know this place has secret people who camp supposedly working at camp like the manager and security and the plumber or electrician who look like their helping but while helping they gather information about you to spread it around to others or to cause problems with you and the owner!! Oh how thoughtful… one Morning I was in the office and the owner pulled me into the rec room to have a talk with me about my string lights suggesting I shut them off at night and I’m not allowed to use them anymore. I said “sir why would I do that there are 50 other sites with spot lights and string lights Who are these lights bothering that I need to take them down for? “ he said use them inside the trailer I don’t want to see them on again! “ now tell me how that makes any sense… so I shut them off and it became like a minefield on my site at night with no lights while the campers down a different street get to have theirs on. There is no privacy at this place, things keep going missing, and the sites are packed like sardines with no room for Jesus. There are also people staying here over winter and it’s a seasonal campground tell me how that makes any sense. Anyway definitely an experience to be at where drama hits too close to home and the golf cart parking spots are rolling a little to close to my feet. “ oh sorry my foot slipped “ #welp time to search for another place. Seems to be a trend with almost every campground. Angry owners who automatically cause problems or can’t run their own business place without drug addicts for help ( to say the least me and my wife WILL NOT BE COMING BACK )
Guide to Lexington
Camping near Lexington, Massachusetts offers accessible nature experiences within 25 miles of this historic Revolutionary War town. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations below 500 feet, creating relatively easy terrain for campers of all skill levels. The camping season typically runs May through October, with Ponkapoag Camp offering year-round options south of Boston for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Explore Revolutionary War history: Hanscom AFB FamCamp offers military families convenient access to historic sites. "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston," reports one camper.
Visit Boston's coastal islands: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides unique island camping experiences. "This campground has 6 yurts and 6 tent sites. The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure," shares a visitor who discovered multiple islands within the park system.
Mountain biking: The trail systems near several campgrounds offer varied terrain for cyclists. "God access to some beginner flowy mountain bike trails," notes one camper about Wompatuck State Park, making it suitable for families with different skill levels.
Paddleboarding and wildlife viewing: Several campers mention water activities at beaches and ponds. At Salisbury Beach, one visitor reports: "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."
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Spacious Skies Minute Man earns praise for its forested setting. "Nestled among tall pines is this hidden gem. Sites are moderately sized in good condition and we experienced no noise issues during our week here," writes one visitor. The campground features a heated pool and recreation options.
Proximity to historical towns: Many campers value access to nearby historical areas. "Spacious Skies Minute Man is a forested haven so close to Boston that you think you are in the country. There are so many cool things to do just a short drive away. The nearby town of Ayer is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting," explains one camper.
Beach access: Salisbury Beach State Reservation provides direct ocean access. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other," notes a family who appreciated both camping and beach activities in one location.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness rates highly in reviews. "The bathrooms are very clean and being cleaned constantly. The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks," writes a tent camper at Winter Island Park.
What you should know
Pricing varies significantly by residency: Massachusetts state parks charge substantially more for out-of-state visitors. "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," explains a camper at Wompatuck State Park.
Alcohol restrictions: Several state-managed properties prohibit alcohol consumption. "Only complaint about Massachusetts state parks is no alcohol even while sitting in your site," mentions a visitor at Lorraine Park Campground.
Limited privacy at some locations: Winter Island Park in Salem offers unique coastal access but with drawbacks. "None of the sites offer much privacy. You can explore the beach, launch a boat (paddle or motor), catch a sunrise, or explore the remnants of Fort Pickering," notes one camper.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At Boston Harbor Islands, "Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you're counting on a particulate day."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with youth activities: Normandy Farms Campground offers extensive recreation options. "They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean. I highly recommend staying here. It was a lot of fun," shares a camper who visited during Halloween festivities.
Consider rustic options for nature immersion: Ponkapoag Camp offers a wilderness experience close to the city. "We have always loved it here. It is rustic camping, no water or electricity and the bathroom is an outhouse and no showers. The people are friendly and we have always had a good time. The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot," explains a regular visitor.
Pack for variable weather: Early and late season camping near Lexington can experience temperature swings. "We were there Memorial Day weekend, and needed the stove when it dipped to 40 degrees," reports a camper at Ponkapoag Camp, highlighting the importance of appropriate gear even in late spring.
Look for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs. One visitor to Lorraine Park Campground noted: "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup locations: The placement of utilities can affect site usability. "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord," reports an RVer at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, who solved the problem by backing onto grass with staff permission.
Consider road access: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. At Normandy Farms, one RVer notes: "Roads are paved and plenty wide enough for big RV's to navigate."
Verify site sizes: Many campgrounds in the Lexington area have limited space for larger rigs. "Sites are a bit on the smaller side and not very private," reports a camper at Spacious Skies Minute Man, though they still enjoyed their stay.
Look for off-season availability: RVers can find more space and better rates in spring and fall. "We camped at a non-peak time so the park was not very crowded but we can image it being quite different in the summer," shares an RVer about Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Lexington?
Where are the best campgrounds near Lexington?
Several excellent campgrounds are located near Lexington, Massachusetts. Spacious Skies Minute Man stands out for its quiet environment, level sites, and clean facilities, plus it offers easy train access to Boston. For those seeking a wooded experience, Willard Brook State Forest Campground provides level sites beneath towering pines. The small loop layout creates a cozy atmosphere, though be aware that cell service can be spotty, so downloading maps beforehand is recommended. Wells State Park and Harold Parker State Forest are additional options within reasonable driving distance from Lexington, offering various recreational activities.
What are the most accessible places to camp around Lexington for beginners?
What are the most accessible places to camp around Lexington for beginners?
Ponkapoag Camp is extremely convenient for Boston-area beginners, offering an accessible camping experience without traveling far. For those new to camping who prefer more amenities, Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest provides wooded sites in a convenient location that still lets you feel like you're getting away. The campground features nice facilities though be aware that Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption even at your campsite. Both locations are beginner-friendly while offering enough amenities to ensure a comfortable first camping experience.
What camping resorts are available near Lexington?
What camping resorts are available near Lexington?
For a resort-style camping experience near Lexington, Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury offers a small, family-owned atmosphere with excellent amenities including a swimming pool. The staff is known for being accommodating, and the park maintains very clean facilities. Another option is Normandy Farms Campground near Foxborough, which provides a more upscale camping experience with full hookups, resort amenities, and is suitable for both walk-in and drive-in camping. Though Massachusetts camping generally costs more than other regions, these resorts offer good value with their range of facilities and convenient locations.
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