Camping options near Medford, Massachusetts provide access to natural settings within a short drive of Boston's metropolitan area. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter availability at a few locations. Temperatures range from 70-85°F in summer with moderate humidity, making tent camping comfortable with proper preparation. Evening temperatures can drop into the 50s even during summer months.
What to do
Beach access: 5 miles from Salem. Winter Island Park's location provides ocean proximity with both rocky areas and sandy beaches. "The beach is beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks. Also there's a beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there," notes one camper at Winter Island Park.
Historical exploration: 30 minute drive. Camping near Concord opens opportunities to explore Revolutionary War sites. One visitor at Spacious Skies Minute Man recommends: "Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites, and famous people home tours such as Louisa May Alcott."
Mountain biking: Well-maintained trails. Wompatuck State Park provides accessible terrain for riders of various skill levels. A mountain biking enthusiast mentions the park offers "God access to some beginner flowy mountain bike trails," making it suitable for those new to the sport.
Kayaking: Multiple launch points. Ponkapoag Camp in the Blue Hills Reservation features a pond perfect for paddling. A visitor describes: "The pond itself is a wonderful place for kayaking and canoeing. There are several rocky boulders poking out of the water that make fun spots to discover."
What campers like
Urban proximity: 25 miles from Boston. Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford offers a quiet retreat despite being near a busy base. "Small camp ground, close to Boston, only 25 miles out. Kinda cool watching the airplanes take off and land with the small airport next door," one camper observes.
Wooded privacy: Large sites. Harold Parker State Forest's Lorraine Park Campground provides a secluded feel with substantial campsites. A visitor describes: "Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples," while another adds "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean."
Convenient location: Boston Harbor access. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers a unique island experience. A visitor mentions: "Just getting to the island is a fun adventure. The island is beautiful and has an old fort to explore as well as a lot of Rocky shoreline and trails."
Shower facilities: Varied quality. Camp Nihan Education Center receives praise for its recent upgrades. "A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy," notes one visitor, although facilities at other campgrounds may be more basic.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book early. Most 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. That said, you can also look for last minute openings."
Transportation options: Train and ferry access. Public transit can simplify city visits from several campgrounds. A camper at Cape Ann Camp Site explains: "The commuter rail is 2 miles from the campground and during peak season a shuttle runs between the campground and Salem."
Alcohol policies: Varied by location. Several state-run campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. A visitor to Harold Parker State Forest notes: "Only complaint about Massachusetts state parks is no alcohol even while sitting in your site."
Limited amenities: Bring supplies. Many campgrounds offer minimal services. For Boston Harbor Islands, "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple options. Camp Nihan Education Center offers a balance of amenities and natural setting. "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," notes a visitor camping with children aged 4-8.
Wildlife viewing: Educational opportunities. Several campgrounds feature diverse wildlife. At Cape Ann Camp Site, campers report seeing "wild turkeys, racoons, deer, etc." though food storage precautions are recommended.
Swimming options: Lifeguarded beaches. Camp Nihan connects to Breakheart Reservation with supervised swimming. "Breakheart Reservation had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," shares a family camper.
Rainy day alternatives: Indoor facilities. Some campgrounds offer shelter for inclement weather. At Ponkapoag Camp, "The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Varied privacy. Winter Island Park has different site configurations for RVs and tents. "Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance. Tent sites tend to be grassy, but not all offer parking on site, so choose carefully."
Dump station availability: Limited access. Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. A camper at Winter Island Park notes: "The dump station is not on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this."
Hookup options: Diverse availability. Lorraine Park Campground provides various utility connections. "All sites have water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table. Most of them are drive in."
Parking limitations: Site-specific issues. At some campgrounds, RV parking can be restrictive. A visitor to Winter Island Park explains: "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," but cautions that not all sites accommodate vehicles directly at the campsite.
