The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Medford, MA

657 Reviews

Camping options around Medford, Massachusetts include a variety of developed campgrounds within a short drive of the metropolitan area. Harold Parker State Forest's Lorraine Park Campground, approximately 12 miles north of Medford, provides tent and RV sites with moderate amenities. Several mixed-use campgrounds, including Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford and Camp Nihan Education Center in Saugus, offer camping within 10 miles of Medford. These established campgrounds collectively provide access to tent camping, RV hookups, and in some cases, cabin accommodations.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October, with limited winter availability. The Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, accessible only by boat from Hingham or Boston Harbor, operates from June through Labor Day weekend and offers a unique island camping experience with tent sites, cabins, and yurts. Reservations are essential for most sites, particularly during summer weekends when demand peaks. According to one visitor, "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle... When we got to the island we found that all of the sites had already been taken even though we had booked online months ahead."

Campers consistently note the surprising natural experience available so close to urban areas. While the region lacks true wilderness camping, the established campgrounds provide access to wooded settings, ponds, and trails. Camp Nihan receives particular praise for its balance of accessibility and natural setting, with one camper noting it has "the perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping" while still feeling "like we were really in the woods." Several campgrounds feature water access, with Ponkapoag Camp in the Blue Hills Reservation south of Boston offering year-round tent, RV, and cabin options near a pond. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, though amenities vary significantly between locations.

Map showing campgrounds near Medford, MassachusettsExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Medford, Massachusetts (88)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    33 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +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. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +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."

    "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."

    4. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 745-9430

    $35 - $105 / 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."

    5. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "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."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

    7. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    7 miles
    Website

    "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. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    28 miles
    Website
    +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."

    9. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +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. Cape Ann Camp Site

    16 Reviews
    Gloucester, MA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 283-8683

    $36 - $44 / night

    "Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you"

    "Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 88 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Medford Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Medford, MA

319 Photos of 88 Medford Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Medford, MA

657 Reviews of 88 Medford Campgrounds

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    Koa Cape Cod

    Stayed in several KOAs over last few weeks. I would say needs attention. Appearance is not up to standard. Restrooms and grounds are not as clean by comparison.

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • S
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Massasoit State Park Campground

    Campsite was great, staff was rough

    I loved our campsite. But the staff was pretty rude. I was there for a family reunion. I told the staff my mom and dad would be dropping me off the next day, so they added their name to the site as it is a mile walk in. They didn’t give us another car tag, just said if there names were in the site we were good. Next night, we get dropped off in the rain, with a 50 lb bag of dog food and they wouldn’t let me parents take me to my site. Eventually we convinced them of we left my dad and sister at the front gate with them in the pouring rain, my mom could drive us in. They never even checked our reservation to see if the names were in there. Bring a car if you are camping here in a motorhome

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Very nice stopover

    Good place to spend the night.It was quiet comfortable and plenty of room between campsites

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

Guide to Medford

Camping near Medford, Massachusetts, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Bear Brook State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "This site is close to the lake/beach area, hiking trail, bathroom/shower. It is very spacious and nice."
  • Family Fun: Check out the activities at Normandy Farms Campground. One camper said, "It has so many things for the kids to do. Everyone is so friendly."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings at Wompatuck State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "You have everything you need there: firewood, bathrooms, a camp pit..."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Lorraine Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The sanitary building is clean with good showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor said, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones this is the place."

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: Pets are allowed at some campgrounds, but not all. For example, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are only allowed on hiking trails, not in the campground or beach area during summer.
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier campgrounds on weekends. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground noted, "The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, may not have markets or extensive amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There is NO market."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities, like Normandy Farms Campground. One parent said, "This is a phenomenal campground! It has it all: large campsites, tons of activities for kids."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye out for ticks, especially at campgrounds with wooded areas like Bear Brook State Park Campground. A camper warned, "Our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise from other campers, especially on weekends. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "Some of the clientele is a bit noisy but overall a very nice spot to camp cheap!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of your site, especially at campgrounds like Boston/Cape Cod KOA. One RVer noted, "Our site however was pretty awful. It was purely loose dirt with no grass or gravel."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level, as mentioned by a camper at Normandy Farms Campground. They advised, "We recommend this campground but just be prepared and bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Plan for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, do not offer sewer hookups. A visitor shared, "You only have electric hookups, so plan accordingly."

Camping near Medford, MA, provides a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there's something for you in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tent camping options are available in Medford?

Medford offers diverse tent camping experiences ranging from wooded state forests to coastal options. Willard Brook State Forest Campground features level sites nestled among towering pines in a small, bisected loop. Perfect for tent campers seeking seclusion in nature. For those seeking military-affiliated camping, Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides secluded walk-in tent sites in a wooded setting. Massachusetts state parks typically prohibit alcohol at campsites, so plan accordingly if that's important to your camping experience.

Where can I find camping in Medford?

Medford and the surrounding Massachusetts area offer several excellent camping options. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest provides nice wooded sites less than 25 miles from Boston, making it convenient while still offering a genuine outdoor experience. For RV travelers, Beach Rose RV Park in nearby Salisbury is a clean, family-owned option near the beach with friendly staff who accommodate last-minute bookings even on busy weekends. Both locations offer good access to Medford while providing different camping experiences.

Are there any campgrounds near the Pine Line Trail in Medford?

While there aren't documented campgrounds directly on the Pine Line Trail in Medford, nearby options include Salisbury Beach State Reservation which offers convenient water and electrical hookups, though it's better suited for group camping than those seeking privacy. For a more natural experience, Wompatuck State Park Campground is reasonably close to Medford and offers a woodland camping environment. Consider downloading offline maps before your trip as cell service can be unreliable in many Massachusetts camping areas, particularly in more remote locations near trails.

Keep Exploring