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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 Medford, MA
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Medford, Massachusetts (94)
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. Wompatuck State Park Campground
42 ReviewsHingham, MA21 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."
3. Hanscom AFB FamCamp
11 ReviewsBedford, MA9 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."
"Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."
4. Winter Island Park
14 ReviewsSalem, MA14 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."
5. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
8 ReviewsHull, MA13 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."
6. Spacious Skies Minute Man
29 ReviewsAyer, MA23 milesWebsite+1 (978) 772-0042$44 - $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 ReviewsSaugus, MA7 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. 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."
9. Ponkapoag Camp
6 ReviewsRandolph, MA16 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. Cape Ann Camp Site
16 ReviewsGloucester, MA26 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Medford, MA
286 Photos of 94 Medford Campgrounds
Michael V.
Camp Nihan Education Center
Alexander H.
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Jean C.
Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
Emanuela B.
Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
Hannah O.
Wompatuck State Park Campground
Martin B.
Spacious Skies Minute Man
Della S.
Cape Ann Camp Site
aliyyah A.
Normandy Farms Campground
Cody F.
Circle CG Farm Campground
Dawn E.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
The Dyrt
Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
Jake H.
Black Bear Campground
Recent Reviews near Medford, MA
667 Reviews of 94 Medford Campgrounds
Alizé B.ScoutField and Stream RV Park
Highly recommend
Amazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
Sue B.
RangerSalisbury 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.
Sean M.ScoutCharge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest
Great place
Me and my girl spent 2 weeks and had an amazing time the people are friendly they dont bother you about drinking only problem was the cell service is trash out ghere
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 Medford
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of tent camping options are available in Medford?
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?
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?
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.
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