Glamping options near Medford, Massachusetts provide ready-made accommodations within a 40-mile radius of the city. Boston's average summer temperatures range from 60-80°F, making it ideal for outdoor stays from late spring through early fall. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, limiting most camping options to the May-October season when campgrounds are fully operational.
What to do
Beach exploration: 10 miles from Winter Island Park, where visitors can enjoy coastal activities along the Salem shoreline. "The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks. Also there's a beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there," notes a visitor at Winter Island Park.
Historic site visits: 25 miles from Boston, with revolutionary landmarks nearby. A camper at Hanscom AFB FamCamp mentioned it's "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."
Water activities: 35 miles from Medford, at Pawtuckaway State Park where boating is popular. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," shares a camper.
Island exploration: Ferry required, for access to multiple islands from Boston Harbor. "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids," explains a visitor about the harbor island system.
What campers like
Proximity to city attractions: Just 2 miles from downtown Salem, making it easy to explore urban areas while camping. A Winter Island Park reviewer stated, "It's less than 2 miles from Salem and on the trolley line," highlighting the convenience for day trips.
Waterfront views: Direct harbor access at several sites around Boston. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" remarks a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Resort-style amenities: Full-service facilities at premium campgrounds in the region. A visitor at Normandy Farms Campground described it as having "four pools (include an indoor heated one), fitness room (with elliptical, treadmills, bikes, machine and free weights), creative arts center, camp store, 20,000 square-foot activities building."
Wildlife observation: Natural habitats throughout regional campgrounds. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," notes a camper at Wakeda Campground, showcasing the biodiversity even at campgrounds near urban areas.
What you should know
Limited availability: Book 6+ months ahead for prime sites at glamping locations near Medford. "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," advises a visitor at Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground.
Transportation planning: Ferry schedules dictate access to island sites. A reviewer explained the process: "You'll want to catch a ride on the ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands. Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part, not least because they don't make the inter-island ferry schedule as readily accessible."
Seasonal operations: Most sites closed November-April due to weather conditions. A review for Hanscom AFB FamCamp notes they're "Working on improving the grounds and services available. Limited sites available off season. Summer season early May through end October."
Utility variations: Limited hookups at more remote locations. "If you want to grill, bring your own charcoal; otherwise bring a stove or bring food that doesn't need to be cooked," recommends a Boston Harbor Islands camper, highlighting the need to prepare for limited amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Daily programs offered at family-oriented campgrounds. A visitor at Cape Ann Camp Site shared, "Cape Ann Campground is located close to Gloucester and Rockport. The campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites," making it ideal for families wanting both campground time and nearby attractions.
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for swimming. "We stayed 2 times in the month of June and 1 time each in July and august. We invited our friends to camp as well and it turned out wonderful. The kids had a great time by the sea and the playground," reports a Winter Island Park visitor.
Safety considerations: Check quiet hours as they vary by location. One camper noted at Boston/Cape Cod KOA that "Quiet hours were not enforced and people with very loud music were walking up and down the road past sites well past quiet hours," which is important to know when camping with children.
Entertainment options: On-site amenities keep children occupied at larger campgrounds. "The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts," shares a Boston/Cape Cod KOA visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Premium spots offer better spacing and amenities. A Normandy Farms camper advised, "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio. Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big-rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car."
Access routes: Some GPS systems direct to incorrect locations. A reviewer at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground warned, "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance."
Hookup availability: Full service sites limited at most locations. "We were on S1, near a septic pipe & there was a severely nauseating, strong smell of sewage coming from it; we went to the front desk the next day & asked to move to S5," notes a Tuxbury Pond camper, highlighting the importance of being flexible with site assignments.