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Camping near Melrose, MA

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    Campgrounds near Melrose, Massachusetts feature a mix of developed sites within state parks and privately managed facilities. Lorraine Park Campground in Harold Parker State Forest, just 15 miles north of Melrose, offers tent and RV camping with sites situated among towering pines. Winter Island Park in Salem provides coastal camping opportunities approximately 10 miles northeast of Melrose. Camp Nihan Education Center lies closest to Melrose, situated within 5 miles of the city center, offering tent camping and cabin accommodations. Massachusetts state parks in the region accommodate various camping styles including tent, RV, and in some locations, cabins and yurts.

    Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through September or October. Harold Parker State Forest campground runs from late May to early September, while Winter Island Park remains open from May 1 to October 31. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, even within campsites. Water access is common at campsites, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations. A visitor noted, "Sites are large, often with good separation from neighbors, some have a hilly approach. The reservation website doesn't provide pictures, so I've tried to capture most here."

    Campers report high satisfaction with the region's proximity to Boston while still providing a woodland retreat experience. Lorraine Park Campground receives positive reviews for its spacious sites and recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, a small beach area, and fishing. Winter Island Park offers coastal camping with easy access to Salem's historical attractions. Several visitors mentioned appreciation for the convenience of these campgrounds to urban areas while still providing natural surroundings. A review highlighted that "this campground is superlatively convenient if you live in the Boston area" when referring to Ponkapoag Camp. The camping areas around Melrose provide good options for visitors looking to explore both natural areas and nearby cultural or historical sites, with most developed campgrounds offering basic amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.

    Best Campgrounds near Melrose (88)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      4.5(35)11mi from Melrose86 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $17 - $45 / night

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      2. Winter Island Park

      4.4(17)11mi from Melrose44 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $60 / night

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      3. Wompatuck State Park Campground

      4.3(44)21mi from Melrose253 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $17 - $23 / night

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      4. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

      4.4(12)12mi from MelroseRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

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      5. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

      4.0(8)13mi from Melrose16 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $8 - $55 / night

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      6. Camp Nihan Education Center

      5.0(2)3mi from MelroseTents, Cabins

      "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."

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      7. Spacious Skies Minute Man

      4.4(29)25mi from Melrose9 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $44 - $999 / night

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      8. Cape Ann Camp Site

      4.1(17)22mi from MelroseRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $36 - $44 / night

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      9. Normandy Farms Campground

      4.7(42)31mi from MelroseRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $50 - $200 / night

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      10. Berry's Grove Campground

      4.8(13)23mi from Melrose

      "We had plans on both sides of the state line, so the location worked really well for our trip."

      "We stopped at Berry’s Grove while traveling through Massachusetts and were really happy with our stay."

      from $1950 / night

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    Recent Camping Photos near Melrose, MA

    271 Photos of 88 Melrose Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Melrose, MA

    656 Reviews of 88 Melrose Campgrounds

    • Kyle P.
      Oct. 2, 2026

      Normandy Farms Campground

      Best Campground in the Northeast!

      I can understand why this place is rated one of the best campgrounds in the country. This was my first time camping here with my own RV and it did not disappoint. Our site was spacious, and centrally located within the campground, they have all the amenities you can imagine living up to that “resort” title. Ranging from multiple pools, hot tubs, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, etc. the cell service was great, they offer WiFi, and much more. I love the store, it gives off that Great Wolf Lodge feel, and it has everything inside you may need. Including a little hidden café that surprisingly made good lattes. This place is massive, and I’ve never seen a campground that had as many million dollar RV’s in one place. That atmosphere is just great here. There is so much to do. It’s so big you need an e-bike just to get around. Resort-style campgrounds like this come at a steeper price compared to others, but in my opinion, Normandy was well worth the cost. We look forward to revisiting, often!

    • gary C.
      Sep. 22, 2026

      Winter Island Park

      Good view

      Best part of our Salem trip by far. We spent Sunday evening out here after walking around downtown and this was a completely different experience. Kids loved the playground and just running around exploring the beach and rocks. Way more interesting than the shops.

      Quiet, actual waterfront, old fort and lighthouse right there. The young lady in the office was really nice and super helpful too.

      A couple things to know: the RV field spots are really close together. Like 15-20 feet from my trailer to the neighbor. In my opinion the parking lot spots with the ocean view are better. And when they warn you about the raccoons, they’re not joking. They shredded my trash.

      If you’re in Salem with kids, still worth coming out here. This is the part they’ll remember.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 19, 2026

      Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      Lorraine Campground

      What a gem of a campground. The park staff are very helpful and friendly. The facilities: bathrooms, showers, dump station and trash receptacles are spotless. They offer nature oriented fun activities for all ages! And they even have playgrounds for the littles to play on. The sites are are mixed use, offering tent only, RV with electric, and group sites. They also have yurts that can rented, which come with a full size bed and bunk beds.

    • E
      Sep. 16, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      Campground good -Management Bad

      This RV park was a small little park with a little lake to fish and swim (if you're brave enough) Overall had a pleasant experience until 2 weeks after we had left.

      After paying and calling to ensure we were all squared away before leaving with a good to go and a zero-dollar balance, we left. 2 weeks later they charged my card again without letting me know.  I figured it must have been a mistake since I had the paperwork with a zero-dollar balance AND I called to ensure we were all set.   

      Turns out it was purposeful- management decided that there was an additional admin fee after I had left the property.  Note that this was not anything to do with any mess or damage left behind -That I could completely understand but this was a random additional charge. They went ahead and charged without any warning and with no real explanation. 

      I stayed here for 2 months and the first month had no such issues and no additional payments due.

      If you stay here- be aware that they can charge your card EVEN IF you call and make sure you are all set AND have proof of a zero dollar balance. 

      They will say its in the contract and while there is an admin fee section in the contract- it does not state anywhere that it will be charged later, not included in your original bill or anything that would make charging your card randomly acceptable - especially with a zero dollar balance.

      I'm not sure how many times they do this to people but the charge was on the smaller side, so they probably get away with this A LOT.

    • R
      Sep. 14, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      Dimension To The Trip

      We brought the boat along and having water access added an entirely different dimension to the trip. Instead of loading everything into the truck and driving somewhere for the day, we could make being on the water part of the camping experience itself.

    • Sam W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 11, 2026

      Wompatuck State Park Campground

      Safe and quiet

      I always find this is a good spot to have a few quiet nights. Can set up a fire an lf just relax. There are bathrooms with showers but byob bath stuff

    • Marie H.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 10, 2026

      Normandy Farms Campground

      Lovely and peaceful

      We came in the day after Labor Day ~ after 280 rv’s checked out ~ so it may not have been as peaceful over the weekend, but I heard everyone had lots of fun. The grounds are beautiful!

    • Maria A.
      Sep. 9, 2026

      The Pines Campground

      Peaceful place

      Pleasant place, pool with good facilities; I recommend it.

    Guide to Melrose

    Camping options near Melrose, Massachusetts sit within the humid continental climate of New England, experiencing four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80°F and winters dropping below freezing. Tent and RV camping is typically available from May through October, though some campgrounds close earlier in September. Camp Nihan Education Center lies closest to Melrose at just 5 miles from downtown, offering both tent sites and cabin accommodations within a wooded setting.

    What to do

    Explore Revolutionary history trails: Minute Man National Park near Spacious Skies Minute Man features walking paths through historic sites. "Very pretty and historical trails to walk on. Not too far from the city," notes Caitlin B. The park preserves key Revolutionary War locations just 30 minutes from Melrose.

    Visit Boston Harbor Islands: The Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides island camping with urban views. "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others...look for sea glass on Spectacle Island and climb the hill for a view of the Boston skyline," recommends Jean C. Island access requires ferry transportation from either Long Wharf or Hingham.

    Berry picking and mushroom foraging: Ponkapoag Camp offers seasonal berry picking in summer months. "Lots of good berry picking and trails," mentions Kiye A. The camp sits on wooded land surrounding a pond with numerous hiking opportunities through wetland environments.

    What campers like

    Privacy in wooded settings: Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides secluded sites. "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds," reports Kelly F. Sites feature water access, fire pits, and charcoal grills.

    Water activities: Multiple ponds at Harold Parker State Forest offer swimming and fishing opportunities. "Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun," explains Migdalia G. The small beach area provides summer recreation for families.

    Oceanfront experience: Winter Island Park offers beachfront camping with tidal exploration. "The beach is interesting with some tide pools as well as sand and warm water. Life guards were paying attention," notes Lisa M. The park includes both tent and RV sites with varied levels of privacy.

    What you should know

    No alcohol policy: Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption in campsites. "Only complaint about Massachusetts state parks is no alcohol even while sitting in your site," mentions Randy R. about Lorraine Park Campground. This rule applies to most state-operated camping areas around Melrose.

    Reservation requirements: Booking in advance is essential, especially for weekend camping. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites," advises Rae M. about Winter Island Park. Most campgrounds accept reservations 6 months ahead.

    Limited shower facilities: Many campgrounds have basic shower setups. "Bathrooms are out dated showers have tiles falling off very small showers," notes Eric LeBoeuf about Wompatuck State Park. Some facilities require quarters for hot water operation.

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike," says Migdalia G. about Lorraine Park Campground. Programs typically run on summer weekends.

    Choose sites with playgrounds: Cape Ann Camp Site offers recreation areas for children. "Winters island is a beautiful campground in Salem,ma... the kids had a great time by the sea and the playground," says Candace H. Most family-friendly campgrounds include common areas for children to play.

    Consider cabins for easier setup: Several campgrounds offer cabin options for families wanting simplified camping. "We enjoyed our stay at Hanscom, loved staying right across from a runway!!! We loved watching planes come and go!" remarks Jacey H. about the military campground's cabins. Cabins typically cost $20-40 more per night than tent sites.

    Tips from RVers

    Location advantages: RV sites near Melrose provide excellent access to Boston. "This is one of two campgrounds located <25 miles from Boston with good commute options into the city," explains Jean C. about Winter Island Park. Public transportation options include commuter rail and seasonal shuttles.

    Hookup availability varies: Water and electric connections are standard, but sewer hookups are limited. "We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," notes Ben E. about Cape Ann Camp Site. Dump stations are available at larger campgrounds like Lorraine Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I find camping spots near Melrose?

    Several excellent camping options exist near Melrose. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest is less than 25 miles north of Boston, offering wooded sites and serving as a great base for exploring Massachusetts' north coast. For military families, Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides wooded RV sites with hookups as well as secluded tent sites and even a yurt. Both locations are easily accessible from Melrose and offer clean facilities. Other nearby options include Salisbury Beach State Reservation for oceanfront camping and Wompatuck State Park for a more rustic experience closer to Boston.

    Can I book one-night camping stays near Melrose?

    Yes, one-night stays are generally available near Melrose, though policies vary by campground. Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury is a small, family-owned facility that accepts shorter stays and has been known to accommodate last-minute bookings even during busy periods. Barretts Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest also typically allows one-night stays, offering large sites near Cape Cod. For travelers just passing through, the Riverside Terminal Overnight Parking area permits overnight stays for a small fee ($6 weekdays, $3 weekends). Always check reservation requirements ahead of time, especially during peak summer months when minimum stays might be enforced.

    Are there tent-specific campsites available near Melrose?

    Yes, several campgrounds near Melrose offer excellent tent-specific sites. Willard Brook State Forest Campground in north/central Massachusetts features level sites under towering pines, creating an ideal tent camping environment. The campground is situated on a small, bisected loop and is located just up the hill from Damon Pond. Ponkapoag Camp is another convenient option for Boston-area residents seeking tent camping, offering an accessible wilderness experience without traveling far. While cell service can be spotty at Willard Brook, this adds to the authentic outdoor experience many tent campers seek.

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