1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites around Mendon, Massachusetts offer options in both Massachusetts and neighboring Rhode Island for primitive camping experiences. Buck Hill Campground in Rhode Island provides walk-in tent sites in a forested setting, while Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers tent camping on several islands including Peddocks, Lovells, Grape, and Bumpkin from June through Labor Day weekend. Camp Nihan Education Center in Massachusetts also provides dedicated tent camping areas with more amenities than most primitive sites in the region.
Most tent sites in the area require campers to carry gear varying distances from parking areas. Water's Edge Campground in Coventry, Rhode Island features tent-specific sites with access by boat, drive-in, hike-in or walk-in options. Basic amenities at tent campgrounds typically include picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets, though services vary significantly between locations. According to one visitor at Buck Hill Campground, "All the sites are in large clusters that can accommodate 10+ tents, many along Wakefield Pond, which is big enough for canoe/kayak." Campers should plan to bring adequate drinking water, as not all locations provide potable water sources.
The tent camping experience near Mendon offers access to natural features including ponds, forests, and coastal landscapes. Boston Harbor Islands provides a unique tent camping opportunity with ferry access and island exploration. One camper noted that "sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it." Tent campers at Federated Womens Club State Forest can access hiking trails leading to Soapstone Hill with views of Quabbin Reservoir. The wooded settings provide shade and moderate privacy between sites, with opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling at several locations. Cell phone coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with many primitive tent sites having limited or no service.
"All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc."
"Campground review: Camping at Boston Harbor Islands requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company."
"This campground has 6 yurts and 6 tent sites. 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $8 - $55 / night
"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."
from $46 - $50 / night
"Spots are hard to find.dorothy gave us a great spot near rest rooms and showers for the kids. Every single person we met was a delight and overly generous to us and our kids."
TravelerBeautiful place about an hour from Salem Boston and Plymouth. Be careful getting in Sharp Hill coming up and down lots of scrapes on the ground tight navigation through sites lots of beautiful trees.
LegendI’m not going to lie this was a little tricky for big rigs to get to, but with lots of patience and skillful driving, it is doable. Salem is an old New England town so there are many narrow streets and some low clearances. Follow the directions on the parks website as they are designed for RVs– don’t use Google Maps unless you are a small camper. Even getting into the park is kind of challenging because of the way the entrance is laid out with the entrance booth and some low hanging trees. This campground is in a municipal park with a marina, beach, a short walking trail, and picnic areas. The campground has different sections and totally different feels to them. We arrived on a weekend and section we were in the section which is in the parking lot of a busy marina. The parking lot was half full which made for navigating our 45’ bus into our site pretty hard.
No sites have fire pits but you can have a fire if you bring your own above ground pit. Tent sites have picnic tables but nothing else. Some sites you can drive to and have a car onsite and others are non-vehicle access sites (11, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27& 38) in which you have to park in a parking lot. Some RV sites have great water views and others are in a back gravel lot. In my opinion, the best RV sites are 12-16(A-D) because they have a water view. Sites 16B-D are a little tricky for big-rigs to get into because of the tight space. Our site (#13) had a slight downhill slope. We pulled in forward so we could have a view of the harbor which meant the utilities (water electric only) were in the front of our site but we were able to reach without an extension cord. We loved watching the action in the harbor. There is a gazebo by the water which we enjoyed siting under and watching boats go in and out of the harbor while it rained.
There is a nice sandy beach onsite which attracts a lot of day use vistors. The grounds are interesting to walk around as the water views are nice and there is an old fort to explore. Nearby town of Salem Willows is(about½ mile away) is a cute old seaside town with restaurants and arcades. They have a Bluebike rental station which is an easy way to get downtown and explore the area if you don’t have a car.
ScoutAfter a busy summer, we wanted somewhere we could just park the camper and slow down for a few days. Sterling Park worked out great for that. We spent one morning fishing, walked the trails later in the day and finished the evening around the fire. Nothing complicated, just a really enjoyable camping weekend.
ScoutWe came with another family and had a blast. The kids disappeared together for half the day while the adults hung around the sites. Between fishing, the pool and the other activities, everyone found something they liked. Would definatly come back.
ScoutOur kids are already asking when we can go back. They loved the pool, playground and all the space to run around. We mostly just sat back and enjoyed having a few days off.
ScoutBrought our camper up for a long weekend and had plenty of room to relax. The campground store was also super handy when we realized we forgot a few things.
GuideHard to beat being right on the water with a lighthouse! But it's kind of a kooky campground.
Pros:
- Gorgeous views.
- Cute little trails.
- Super friendly staff.
- The bathrooms were always being cleaned (which is nice), but the bathrooms are dilapidated, so it's kind of like putting lipstick on a pig.
Cons:
- It's just an odd arrangement of sites. The RV area is a parking lot. Some tent sites don't allow cars on them. Our site #37 was cool, but right by the busy entrance.
- As we stayed in October, the entire area is Halloween central. There were tour trolleys coming in all day, and since we were near the entrance we felt like animals in a zoo.
- As mentioned previously - the bathrooms could use a serious upgrade.
GuideLet me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
ScoutWe have been coming here seasonally and its become our little weekend escape. There is always something going on and the kids have made so many friends. Makes it easy to just pack a few things and head out.
Tent camping opportunities around Mendon, Massachusetts extend from the Blackstone Valley region into neighboring Rhode Island. The area features primarily wooded sites with moderate to high rainfall throughout camping season, particularly in spring months. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during peak camping months, with overnight lows sometimes dropping into the 50s even during July and August.
Water activities at multiple locations: The Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides unique island exploration opportunities beyond just camping. According to one camper, "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."
Historic exploration: Camp Nihan Education Center offers access to nearby historical sites. As visitor Michael V. notes, "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Wilderness hiking: Federated Womens Club State Forest provides access to secluded trails with minimal crowds. "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets," writes one camper, highlighting the less-known viewpoints in the area.
Island solitude: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground receives praise for its peaceful atmosphere despite urban proximity. "Camping at Boston Harbor Islands requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company," notes one reviewer who appreciated the quiet environment.
Accessibility for beginners: The camping experience at Camp Nihan Education Center balances wilderness with conveniences. One visitor shared, "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. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
Fishing opportunities: At Buck Hill Campground, water activities are a major draw. A visitor explains, "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities... This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc don't expect much else."
Transportation logistics: Ferry access to camping destinations requires planning. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells," explains a camper regarding their Harbor Islands experience.
Limited facilities: Many tent sites near Mendon offer minimal amenities. Arcadia Backpack Camping Area and several Rhode Island options typically have no running water, requiring campers to bring all supplies. Cell service is limited throughout the region's more remote camping areas.
Reservation requirements: Availability at popular campgrounds fills quickly. For Boston Harbor Islands, one camper advises, "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."
Best beginner sites: Several locations offer family-friendly features for first-time campers. "We went camping here with our SpiralScout Circle, kids aged 4-8. 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 about Camp Nihan.
Educational opportunities: Water's Edge Campground in Coventry, Rhode Island provides water-based activities with opportunities for children to learn outdoor skills. The campground features tent-specific sites with boat access points suitable for introducing children to paddling.
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds near Mendon have limited operating seasons, with most sites closed during winter months. Boston Harbor Islands operates "June to Labor Day weekend" according to their listing, making summer vacation timing crucial for families planning trips.
Limited RV options: The Mendon area primarily caters to tent camping rather than RVs. Most campgrounds like Frosty Hollow Camping Area list tent accommodations only, with difficult terrain for larger vehicles.
Alternative arrangements: For those requiring RV amenities, driving distance increases substantially. Water's Edge Campground in Coventry offers electric hookups and thirty-amp service, but accessibility may be limited by site access types.
Day trip considerations: RVers often find better success using established campgrounds farther from Mendon as a base for day trips. Boston Harbor Islands offers RV sites in the broader region, but the islands themselves are accessible only by ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mendon, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mendon, MA is Buck Hill Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Mendon, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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