Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest offers tent, RV, and cabin camping sites within 40 minutes of Methuen Town. The densely wooded campground provides access to multiple ponds and over 35 miles of trails through a 3,000-acre forest. Seasonal weather conditions include warm summers with temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F from June through August, with moderate rainfall common in spring months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds within Harold Parker State Forest allow for freshwater fishing during designated seasons. "Several sites were right in front of a lovely pond and there were many group sites available as well," notes one camper at Lorraine Park Campground, who also mentioned the campground offers access to fishing spots directly from some sites.
Beach access: Winter Island Park provides ocean swimming within a mile of downtown Salem. "The beach is interesting with some tide pools as well as sand and warm water. Life guards were paying attention," reports a visitor who appreciated the waterfront features at Winter Island Park.
Paddle sports: Boat access points near campgrounds allow for kayaking and canoeing opportunities. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" mentions a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, highlighting the popularity of waterfront sites for small watercraft activities.
Mountain biking: Extensive trail systems offer riding options for various skill levels. "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!" shares an enthusiastic rider who stayed at Bear Brook State Park, noting the convenience of trail access directly from campsites.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature larger-than-average campsites for added privacy. "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds," explains a reviewer describing what makes Salisbury Beach State Reservation appealing.
Proximity to historic sites: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Revolutionary War landmarks. "Salem offers plenty of sightseeing options, including the National Park Service Salem Maritime NHS, the House of 7 Gables, Peabody Essex Museum, and the Salem Witch Museum," notes a camper about Winter Island Park's strategic location.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local animals. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," reports someone who enjoyed the animal sightings at Wakeda Campground, adding to the natural camping experience.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Methuen Town fill quickly during summer months. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites!" advises a camper about Winter Island Park, highlighting the importance of planning ahead.
Pet restrictions: Some parks have seasonal limitations for dogs. A visitor noted about Pawtuckaway State Park: "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess."
Campsite variation: Significant differences exist between sites at the same campground. At Bear Brook State Park Campground, "Mostly level sites sit under towering pines and vary greatly in size. Many of the sites are separated from their neighbors by large, downed pine trees," explains a visitor who appreciated the natural dividers.
Seasonal factors: Weather conditions impact camping quality. "We stayed here twice, once in September 2013 and then again in September 2018 and it is one of my favorites," shares a camper about Pawtuckaway State Park, suggesting fall offers a pleasant camping experience with fewer crowds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities for convenience with children. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other. RV & tent sites available. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!"
Ranger programs: Take advantage of educational activities offered at state parks. "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike," mentions a visitor to Lorraine Park Campground, highlighting the interpretive opportunities.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide organized activities during peak season. A camper at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground reports: "The band was good & the stand up comedy was awesome. For the most part, the comedians kept it fairly clean & our 9 yr old did not get any of the jokes that were a little sassy."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Check the positioning of utilities before selecting a site. "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord," warns someone who stayed at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, explaining how they had to adjust their parking position.
Campground access: Some facilities have limited RV entrance options. "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," cautions a visitor to Tuxbury Pond RV Campground about navigation challenges.
Dump station availability: Verify waste disposal options before arrival. "There is no dump station on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this," advises an RVer who stayed at Winter Island Park, suggesting campers should plan accordingly for longer stays.
