Winter Island Park in Salem features waterfront camping with 12 miles of coastline access near Nahant, Massachusetts. Camping options include RV sites, tent sites and yurt accommodations ranging from basic to full hookups. Most sites are within walking distance of historic Fort Pickering and the beach area. Winter's typically mild with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season from May through October.
What to do
Explore historical sites: At Winter Island Park, campers can discover remnants of Fort Pickering and maritime history. "There's a trail around the park with markers, but they're not well maintained. Stay here if you want to be near the water or explore the region," notes Jean C.
Visit nearby towns: Camp at Winter Island for easy access to Salem attractions. "Small camp. Have very few campsites, you definitely need to reserve a spot before you come. The manager, David, is super friendly and helped me out BIG because I didn't have a reservation and they were filled up. Very close to down town Salem!" shares Sadie A.
Day trips to Boston: Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides military families a strategic base for Boston excursions. "The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB. Proximity to the base provides access to the base exchange and other facilities, but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces," explains Janet R.
Water activities: Kayaking and fishing opportunities abound near coastal campgrounds. "We spent a weekend here on a tent site close to the beach. There was no parking at our site, but the parking lot was only 25 yards away so it was not an issue... Being so close to the beach had its pros and cons. The pros were the great view, easy put in for our kayaks, and convenience for fishing and trail walking," reports Cynthia K.
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Cape Ann Camp Site offers wooded sites with easy beach access. "Cape Ann Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilites are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff," says Rebecca S. The campground balances forest seclusion with coastal convenience.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings at Cape Ann. "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area. Definitely recommend it!" shares Cristina P.
Wildlife viewing: Camping near Nahant offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird. It would have been great if they offered a nature trail in the campground since the forest was so beautiful," notes a visitor at Wakeda Campground.
Scenic island camping: For a more remote experience, island yurt camping near Nahant provides unique perspectives. "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks. The yurts on Peddocks are great, providing shelter from the elements, bunks with mattresses, electricity, a ceiling fan, table with benches, and a grill," according to a visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Winter Island books quickly during peak season. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites!" advises Rae M.
Beach conditions: Beaches near camping areas have variable conditions. "The beach is interesting with some tide pools as well as sand and warm water. Life guards were paying attention," notes Lisa M. about Winter Island.
Limited services: Some campgrounds have restricted amenities. "There is no hot water for showers, no separation between some tent sites, strong sewer smell in woman's restroom & on some campsites, late check-in (7:45 p.m.) was a bit tricky," explains a camper at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Off-season considerations: Camping near Nahant changes dramatically by season. "Once the season closes very quiet, lots of stores in the area close. The base it self is very clean and quiet with beach access during low tide," mentions Larry N. about Fourth Cliff Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Normandy Farms Campground offers extensive family programming. "They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean. I highly recommend staying here. It was a lot of fun," shares Liz W.
Kid-friendly beaches: Winter Island Park provides safe swimming areas. "Winters island is a beautiful campground in Salem,ma. We stayed 2times in the month of June and 1 time each in July and august...the kids had a great time by the sea and the playground," explains Candace H.
Wildlife education: Incorporate nature observation into family camping. "We camped at Lovells Island. 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 (which was in itself lovely and explained much of the harbor on the way) to Georges Island," shares Jess G.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground facilities. "Small camp. Have very few campsites, you definitely need to reserve a spot before you come. The manager, David, is super friendly and helped me out BIG because I didn't have a reservation and they were filled up. Very close to down town Salem!" reports a camper.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: When looking for RV sites near Nahant, consider site layout. "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome. They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot," advises Lajaun C. about Cape Ann.
Transportation options: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground provides good base camp location. "Within a short driving distance from the Boston area, Lakefront sites available, Canoe and kayak rentals available, Well stocked convenience store, Reasonable cell reception," notes a visitor.
Beach access for large rigs: Some coastal campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "We spent two nights at this campground- the closest camping to Boston. The campground is right on the ocean with incredible harbor views. It was an easy bike ride to the Salem Ferry to get access into Boston for the day," says Rae M. about Winter Island Park.
Dumping facilities: Check for sanitary stations before arrival. "Great location with water, sewer, and dump stations available," notes a reviewer about camping facilities in the area.