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Best Campgrounds near New Bedford, MA

657 Reviews

Campgrounds near New Bedford, Massachusetts feature a mix of state parks, private resorts, and reservation-based facilities within 20-30 miles of the city. Horseneck Beach State Reservation provides beachfront camping with sites for tents and RVs, while Boston/Cape Cod KOA in Middleboro offers cabin accommodations along with traditional camping options. Several developed campgrounds in the region, including Massasoit State Park and Myles Standish State Forest, accommodate both tent campers and RVs with varying levels of amenities and hookups.

The camping season in southeastern Massachusetts typically runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when coastal locations fill quickly. Campgrounds near Cape Cod experience particularly high demand from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Most state parks in the region require advance booking through the Massachusetts reservation system, while private campgrounds often allow direct reservations. Accessibility varies significantly between locations, with some campgrounds offering full hookups and others providing more primitive experiences. As one visitor noted, "The campground is split into different areas depending on your needs (electric, equestrian, tent-only)."

Waterfront access represents a significant attraction for campers in the New Bedford area, with several campgrounds offering proximity to beaches, ponds, or the Cape Cod Canal. Horseneck Beach State Reservation receives consistently positive reviews for its oceanfront location despite limited amenities. According to a visitor, "You cannot beat the location. The beach is rocky, but we can quickly walk to the main beach area." Mixed reviews mention issues with ticks at some coastal campgrounds and varying bathroom cleanliness. Campgrounds inland from the coast generally offer more wooded settings and privacy between sites. Proximity to Cape Cod attractions, Providence, and Newport provides additional recreational opportunities for campers, with many visitors using the campgrounds as a base for exploring the broader region.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Bedford, Massachusetts (92)

    1. Massasoit State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lakeville, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 822-7405

    $17 - $27 / night

    "Other than the bees, it was peaceful, and nobody bothered you. i would recommend lots of bee spray and a screen house, but hopefully it was an isolation situation."

    "We were located in the no electric no water area and even though every site was taken, it was surprisingly more private than you'd expect."

    2. Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    22 Reviews
    Middleboro, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 947-6435

    "This is a busy campground due to its location . Easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, Newport, and many more attractions."

    "We selected this campground because of its proximity to family who we would be visiting. It was very convenient to Providence, Cape Cod, and Duxbury."

    3. Horseneck Beach State Reservation

    13 Reviews
    Westport Point, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 636-8817

    $22 - $28 / night

    "While we are still nursing a grudge over the ridiculous price gouging Massachusetts enforces on non-residents, I have to admit that the infrastructure of this campground is lovely."

    "The campground is well laid out, easy to navigate, and embraces the natural beauty of the dunes along the Massachusetts south coast.

    Rest rooms and showers are clean and well kept."

    4. Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    19 Reviews
    South Carver, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 866-2526

    $17 - $35 / night

    "My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."

    "Good access to surrounding new England towns."

    5. Newport RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Portsmouth, RI
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (401) 682-2424

    $70 - $140 / night

    "We chose this park due to its location close to downtown Newport (a mere five miles). There is a lot to do in this area and we wanted to spend time sightseeing. "

    "The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. However, they have great paver stone patios and fire pits."

    6. Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod

    5 Reviews
    Rochester, MA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Heavily treed and shaded campground, extremely large to walk from front to back. Had good kids crafts. Loved the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston."

    "fished, hiked, swam, crabbed and had awesome camp fires.We could of lived off of the land if so inclined.We had plenty of room and the sites as well as the entire campground was clean we also had access to"

    7. Bourne Scenic Park

    13 Reviews
    Buzzards Bay, MA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 759-7873

    "Bike path along the canal, easy access.

    Lots of playgrounds for different ages

    Bounce pad (in-ground)

    Pool

    Stair access to canal bike path."

    "Bourne Scenic Park is conveniently located near many of Cape Cod’s attractions including beaches, golf courses, historic landmarks, restaurants and shopping. "

    8. Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground

    21 Reviews
    Sandwich, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 888-0351

    $17 - $55 / night

    "I like this campground because it is close to home.  There isn't much to do here within the campground.  It has two areas.  The one nearer the camp entrance is smaller than the second. "

    "We have stayed here during our exploration around cape cod. It's a but farther away from the main location, but we loved the quiet and tranquility of this campground."

    9. Cape Cod Campresort & Cabins

    11 Reviews
    North Falmouth, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 548-1458

    "Nice campground, but need to get sites away from the backside of the pool, street noise is too loud"

    "That being said, we use this mostly as a location to do other things- Old Silver Beach is 10 minutes down the road as is the Shining Sea Bike path."

    10. Jellystone Park™ Cranberry Acres

    8 Reviews
    South Carver, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 866-4040

    $70 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near New Bedford, MA

259 Photos of 92 New Bedford Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Bedford, MA

657 Reviews of 92 New Bedford Campgrounds

  • SkipperAllen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Very nice stopover

    Good place to spend the night.It was quiet comfortable and plenty of room between campsites

  • G
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Coastal Acres Campground

    Favorite campsite of all time

    Absolutely adore this campground. Much of what others have said in the reviews is true – the sites are small and there’s not a ton of privacy in many spots (although you certainly can find more private spots if you know which to book). But none of this is really matters given the location. Less than 10 minute walk to downtown Provincetown, and an extremely safe, enjoyable walk. You cannot beat the access to one of the best towns in the world. The campground also felt very safe and incredibly quiet.

  • Paul K.
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Fort Getty Campground

    Great Park Just Not for Camping

    Forty Getty Park RV Campground seems like a great location, with a good bit of history and a lot to offer to anyone visiting, which is why I was eager to visit it this past weekend while traveling through the Jamestown area of Rhode Island. I'd still call it a great place to visit, just not the best to attempt to stay at overnight or camp at. That is something else entirely in this case. 

    THE GOOD👍 Again, an absolutely gorgeous location on the shores of Jamestown😍 that being the park, NOT the campgrounds. The campground itself🏕 and particularly the⛺️ tenting section are pretty far removed from any of that and the water itself in reality. 

    THE Bad. In actuality, the campground looks to be a complete afterthought. More like, What should we do with this little grassy area next to the RV park?... oh maybe that can be for tents! Or,. Where the hell are we going to fit some tents⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️⛺️around here? Oh, I know, how about over on the hill by the bathrooms?🚻 next to the RV park fencing? Oh yeah, that sounds Perfect👍 

    The Ugly There's no Ugly. The people seem nice, the park is great,t and everyone working there was polite and courteous. It's just a shame they haven't given any real consideration to the camping section or provided a real space for campers to come enough the area. What you're left with is a grassy knoll with a bunch of tent sites tightly clustered together and right next to or on top of the RV park in a way that didn't seem necessary.

  • Eric LeBoeuf
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Meh its ok

    Bathrooms are out dated showers have tiles falling off very small showers also quiet hrs are enforced on Friday nights only it seems

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Repeat customer and I sure hope we can again!

    We were here a couple years ago and told everyone we knew about it in the PNW never knowing if our big road trips would have us near Foxboro again. Imagine our surprise and delight when our quest to hit all the MLB parks showed Normandy as proximal to Fenway. Yahoo! Red Sox win and we get to be here again. Kids and adults alike love it. What’s not to love. It’s the kind of place summer camping trip memories are made of. 4 pools, fishing pond, lodge, trivia night, soccer, baseball, softball and frisbee golf and so much more. Full hook ups. Super long sites.

  • Rose P.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ashaway RV Resort

    Rude Staff

    Standard crabgrass parking lot with drunks driving around on golf carts and RV's stacked on top of each other. The woman who runs the office is a very angry person and it made the entire visit unpleasant, which is no surprise as she has been hostile and unwelcoming the several times I've visited. Pool looks nice though I guess, I've never dared to use it for fear of breaking one of the many unwritten and unspoken rules. A great place for people who enjoy eating dinner next to your neighbor's septic pipe. I called to ask if they allowed dogs and was told "NO" just to arrive and be asked to park next to the dog park.

Guide to New Bedford

Camping near New Bedford, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to enjoy family adventures, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Nickerson State Park Campground, have lovely trails and ponds. One reviewer mentioned, "Hikes around the ponds and swimming is lovely."
  • Exploring Cape Cod: Campgrounds such as Wompatuck State Park Campground are close to Cape Cod, making it easy to explore the area. A visitor noted, "Wompatuck is a charming state park with numerous hidden trails known mostly to locals."
  • Family Activities: Campgrounds like Normandy Farms Campground offer plenty of activities for kids. One happy camper said, "Absolutely love this campground. It has so many things for the kids to do."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A reviewer at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are very nice."
  • Privacy: Many campers enjoy the spacious sites. One visitor at Shawme Crowell State Forest said, "The privacy, facilities, and nearby local places to go and explore exceeded our expectations."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at George Washington State Campground noted, "Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."

What you should know:

  • Busy in Summer: Campgrounds can get crowded during peak season. One camper at Nickerson State Park Campground said, "This campground gets very busy in summer."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There is NOT a decent amount of land between each campsite."
  • Pricing for Non-Residents: Non-Massachusetts residents may find camping costs higher. A reviewer at Massasoit State Park Campground said, "If you are out of state, you definitely don’t get what you pay for."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids, like Normandy Farms Campground. One parent shared, "Everyone is so friendly. Can't wait to go back for the 4th of July."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Shawme Crowell State Forest advised, "Bug spray and fans are a definite when sitting outside due to mosquitoes."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground mentioned, "Very lush and green, and the showers are close to the sites and make longer stays more comfortable."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. A reviewer at Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground noted, "The site we chose is very uneven so leveling the RV wasn't real easy."
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: If you're in an RV, be prepared with leveling blocks. A camper at Normandy Farms Campground said, "We basically had to park sideways and use a lot of leveling blocks to get our rig level."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, especially during summer. A visitor at Boston/Cape Cod KOA recommended, "I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground."

Camping near New Bedford, MA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free camping options near New Bedford?

Free camping options are extremely limited near New Bedford and throughout Massachusetts. Ponkapoag Camp offers some of the most affordable camping in the region, though not free, and is conveniently located for Boston area residents. The camping area around Blue Hills Reservation provides basic facilities at budget-friendly rates. For those with self-contained RVs, some Walmarts in the broader region may permit overnight parking, but always check with management first as policies vary by location. Massachusetts state forests sometimes offer more economical camping compared to state parks, though all require fees. For truly free camping, you'll likely need to venture into neighboring states like New Hampshire or Maine where dispersed camping is more widely permitted in national forests.

Is dispersed camping allowed in the New Bedford area?

Dispersed camping (also called primitive or backcountry camping) is not permitted in the New Bedford area or most of eastern Massachusetts. All camping in this region must be done at designated campgrounds with proper facilities. State forests like Myles Standish State Forest and Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offer more rustic camping experiences but still require camping in designated sites with permits. Massachusetts has strict regulations against camping on public lands outside of established campgrounds. For those seeking a more isolated experience, these state forests offer larger sites with more privacy than many private campgrounds, though you'll still be in a managed camping environment with basic amenities like restrooms and water access.

What are the best campgrounds near New Bedford, MA?

Within an hour's drive of New Bedford, Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers oceanfront camping with convenient amenities including water spigots, generator use during daytime hours, and an on-site dump station. The beachfront location is its standout feature despite basic facilities. Another excellent option is Scusset Beach State Reservation, located near the Sagamore Bridge. While primarily catering to RVs, it does offer some wooded tent sites. Both locations get busy during summer months, so reservations are highly recommended. Other quality options in the region include Myles Standish State Forest campgrounds and Shawme Crowell State Forest, both offering peaceful woodland settings within reasonable driving distance to New Bedford.

What family-friendly camping activities are available near New Bedford?

The New Bedford area offers numerous family-friendly camping experiences. At Nickerson State Park Campground, families can access the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike path, which connects to both bay and ocean beaches. The park features lovely hiking trails and is walking distance to a bayside beach, with bike rentals available nearby. For a unique island adventure, Marthas Vineyard Family Campground provides camping on one of Massachusetts' most beloved islands with activities for all ages. Families can also enjoy the multiple ponds at Myles Standish State Forest for swimming and fishing, or explore the Boston/Cape Cod KOA's organized activities like scavenger hunts and movie nights, all within driving distance of New Bedford.

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