Several RV parks near New Bedford, Massachusetts offer camping accommodations within easy reach of coastal attractions. Situated between Cape Cod Bay and Narragansett Bay, this southeastern Massachusetts region features mostly flat terrain with elevations under 100 feet, making it accessible for RVs of all sizes. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October when temperatures range from 45°F to 85°F.
What to do
Beach access: Camping at Peters Pond RV Resort puts you near several swimming options. "We stayed at the campground and loved it. Weather was still warm. Pool was good, pond was great. We really enjoyed the beach raft, able to kayak and did some fishing," reports John D.
Biking trails: The area features several bike paths connecting campgrounds to beaches and towns. One camper at Old Chatham Road RV Resort noted, "There is a huge area of walking and bike paths adjacent to the campground (enter next to the blue bathhouse on A road)." These trails are typically paved and well-maintained.
Historical tours: Newport's historic sites are accessible from nearby campgrounds. "Loved the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston," writes Michael J. about Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod, highlighting the central location for exploring New England history.
What campers like
Pond swimming: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming ponds as alternatives to coastal beaches. A camper at Peters Pond RV Resort mentioned, "The pool and pond were both great for swimming and they did have some lounge chairs to use at pond." These freshwater options provide swimming without salt water or crowds.
Dog-friendly amenities: Several parks feature dedicated dog areas. At Newport RV Park, "We got a great pull through full hookup with a 5 minute walk to a huge dog park. There are also a bunch of beautiful trails right from the park," writes Ilana F.
Fishing opportunities: Ponds at many campgrounds offer fishing without needing a boat. "We fished, hiked, swam, crabbed and had awesome camp fires. We could of lived off of the land if so inclined," notes John H. about Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod.
What you should know
Cell service variations: While most parks offer decent connectivity, signal strength varies by carrier. At Gateway to Cape Cod, one camper reported, "AT&T hotspot worked well even for zoom calls. Verizon on my phone a bit weak. Camp link Wifi costs extra but actually works well!"
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. Brad B. at Newport RV Park noted, "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)."
Seasonal considerations: Camping after Labor Day offers advantages. "School started late so we were able to book after the holiday in September. Weather was still warm. It was not crowded that time of year, so it was very enjoyable," shared John D. about Peters Pond RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly Cape Cod's Maple Park Campground offers organized events. "This is the perfect family campground with lots of activities for the whole family during the on season. Your whole family will be entertained," says Judy P.
Site selection for kids: Request sites near playgrounds when traveling with children. "Nice campground, a mix of seasonal & short-term visitors. My kids enjoyed playing tennis & swimming in the pool at the campground - there is also mini-golf," notes a reviewer at Ashaway RV Resort.
Beach proximity: Consider campgrounds with water access for family entertainment. "Large sites and very friendly staff. This campground has a great dog park, pool, large pond," reports Orange L. about Peters Pond RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Sap considerations: Tree coverage affects RV maintenance. Michael J. warns about Gateway to Cape Cod: "Biggest negative was the trees can drop a lot of sap so be ready to wash your rig and vehicles as soon as you leave if it was a heavy sap time."
Military options: Service members have exclusive camping options at Carr Point Recreation Facility. "There are only 6 spots, so it's guaranteed to be a pretty peaceful, quiet place. Nice water views and close to a walkable beach," writes Laura R.
Utility hookups: Full-service sites are limited at some parks. One reviewer at Countryside RV Park noted, "We had a great time. Water, electric & sewer sites. Very quiet, rules are in-forced." Most parks offer 30-amp service with limited 50-amp availability.