Northern Massachusetts coastal campgrounds offer a mix of wooded inland settings and beachside locations with varied seasonal operations. Most RV parks near Newbury, Massachusetts run from early May through mid-October, with full facilities opening by Memorial Day weekend. Cell reception ranges from excellent along coastal areas to spotty in more remote inland locations, affecting work-from-campsite possibilities.
What to do
Beach activities in Rye area: Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort provides convenient access to nearby Hampton Beach and Wallis Sand Beach, just 5 miles east. "About 5 miles to the east is Hampton Beach and a little farther is the town of Rye which are worth the drive. There we discovered Ray's Seafood and Petey's Summertime Seafood where you can get a great meal right next to the water," notes one camper at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
Golfing options: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park combines camping with golfing on 1300 acres with a 9 or 18-hole course. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc," shares a reviewer at Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park. Facilities include clean laundry center, restrooms, bath house, grocery store, bar and grill.
Regional exploration: Using campgrounds as a base for coastal exploration works well. "We love visiting the Kittery Trading Post (in Maine) which is a good outdoor outfitter and eating at Bob's Clam Hut," comments a camper about day trips. Proximity to Portsmouth and Newburyport allows for easy access to historic coastal towns within 20 minutes of some campgrounds.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Sea Coast Camping is consistently praised for maintenance. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," notes a camper at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort. Bathroom facilities at most area campgrounds receive positive reviews.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Cole's Mine RV Resort offers themed attractions for families. "Super fun pool and a small campground so not many people crowding the pool. Many nice fishing spots and lots of play areas and outdoor recreation," writes a reviewer at Cole's Mine RV Resort and Campground. The heated pool with water slide receives particular praise.
Proximity to beaches: Beach Rose RV Park provides easy access to Salisbury Beach. "Cute little campground about a mile from the beach. Clean and friendly staff. Kid friendly," shares a camper. Many visitors appreciate biking distance to beaches, allowing for car-free beach trips.
What you should know
GPS navigation issues: Some campgrounds have tricky entrances not properly marked on map applications. "A little tip about GPS: 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," warns a visitor at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant differences between sections. "We were on S1, near a septic pipe & there was a severely nauseating, strong smell of sewage coming from it; we went to the front desk the next day & asked to move to S5," reports one camper. Request newer sections when available as they typically feature more spacious sites.
Reservation details: Confirm your site number and check-in procedures before arrival. Some campgrounds use third-party reservation systems that don't include site numbers in confirmation emails, creating confusion during late arrivals.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: For families with children, Cole's Mine RV Resort stands out. "2 amazing playgrounds, clean facilities and one amazing pool. We are local to the area and are thrilled to have met the owners and Cole himself," reports a local visitor. The themed water attractions keep children entertained during hot summer days.
Entertainment options: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities. "The live band was cool but we had golf carts & parked vehicles pretty much surrounding us & some right on our campsite," notes one family about unexpected entertainment at their tent site. Check activity schedules when booking to select sites away from pavilions if seeking quiet.
Cell service consideration: When camping with tech-dependent teens, cell service varies significantly. "Forget about cellphone signal, it was 0," reports one tent camper. Plan offline activities for campgrounds with limited connectivity or position your RV sites near Newbury, Massachusetts campground offices where WiFi typically performs better.
Tips from RVers
Site configurations: RV sites at Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort offer more privacy than typical. "The close location to dining, motorcycle rides, wide/grassy sites and quietness all contribute to a very good stay," notes an RVer at Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort. Paved roads throughout the campground make for easier bike riding.
Navigational challenges: Interior roads at some campgrounds require careful maneuvering for larger rigs. Some campers report needing to drive over grass areas to complete turns into tight back-in sites. Consider length limitations when booking.
Membership considerations: For longer stays, explore discount programs. "Consider the Thousand Trails membership when booking this site. Our annual membership fees basically covered what it would cost to camp here for two weeks," advises one RVer at Thousand Trails Moody Beach. These memberships can significantly reduce costs for multi-week stays.
