125 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Coastal campgrounds surround Newburyport, Massachusetts, with beach access as a primary attraction. The region includes several established campgrounds like Salisbury Beach State Reservation directly on the Atlantic Ocean and The Pines Camping Area in nearby Salisbury. Most sites accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying hookup options, while some locations like Wakeda Campground and Cape Ann Camp Site also offer cabin rentals and glamping accommodations. Beach-oriented mixed-use campgrounds dominate the area, providing convenient access to both saltwater beaches and freshwater recreation along the Merrimack River.
Camping in this coastal region operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from May through mid-October. "Really nice park on the ocean," noted one visitor about Salisbury Beach State Reservation. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when beach access is in high demand. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups but lack sewer connections at individual sites. Weather conditions can change rapidly along the coast, with strong ocean breezes common at exposed beachfront locations. Sites are typically arranged in open layouts with minimal privacy and shade, reflecting the coastal terrain. Road access is generally good with paved surfaces suitable for larger RVs and trailers at most established camping areas.
Several visitors mention the dual benefit of ocean and river access at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. "The ocean is on one side and the Merrimack River is on another side with a marsh that is great for canoeing, kayaking and fishing," explained one camper. Dog-friendly policies are highlighted in multiple reviews as a significant advantage, especially at locations where pets can access designated swimming areas. Family-oriented activities dominate the camping experience, with nearby beach towns offering arcades, restaurants, and entertainment. While sites provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, most lack natural separation between neighboring campsites. The proximity to coastal communities like Newburyport, Salem, and Portsmouth offers opportunities for day trips to explore historic New England towns when not enjoying beach activities.
"The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40’ electrical cord."
"However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."
"Kids had enough driving for the day so we had to stop. We called last min and were thankful they had a spot. Arrived at dark and they were friendly and accommodating."
"They put me in the perfect site, near the dog park (they have a dog park!). When the forecast changed to thunderstorms, they let me switch my dates without any hassle. "
"We had bathrooms located near our site. They were four separate bathrooms that had a sink and toilet and were clean. They did offer showers in another area but I did not use them."
from $48 - $97 / night
Check Availability"entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."
"We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"
"north of Boston and <5 miles from the interstate, Lorraine Park campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides ample on-site activities and also serves as a jumping off point for exploring the Massachusetts"
"You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."
from $17 - $45 / night
Check Availability"The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located. The park is in a good location and pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1."
"So clean, friendly staff and plenty to do here or close by. Minutes away from some very nice beaches"
"One side of the campground is bordered by an inlet that fishing boats use to head out from the harbor. Another side is sand dunes, that are the south end of Hampton beach."
"Hampton Beach SP is a small beachside campground for self-contained RVs only; if you’re in a tent, you may want to look south to Salisbury SP just a few miles across the border into MA."
from $70 / night
Check Availability"Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you"
"Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower."
from $36 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Much of the lake is better suited to paddle craft rather than motor boats due to it's shallow nature and rocks. The an expansive beach as well, a camp store and boat rentals."
"We were caught off guard by how far we had to drive from the entrance into the park to reach out campsite, but that was great - far away from the road."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"There’s not much around here to do, but for us we enjoyed the calmness."
from $35 - $46 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe stayed at site 81, it was near the entrance and right on the pond! The sites were spacious, so it was easy to maneuver our 21 ft travel trailer. The camp bathrooms were across from our site, they weren’t terrible but could use a bit of cleaning!
ScoutGreat little mom and pop campground with tent and RV sites
TravelerDecent campground but way overpriced You would think for $154 per night plus taxes that the sites would at least be level and well maintained…. Not the case Gravel site full of weeds
TravelerLittle small backing in with our camper. They have larger lots. Will choose one a touch larger. Overall nice campground
TravelerThis is seriously our favorite RV park we have been to. We stayed here for an extended stay between August-October of last year. The staff goes above and beyond to plan for events for the whole family throughout the summer and fall. It was so peaceful and relaxing but also filled with fun events that we could take part in. A lot of parks you end up paying more for the “amenities” and it’s not worth it. Well that’s not the case here. It’s worth a little extra for all the amenities. Can’t wait to visit again one day.
ScoutFriendly owners. Best price in the area. Water, electric at all RV sites. and septic at some. There is a dumping spot. Great river to kayak. Pool to swim with kiddie pool that has sprinklers (they love!!!). Nothing fancy but comfortable and clean. Love lazy river!!!
TravelerPublished rules are can only be here for 30 days with a three week extension possible. The fact is at least half of the spaces are occupied by full time residents with one resident stating she has been here for two years. The airfield noise is excessive during the day. The airfield closes at 11 PM so at least it is not all night long. We booked a pull through and they wanted to put us in a small back in site with shared utilities. I put my foot down and was given a pull through. On a positive note, the bath house is clean and the laundry room is not over priced
ScoutGreat people, family friendly, lots of activities
ScoutThis is a really great campground. However, the cell service is terrible. I do have Wi-Fi, but it is very weak. I would count on having to use Starlink.
Camping near Newburyport, Massachusetts offers a mix of inland forest settings and coastal access points within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer humidity reaching 70-80% and overnight temperatures dropping to 50°F even in July. Most campgrounds operate from mid-April through mid-October with peak season rates averaging $45-70 per night depending on hookup options and proximity to water.
Paddle sports on multiple waterways: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy both lake and wetland environments. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," reports Matt R. The park rents canoes and kayaks for those without their own equipment.
Fishing opportunities: Seasonal fishing spots range from freshwater to saltwater locations. "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching," explains Nancy W. about her experience at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Explore historic coastal towns: Many campgrounds serve as bases for day trips to nearby communities. "Boston and Salem are very close and you can take a train which is only 5 minutes away from the campground," notes a camper at Beach Rose RV Park. The location provides easy access to shopping and dining options as well.
Waterfront camping sites: Several campgrounds feature direct water access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" explains J L. at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. These premium sites often require reservations 6-12 months in advance.
Well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness ranks high in camper preferences. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," shares Rebecca S. about her stay at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
Swimming options: Both saltwater and freshwater swimming are available throughout the region. "Loved the campground. Pull through sites, while close were arranged in such a way so that you are not next to the sewer hookup of your neighbor. A big plus for me," notes Mommy D. at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more secluded spots than others. "Cape Ann Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilities are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff," explains Rebecca S. The tent sites are typically more private than RV areas.
Reservation timing matters: Peak season fills quickly, especially for waterfront sites. "Extremely crowded in high season, empty in off season. Extremely close to the beach," notes Caitlin B. about Hampton Beach State Park Campground. Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends often require bookings 6-12 months in advance.
Weather considerations: Coastal locations experience stronger winds. "It it gets windy too," warns Rani C. at Salisbury Beach State Reservation. Inland campgrounds offer more protection from coastal storms and ocean breezes.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "It was a nice no frills campground. We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm," shares Kris S. about Wakeda Campground.
Swimming beaches: Kid-friendly water access varies by location. "The campground was great. Nice sites plenty of space and with a full park for the weekend you didn't feel on top of each other," explains Ryan B. about his experience at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer scheduled activities. "The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean. The camp store is well stocked. You can rent kayaks here. Lots of small people powered boats on the lake," notes Susan B. about Pawtuckaway State Park.
Hookup locations: RV site layouts can present challenges. "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord. Park staff told us we could back onto the grass in order to reach the electric and since the ground was hard packed sand we were able to do that," shares Nancy W.
Site leveling: Surface conditions vary by campground. "Level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet," reports Jackie M. about her stay at Cape Ann Camp Site. Most established RV parks have gravel or concrete pads, while state parks typically offer more natural surfaces.
Access road conditions: Interior roads can be narrow at some locations. "The roads in the park are fairly narrow and we had to drive over the grass across from our site in order to back in," explains a reviewer about Sea Coast Camping. Larger RVs should call ahead to confirm accessibility for their specific rig size.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best season for camping in Newburyport, MA?
Late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the best camping weather in Newburyport. Summer is peak season with warm temperatures ideal for beach activities, particularly at Salisbury Beach State Reservation where you can enjoy oceanfront camping. The reservation gets quite busy during summer holidays, so book well in advance. Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds. Spring can be pleasant but expect some rain and cooler evenings. Most campgrounds in the area open from April/May through October, with full services available during summer months. Winter camping is limited as many facilities close seasonally due to New England's harsh winter conditions.
What campgrounds are available near Newburyport, MA?
Several excellent campgrounds surround Newburyport, each with distinctive features. Wakeda Campground offers dog-friendly accommodations with remote sites and a dedicated dog park. For oceanside camping, The Pines Camping Area in Salisbury provides convenient beach access. Other nearby options include Thousand Trails Moody Beach with good proximity to coastal attractions, and Willard Brook State Forest Campground with level sites surrounded by towering pines. For campers seeking convenience to Boston while still enjoying nature, Lorraine Park Campground in Harold Parker State Forest offers wooded sites less than 25 miles from the city.
What amenities do camping sites in Newburyport offer?
Campgrounds near Newburyport offer diverse amenities to enhance your stay. Beach Rose RV Park provides clean facilities, a swimming pool, and easy beach access, all with friendly staff that accommodates last-minute bookings even during busy weekends. Seacoast Camping and RV Resort features newly added 50-amp full hookup sites with pull-through options for big rigs, clean grounds, and reasonable rates (around $43/night). Most area campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, shower facilities, dump stations, and picnic tables. Some include swimming areas, dog parks, camp stores, and planned activities. WiFi quality varies significantly between parks, with connectivity often better near main buildings.
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