Camping options near Newburyport, Massachusetts range from oceanfront sites with full hookups to wooded inland campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Most Newburyport area campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with peak pricing during July and August when temperatures average 80-85°F. Several campgrounds offer river access for paddling activities, with tidal changes affecting water levels by 8-10 feet daily.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the lake. "This 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," notes Matt R. The park features waterfront sites that are especially popular for fishing.
Beach visits: At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, ocean access is just steps away. "We stayed in a site right next to a large bathhouse with showers, plentiful stalls, and water bottle fill-up and rinse off station," shares Meg T. The campground provides immediate beach access with sites that accommodate both tents and RVs.
Historical exploration: For day trips to nearby historic sites, Beach Rose RV Park serves as an excellent base. "Boston and Salem are very close and you can take a train which is only 5 minutes away from the campground," mentions a reviewer. This location allows for convenient train access without driving into congested city areas.
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Hampton Beach State Park Campground offers a different experience outside summer months. "Extremely crowded in high season, empty in off season. Extremely close to the beach," reports Caitlin B. The campground provides full hookups with direct beach access, making shoulder season visits particularly appealing.
Wooded seclusion: Cape Ann Camp Site offers wooded sites that provide more privacy than many coastal options. "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," writes Cristina P. The campground features a mix of tent and RV sites set among large boulders and mature trees.
Clean facilities: Wakeda Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and common areas. "The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean," notes Kelly F., who has camped there for multiple seasons. Sites are spread out with more room than typical beach campgrounds, making it popular with those seeking a balance of amenities and space.
What you should know
Seasonal pet restrictions: Despite being pet-friendly year-round on trails, Pawtuckaway State Park has specific seasonal limitations. "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months," reports Erin W. Pets are permitted on hiking trails throughout the year but are banned from camping areas and beaches from May through September.
Site privacy varies: At Harold Parker State Forest (Lorraine Park Campground), site seclusion differs significantly. "The sites' privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size," explains Migdalia G. Research specific site numbers when booking for optimal privacy.
Weather considerations: Many campgrounds near Newburyport experience significant mosquito activity during summer months, particularly in wooded areas. Sites along the coast benefit from ocean breezes but may experience sudden weather changes. Waterfront sites at inland lakes can flood during heavy rains.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: The Pines Camping Area offers swimming alternatives to ocean beaches. "The pool is awesome in the morning," shares a reviewer. The campground provides a more controlled swimming environment than ocean beaches, making it suitable for families with young children.
Wildlife viewing: Lorraine Park Campground offers nature observation opportunities. "My son and I loved watching the baby field mice play in the marsh land," writes Heather B. The campground's proximity to wetlands creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, though bug protection is essential.
Budget considerations: Comparing campground rates reveals significant price variations. State parks like Salisbury Beach charge $47/night for non-residents, while private campgrounds may range from $43-80/night depending on hookups and location. Hampton Beach State Park costs $70/night for oceanfront sites, which requires advance planning as "reservations are usually made a year in advance," according to Kevin K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort (formerly Shel-Al Campground) has specific site recommendations. "Half of the park is seasonal campers (which is a lot more cramped and more junked up) and the other half is for transients. The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located," explains Nancy W. Request sites in the newer section for more space and better hookups.
Hookup placement: Salisbury Beach State Reservation has unusual utility configuration. "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," shares Nancy W. Bring extra-long power and water hoses, especially for sites along the perimeter.
Satellite reception: Beach Rose RV Park has variable connectivity due to tree coverage. The campground doesn't provide cable TV, and satellite reception depends on site location. Cell service is generally good throughout the Newburyport area, with Verizon providing consistent coverage at most campgrounds.
