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Best Campgrounds near Newton, MA

646 Reviews

Newton, Massachusetts residents seeking camping opportunities can find a variety of options within a short drive of the city. Established campgrounds in the region include Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, Wompatuck State Park Campground in Hingham, and Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford. These destinations offer diverse camping styles including tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Ponkapoag Camp, located in the Blue Hills Reservation area about 15 miles from Newton, provides cabin camping opportunities in a more natural setting. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from spring through fall.

The camping season in eastern Massachusetts generally runs from April through October, with limited year-round options. Many Massachusetts state parks enforce specific regulations including no alcohol policies and strict quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Most developed campgrounds provide water access and restroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly. The region experiences typical New England weather patterns with humid summers and potentially cold, wet conditions in spring and fall. As one camper noted, "This is a great get away from the city for a weekend and there are a whole bunch of walking trails around the lake on the property."

Campgrounds near Newton frequently serve as convenient bases for exploring the greater Boston area and historic sites. Several developed campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs while still maintaining wooded settings. The proximity to Boston represents a key advantage, with multiple campers mentioning the convenience for city exploration. Hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities enhance the recreational value of these camping areas. At Harold Parker State Forest, "sites are large, often with good separation from neighbors," according to visitor feedback. Many campgrounds offer family-friendly environments with playgrounds and organized activities. Despite their proximity to urban areas, several campgrounds manage to maintain natural settings with reasonable privacy between campsites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Newton, Massachusetts (100)

    1. Normandy Farms Campground

    39 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / night

    "The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."

    "Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities.

    That being said it was very nice and felt safe."

    2. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 895-8245

    $17 - $23 / night

    "Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."

    "I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."

    3. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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."

    4. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 225-3953

    "The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB."

    "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."

    5. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 961-7007

    $20 - $65 / night

    "The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw."

    "The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake. There are about 25 rustic cabins, and a few tent sites dispersed throughout the camping area."

    6. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

    7. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 740-1605

    $8 - $55 / night

    "The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure."

    "You may choose to leave from Long Wharf, near the Aquarium T stop on the Blue line, or from Hingham, with overnight parking available."

    8. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 745-9430

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance."

    "We drove 3-1/2 days from Idaho to get to a COVID testing site which would take non MA residents and turn the results around under 48 hours. We needed quiet camping and not have it cost a fortune."

    9. Circle Campground Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Franklin Town, MA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 966-1136

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Im guessing these sites will be considered "close" to "moderately close" by other site standards but it housed my 24ft trailer, truck, and my family just fine.

    - Roads are a little narrow which made"

    "Everything you need 100% Everything clean 100% EASY Access to all attractions 100% We did Boston (caught the train), Salem, mystic seaport, Sturbridge village, plymouth rock, the Mayflower ship, and plymouth"

    10. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    16 miles
    Website

    "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."

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Recent Camping Photos near Newton, MA

309 Photos of 100 Newton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Newton, MA

646 Reviews of 100 Newton 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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).
  • Savanna B.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Place is nice, can get loud

    It's a nice campground with a pool and hottub. The store is a little overpriced. Most of the staff is okay but there are some that are a little rude. It can get loud at times but it's mostly chill

Guide to Newton

Cabin camping near Newton, Massachusetts offers year-round options with varying levels of amenities. Just 8-15 miles from Newton's city center, these accommodations provide shelter from New England's variable weather patterns while maintaining access to outdoor recreation. Winter camping is available at select locations, with heated cabin options extending the traditional camping season beyond the typical April-October window.

What to do

Historical exploration: 35 miles from Newton at Minute Man Campground provides access to Revolutionary War sites. "The White Mountains, New Hemisphere, is a must, worth the short drive especially if you can go in early October, when the leaves are changing. Boston is only 40 minutes away, and the best of Maine is also very close," notes camper Adam P.

Military aviation observation: Bedford location at Hanscom AFB FamCamp offers unique plane watching opportunities. "We enjoyed our stay at Hanscom, loved staying right across from a runway!!! We loved watching planes come and go!" shares Jacey H. This military-only campground has recently improved its facilities for the 2023 season.

Urban-adjacent hiking: Andover forest trails provide marked paths through wooded terrain. "Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun," according to a camper at Harold Parker State Forest. The area features multiple interconnected trail systems suitable for day hikes.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Spacious camping areas with natural buffers are available at many area campgrounds. "The sites are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds," reports Kelly F. about Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest.

Off-grid nature experience: Rustic cabins at Ponkapoag Camp provide a wilderness feel close to Boston. "Ponky is a hidden jem! Minutes from Boston, feels Miles away. Love the cabins! Spending Friday & Saturday in one of the cabins (w/woodstove) is deal for a winter weekend adventure!" explains camper Stu L. These cabins operate year-round but have no electricity or running water.

Off-season value: Reduced rates and crowds during spring and fall months. "Late April so there weren't too many campers in the park. Bathrooms were clean. Staff in the office were friendly and helpful," notes a camper at Circle Campground Farm, highlighting the benefits of shoulder-season camping near Newton.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Book well ahead for summer weekends at popular campgrounds. "We stayed at Harold Parker State Forest Campground during Memorial Day Weekend. Reservation through Reserve America was a breeze. Check in till 9:00 pm was convenient," explains a camper at Lorraine Park Campground.

No alcohol policy: State park restrictions prohibit alcoholic beverages. "Only complaint about Massachusetts state parks is no alcohol even while sitting in your site," mentions Randy R. about Lorraine Park Campground. Private campgrounds typically allow responsible consumption.

Transportation planning: Urban access requires strategic planning. "The commuter rail is 2 miles from the campground and during peak season a shuttle runs between the campground and Salem," notes a camper about Winter Island Park, describing options for reaching Boston without driving.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Heated pools extend water recreation seasons. "Clean sites and facilities. Staff was very helpful. Sites are a bit on the smaller side and not very private. Great location to see some of the historical sites in the area. Heated pool was great!" shares Stephanie about Minute Man Campground.

Beach camping: Oceanfront options available at certain locations. "We spent a weekend here on a tent site close to the beach. There was no parking at our site, but the parking lot was only 25 yards away so it was not an issue," explains Cynthia K. about Winter Island Park, noting the convenience of waterfront access.

Kid-friendly activities: Organized recreation at resort-style campgrounds. "This camping experience was fantastic. We have been here 3 times and will be back. Has everything you could want. Outdoor pool was heated and wonderful. Pet park is great and catch and release pond," shares Gale S. about Normandy Farms Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site selection considerations: Varying privacy levels across local campgrounds. "Some sites are more secluded than other camp grounds but can be a bit small. Bathrooms are nice and dumpsters available for trash. Family type of campground so not the quietest place," says Tim L. about Wompatuck State Park Campground.

Road width challenges: Navigation concerns for larger rigs. "Roads are a little narrow which made backing in a little challenging. I had to use other sites to complete the back-in process. If those sites were occupied, that would have been real interesting," warns Sean R. about Circle Campground Farm, highlighting a common issue at older New England campgrounds.

Full hookup availability: Limited options for complete services. "We stayed a week. No issues with water, sewer, electric, and cable. I was on site 87 and was able to level on the first try. The campground is a little tight with a big rig (40' motorhome pulling a vehicle on a dolly)," reports Rick C. about Circle Campground Farm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping sites are available near Newton?

Several quality camping options are available near Newton, Massachusetts. Ponkapoag Camp is exceptionally convenient for Boston-area residents, making it perfect for quick getaways without crossing bridges. For those seeking a family-friendly environment, Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest offers wooded sites less than 25 miles north of Boston and just minutes from the interstate. Other nearby options include Willard Brook State Forest Campground with its towering pines and Spacious Skies Minute Man with drive-in access and modern amenities.

Are there any camping grounds in Newton that are currently open?

Salisbury Beach State Reservation is open and provides water and electricity hookups—a feature not always available at Massachusetts State Parks. While it doesn't offer much privacy, its beachfront location makes it ideal for group camping trips. Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury is another open option, offering a clean, family-owned campground near the beach with a swimming pool. Massachusetts state parks typically have seasonal operations, so check official websites for current opening dates and reservation requirements.

What amenities do Newton campgrounds typically offer?

Campgrounds near Newton typically provide a range of amenities to enhance the camping experience. Wells State Park Campground features brand-new bathroom and shower facilities, plus opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing on Walker Pond. Otter River State Forest offers clean, well-maintained sites with swimming options in a pond or a short drive to a larger lake (camping pass covers both locations). Many Massachusetts state parks provide level sites and fire rings, though it's worth noting that alcohol is prohibited even at your campsite. Most campgrounds offer water access, restrooms, and some have electric hookups for RVs.

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