Seasonal camping near North Andover offers options between May and October, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day. Located in Essex County at around 100 feet above sea level, this area experiences typical New England weather patterns with warm summers and colorful falls. Winter camping options are limited as temperatures drop below freezing from December through March.
What to do
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: At Bear Brook State Park Campground, visitors can access extensive trail systems directly from campsites. "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails! Will def be coming back," reports camper Kimberly R. The park spans 10,000 acres with trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels.
Archery practice for all skill levels: Bear Brook State Park Campground features two archery ranges among its recreational facilities. The ranges accommodate both beginners and experienced archers, with wheelchair-accessible options available. "There are at least three campground areas, one of which is on an island and has tent sites along the water," notes Harry H.
Geocaching adventures: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers excellent geocaching opportunities across its 1,300-acre property. "This campground is 1300 acres owned and operated by the Simonsen family in Derry, NH," explains reviewer Christy C. Many caches are maintained year-round, though some seasonal ones are removed during winter months.
What campers like
Waterfront sites with direct lake access: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground features premium lakeside sites that allow campers to launch boats directly from their campsite. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares J L. These sites typically require reservations 6-9 months in advance during peak season.
Family-friendly atmosphere with wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Cape Ann Camp Site where wildlife sightings are common. "Cape Ann Campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites. The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," reports Della S. Another camper mentions, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Yurt camping options near North Andover: Hanscom AFB FamCamp offers a unique yurt camping experience within driving distance of North Andover. "The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent," explains Janet R. This military recreation area provides a peaceful retreat despite being adjacent to an active airbase.
What you should know
Military-only restrictions: Hanscom AFB FamCamp limits access to military personnel and their families. "Military only campground. Working on improving the grounds and services available. Limited sites available off season," notes Heather C. The facility operates primarily from early May through October with reduced services outside peak season.
Pet policies vary by season: Some campgrounds have seasonal restrictions on pets. "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. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess," warns Erin W. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Shower facilities often require quarters: At Winter Island Park, "The bathrooms were very clean and being cleaned constantly," according to Heather P. However, most area campgrounds have pay showers requiring quarters. Cape Ann Camp Site features "Clean Bathrooms and pay showers (5 cents)," though one camper noted this is likely outdated pricing.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: The Pines Camping Area offers family-friendly swimming areas with gentle shorelines. "This camp ground was great for my family and doggie. Everyone we encountered was friendly," shares Heather B. The campground features designated swimming areas with gradual entry points suitable for younger children.
Playgrounds for different age groups: Winter Island Park provides playground facilities that accommodate various age groups. "We ended up leaving earlier than planned to avoid another night with the skunk activity, because we really didn't want to risk driving home with any skunk spray odor," notes Cynthia K. Families should secure food items in vehicles overnight to prevent wildlife encounters.
Historical learning opportunities: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers educational experiences through its CCC museum. "For history, check out the antique snowmobile museum and the Civilian Conservation Corp(CCC) museum. The CCC built much of the infrastructure here and elsewhere in the country," explains Jean C. These museums provide rainy day activities appropriate for school-age children.
Tips from RVers
Reservation systems vary by campground: At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, campers may experience challenges with the booking process. "You do not get a choice during the online booking to choose the campsite to reserve & the site # is not included in the confirmation email," warns Sara D. RVers should call directly after booking online to confirm site details.
GPS navigation challenges: Several campgrounds near North Andover have reported GPS inaccuracy issues. "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," reports Sara D. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Hookup placement considerations: RV campers should be aware of hookup locations when setting up. "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services," notes Carry M. about Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park.
