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Best Campgrounds near North Chelmsford, MA

712 Reviews

State parks and private campgrounds surround North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, providing a range of camping experiences within a short drive. Spacious Skies Minute Man in nearby Ayer offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with amenities including water, electric, and sewer connections. Less than 25 miles away, Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest features wooded sites with varying levels of privacy and individual water spigots at most sites. Pearl Hill State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles west, provides a more rustic camping experience with hiking trails directly accessible from the campground. The region's camping options extend into southern New Hampshire with locations like Pawtuckaway State Park and Field and Stream RV Park within an hour's drive.

Massachusetts state park campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through mid-October, with reservations strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays. As one camper noted about Harold Parker State Forest, "Sites are large, often with good separation from neighbors, some have a hilly approach." Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with many reviewers recommending downloading maps before arrival. Most state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, even at campsites, a regulation mentioned by several reviewers. Firewood is generally available for purchase at campgrounds, with outside wood often prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species. Weather conditions remain relatively mild during the camping season, though spring can bring significant rainfall.

Pine forests dominate many campgrounds in the region, creating shaded sites that campers appreciate during summer heat. Water features are common attractions, with ponds, small lakes, and swimming areas available at several locations. According to one visitor to Harold Parker State Forest, "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." Family-friendly amenities are prevalent, with playgrounds, beaches, and ranger-led programs available at many state parks. The proximity to Boston makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, with several reviewers noting the convenience of having natural settings so close to urban areas. Sites with hookups tend to be limited at state parks but more abundant at private campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites Near North Chelmsford, Massachusetts (116)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    10 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."

    "The location was perfect to see so much in the area (Minute Man National Historical Park, Boston, Salem, Plymouth, Cape Cod, Providence etc)."

    2. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    15 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."

    3. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    13 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."

    4. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "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."

    5. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    6. Field and Stream RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Hollis, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 673-4677

    $47 - $80 / night

    "Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine. Nice people."

    7. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    8. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    25 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

    "However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    9. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    27 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."

    10. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 485-9869

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion. It’s across the street from the playground."

    "Located in Bear Brook State Park, the campground is tucked away in the woods so you really feel like you're away from the cities in the area."

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Recent Camping Photos near North Chelmsford, MA

409 Photos of 116 North Chelmsford Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near North Chelmsford, MA

712 Reviews of 116 North Chelmsford 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.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • 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.

Guide to North Chelmsford

Camping near North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, have easy access to lakes. One camper mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in parks like Bear Brook State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest."
  • Swimming: Campgrounds such as Lorraine Park Campground feature lovely ponds for swimming. One review noted, "The pond is somewhat small when crowded but nevertheless very lovely."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor said, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer from Wakeda Campground mentioned, "Restrooms were clean and centrally located."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Minute Man Campground offer activities for kids. One camper noted, "There is a well-maintained playground for kids and activities planned for kids and adults."

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: Some campgrounds have strict pet policies. For example, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are only allowed on hiking trails and not in the campground or beach area during summer.
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground reported noise issues. One visitor said, "We could hear our neighbors loudly talking at 2 AM."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Otter River State Forest, may lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "There are no water hookups, and the bathrooms could use one more as it's a hike in the morning."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for places like Minute Man Campground that have playgrounds and planned activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "The rec room was impressive, with games and movies for campers to enjoy."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Many campgrounds are near water, which can attract bugs. A camper at Wakeda Campground advised, "Bring bug spray!!"
  • Check for Site Privacy: Some sites can be close together. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "The sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Sites: Campgrounds like Lorraine Park Campground are big rig friendly. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are well spaced with very few amenities."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A camper at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground said, "The park itself is old and a bit rundown."
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Otter River State Forest noted, "Verizon service was limited to none depending on location."

Camping near North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details to make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near North Chelmsford, MA?

North Chelmsford has several excellent campgrounds within driving distance. Willard Brook State Forest Campground offers level sites around a small, bisected loop with towering pines, perfect for a serene getaway. The forest is just up the hill from Damon Pond, providing water recreation opportunities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Otter River State Forest is a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts with clean, well-maintained facilities. This family-friendly destination offers swimming in a pond and is just a short drive to a larger lake, with a single camping pass covering both locations.

Are there RV-friendly camping options in North Chelmsford?

Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury is a small, friendly, family-owned RV park not too far from North Chelmsford. The park is very clean with a nice swimming pool, and the staff is known for being accommodating, even during busy holiday weekends. For those looking for a state park option, Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers RV camping with water and electricity hookups. The site pads make leveling easy, though it's worth noting this campground doesn't offer much privacy and can be busy, making it better for social campers than those seeking solitude.

What summer camps are available for children in North Chelmsford?

While specific summer camp reviews aren't provided in the camping data, the North Chelmsford area offers several nature-based summer camp options for children. Families might consider day camps at Harold Parker State Forest, which has convenient access to Boston while still providing a natural getaway. For water-based activities, Tully Lake Recreation Area offers paddling programs in summer months. For more comprehensive information on children's summer camps in North Chelmsford, check with the local recreation department or school district, as they typically offer seasonal programs focusing on outdoor education, sports, and arts.

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