Best Campgrounds near North Reading, MA
Campgrounds within 20 miles of North Reading, Massachusetts primarily center around state parks and private camping areas that offer a mix of wooded and waterfront sites. Harold Parker State Forest, located in nearby Andover, serves as the primary public camping destination with nearly 90 campsites set among dense forest and small ponds. Most camping options in this region provide established facilities rather than dispersed camping, with several campgrounds offering tent sites, RV hookups, and some cabin accommodations at places like Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground and Cape Ann Camp Site.
Camping in this area typically operates seasonally from May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closed during winter months. Many locations require advance reservations through Massachusetts' state reservation system or private booking platforms. Several campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though full-service RV sites with sewer connections are less common. Bathroom facilities generally include flush toilets and hot showers, with varying levels of maintenance and cleanliness. While sites can be spacious and wooded, proximity to the greater Boston metropolitan area means road noise may be noticeable at some locations. A camper noted, "Harold Parker is pretty basic as it comes. It's a nice place for sure. Lots of hiking. All the sites are very wooded. And there's some sites along a river for fishing and such."
The camping experience near North Reading balances natural settings with urban proximity. Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest receives consistent praise for its large, private sites with individual water spigots and clean facilities. Campers frequently mention the ample shade from mature trees and access to hiking trails and small ponds for fishing and swimming. Several visitors highlight the convenience of being close to Boston while still enjoying a forest setting. Reviews indicate that waterfront sites are particularly desirable but can be booked quickly during peak summer weekends. The region's campgrounds provide varying levels of privacy, from secluded wooded sites to more open layouts. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, first-time visitors appreciate the park's accessibility: "This was our first experience camping as a family and this was a great park to start. One way driving so you can't get lost. Really beautiful scenery and plenty of space at the sites."
