Top Tent Camping near Norton Center, MA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Norton Center? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Norton Center. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Norton Center, Massachusetts's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Norton Center, MA (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

    1. Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

    8 Reviews
    67 Photos
    88 Saves

    COVID has changed some reservation availability. Please check before planning to camp Made up of 34 islands and peninsulas, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is an urban oasis just minutes from Boston’s city center. Hop aboard a park ferry and discover islands rich with opportunities for outdoor recreation, relaxation, and Boston Harbor Islands camping.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Yurts
    • Picnic Table

    $8 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Buck Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buck Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp

    3. Camp Nihan Environmental Education Group Camp

    2 Reviews
    9 Photos
    49 Saves

    Camp Nihan is the perfect place for your next group camping experience. There's plenty of opportunities to learn about the local habitat. Explore a variety of nature and wildlife across 65 acres.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites

    4. Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites

    4 Reviews
    20 Photos
    249 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Picnic Table

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Waquoit Bay National Estuarine
    Camper-submitted photo from Waquoit Bay National Estuarine
    Camper-submitted photo from Waquoit Bay National Estuarine

    5. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    84 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • No image available
      • No image available

        7. East Beach State Campground

        1 Review
        5 Saves

        Specialty camping on three (3) miles of undeveloped beach frontage is available at East Beach State Campground, located in Charlestown, Rhode Island. East Beach is one of the least developed of the Rhode Island state beaches, with limited parking and a half dozen changing rooms. This barrier beach and 10 site campground location offers four Clivus Multrum Composting Toilets for restrooms along with 3 miles of undeveloped beach frontage. Parking is very limited and fills up early on sunny summer days. A small portion of the beach is staffed with lifeguards on a seasonal basis. Utilities ARE NOT available at this campground. Special Camping/Vehicle Equipment requirements are required for camping at this location.

        All camping units MUST BE self-contained AND equipped with 4-wheel drive. A self-contained unit is defined as “A camping unit which contains permanent holding tanks for potable water, grey water and black water. Bathroom equipment must be permanently affixed to the unit.”
        Tow trailers or Fifth Wheels are not allowed.
        All campers MUST obtain a Barrier Beach Permit prior to their stay.
        Beach Vehicle Permits/Trail passes can be purchased from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC)
        A beach parking fee will also be required for any vehicle using the East Beach Sand Trail during the summer beach season unless registered for a campsite.
        Closure of part or all of East Beach Campground may occur during the camping season due to the nesting of a tiny shorebird called the Piping Plover. The Piping Plover is listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. If a closure should occur, reservations will be cancelled and refunded in full.
        Registered campers after having checked in to East Beach Campground will be allowed to utilize the Septic Dump Station and Water Filling Station at Burlingame State Campground and/or Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, one time at no charge. Additional dumping or use of the water filling station will be subject to the Septic Dump Station Pass Fee
        Must show proof of active and valid reservation.
        Tent camping is not allowed.
        Pets are not allowed.
        Registered campers after having checked in to East Beach Campground will be allowed to utilize the Septic Dump Station and Water Filling Station at Burlingame State Campground and/or Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground, one time at no charge. Additional dumping or use of the water filling station will be subject to the Septic Dump Station Pass Fee

        Address: East Beach Road, Charlestown, RI 02813

        • Pets
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Cabins
        • Trash

        $28 / night

        • No image available
          • No image available

          Recent Tent Reviews In Norton Center

          597 Reviews of 9 Norton Center Campgrounds


          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from Boston / Cape Cod KOA (Middleboro)
            Oct. 7, 2024

            Boston / Cape Cod KOA (Middleboro)

            Smelly, filthy Cabin with no hot water...Customer Service Is BADDD

            I booked Deluxe Cabin 1 at the Boston KOA based on my past experiences in VA and NC. BOSTON was the WORST KOA I've stayed at. The cabin SMELLED of mildew and cigarettes(pic of ashes in the tub), and there was NO HOT WATER, which is against MA law. It was FILTHY, the pots needed to be replaced, and you have to request blankets. I informed the after hours staff about the water, blankets, and smell. The next morning, I went to the office at 9 am and talked to LORI. She was COMBATIVE and confrontational which is weird because she just started her day. As a person of color, I had to walk away because I was frightened. When I returned, BOB Brammer(He wanted to write his name down, so I got it right(his words)) lacked empathy and had a facial expression of annoyance. He was also CONFRONTATIONAL as I explained there was no hot water and the cabin smelled. I informed the national KOA feedback team(Kaitlyn& Tiana) and they said it's handled internally, whatever that means. If you read the reviews about bad customer service, believe it. You can see CUSTOMER SERVICE IS BADDDD! The KOA will probably respond to this review, but NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. I'll be reaching out to TOBY O'ROURKE and OSCAR TANG so they are aware the BOSTON KOA is tarnishing the KOA brand.

          • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
            Oct. 7, 2024

            Burlingame State Park Campground

            HUGE state park

            General: HUGE state park with over 700 sites. It does not fully open for the season until May 1 and when we were there in mid-April, only two sections, Fish Camp and Mills Camp were open. The Ranger station is staffed 24 hours a day, with a ranger on site until 11 pm. You need to show your pass to get inside the gate leading to the campsites. There are no hookups in any site (as far as I could tell). Sites are designated for tents, small trailers, large trailers, and RVs. As with other RI state parks, non-residents pay double the price of residents which kind of ticks me off (I don't mind a nominal upcharge but double is excessive IMO).

            Site Quality: The site numbers throughout the park are painted on rocks but the sites themselves are not very clearly defined. There is no designated camping pad. Our site (114) had a water view but was not level. It was large enough for us to park horizontally and make it work for one night. Some sites had excessive roots and also were not level. Some picnic tables have been replaced with new ones, but others badly need it.

            Bath/Shower house: The one in Fish Camp was adequate and clean. There is hot water, but you need to run it for a while before you get any. There was no garbage receptacle, and the toilet paper is so thin, that you can see through it. Showers are $.75 to get it started for the first three minutes. After that, the amount per minute increases to $1, $1.25, $1.50, and so forth. Machines take up to 22 quarters. There is a change machine at the Ranger Station. I did not use the shower so I cannot comment on how well they work. 

            Activities/Amenities: There is a camp store that offers wood, ice, coffee, basic groceries, propane, and canoe rentals. It was open with limited hours during our stay. Fishing, boating, swimming - all in season. Even though the park was only about 10% occupied, there was a strong Ranger presence. He circled our small loop three times just before check-out time and wanted to make sure we were leaving not a minute past the designated time. 

            This was just an overnight stay for us in a convenient location but there is no way I would stay at the height of the season!

          • AThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Shawme Crowell State Forest
            Sep. 21, 2024

            Shawme Crowell State Forest

            Quiet camping

            In Sept the campground was quiet and sparsely populated. Sites were big and fairly well spaced.

            There’s 12 miles of hiking trails to explore. You can hear the highway from many of the sites and trails, but for the most part it’s just part of the background noise with the insects and other nature noises.

            The park was easily accessible from the highway and easy to get through with a trailer.

          • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen's Memorial State Park
            Sep. 18, 2024

            Fishermen's Memorial State Park

            Somewhere to stay, not the best

            $18/night if you live here, but $36 if from out of state. Large tent campground with lots of spaces, so everyone is in pretty close together. My main concern is there are showers in the bathrooms you can pay for, but ones outside that are free, but cold water and no curtain, so you literally have no privacy.

          • G
            Camper-submitted photo from Ponkapoag Camp
            Aug. 30, 2024

            Ponkapoag Camp

            Beautiful

            Had an amazing stay, cabin was perfect and comfortable. Water was nice and fish were biting. Can’t wait to come back.

          • Jonathan J.
            Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park
            Aug. 17, 2024

            Wompatuck State Park

            Everything you NEED

            This spot does have everything you need. It is very remote and a lot of distance between campsites. Lots of trees. The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest. There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug. Like I said what you need, but not want you might want.

          • T L.
            Camper-submitted photo from Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres
            Aug. 13, 2024

            Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres

            Poor staff and management

            We were treated very poorly by staff and management. We here humiliated in front of our family members and the public. We were made broken promises and called liars by staff and management and then intimidated to leave the premises. It was a very bad experience that ruined our family vacation.

          • Jean V.
            Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park
            Aug. 11, 2024

            Wompatuck State Park

            Good (not excellent)

            PROS

            - 45 min from Boston

            - You have everything you need there: firewood, bathrooms (with shower, soap and toilet paper), a camp pit...

            - You get a map in the entrance - very helpful for hiking.

            - You can take a trail from the campsite.

            - Good sights while hiking, with good spots to have lunch or pause for water.

            CONS

            - Only one really: You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods. There is NOT a decent amount of land between each campsite. So if you have neighbors all around, you'll feel like in a village!

          • KThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
            Jul. 29, 2024

            Burlingame State Park Campground

            Pros outweigh the cons

            Stayed for a week mid-July; during the week had almost an entire loop to ourselves which was wonderful - it felt like having the entire park to ourselves. Things picked up on Friday/Saturday but overall we lucked out with no neighbors who were disrespectful of the quiet hours (10p - 7a). Bathrooms, dumpsters, and portapotties are plentiful, but not always well maintained. Staff are seen frequently throughout the park and are very willing to be helpful when asked - our site had a few Yellowjacket nests and they took care of them for us almost immediately when asked. It’s worth investigating the various sites ahead of time - there are a number of sections much more likely to be busy than others, and lots of low-lying sites that show signs of easily being washed out in anything more than a moderate rain. With multiple great east coast beaches minutes away (as well as conveniences like fuel/stores) we will definitely be back.

          • L
            Camper-submitted photo from Peppertree Camping
            Jul. 23, 2024

            Peppertree Camping

            Amazing stay

            We had our very first camping experience with our new camper at this campground and it was everything we could have imagined and more. It’s a beautiful campground, the gentleman and his family who own it are sooooo nice and they helped us a lot when it came to learning how to properly use our camper. All the fellow campers that we met were extremely nice. It’s a quiet campground, located right on a river. My children spent hours in it playing and fishing. Looking forward to returning.

          • Megan F.
            Camper-submitted photo from Wompatuck State Park
            Jul. 17, 2024

            Wompatuck State Park

            Small Issues

            I would probably nitpick stay at this park again. The site we had paid for was not given to us. The shower in the bathroom did not provide hot/warm water until the end of my shower, and then the water would not turn off. Also, the lady camping beside us was tent camping, and she literally smoked weed the whole time she was there. We have children, and while she was there, you couldn’t do anything outside without smelling it. Overall, not the best campground.

          • L
            Camper-submitted photo from Fishermen's Memorial State Park
            Jul. 15, 2024

            Fishermen's Memorial State Park

            FEELS LIKE SUMMER

            Nothing like coming home to NARRAGANSETT..... BEAUTIFUL, clean campground.... Quiet & peaceful..... Bathrooms are very nice..... Not far from ROGER WHEELER BEACH & SCARBOROUGH BEACH.....Right down the street from great RI food.....

          • L
            Camper-submitted photo from Fort Getty Campground
            Jul. 15, 2024

            Fort Getty Campground

            HEAVEN ON EARTH

            Such a beautiful destination for tourists, travelers, & beach goers....Talk about being right on the water with access to excellent swimming. Such a lovely vantage point with your tent location from the top of FORT GETTY. Who knew??? Mackerel Cove is awesome....beach, beach, beach.... Bathrooms are ok. Such a hidden gem on the wonderful island of Jamestown!!!! Bring your tent....

          • R
            Camper-submitted photo from Strawberry Park
            Jul. 10, 2024

            Strawberry Park

            Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

            Large campground with 3 pools, many amenities and scheduled activities

          • Eddy B.
            Camper-submitted photo from Whispering Pines Campground
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Whispering Pines Campground

            Fun for the family

            Great privately owned family campground. The pool, splash pad, live music and activities for the kids were great!

            AT&T service had only one bar. Couldn’t stream but worked for calls and texts. Campground WiFi was strong but as expected struggled to keep up on this busy 4th of July.

          • aThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Normandy Farms Campground
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Normandy Farms Campground

            Very Enjoyable 1 night stay

            We enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.

            We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.

            We will return.

          • aThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Canoe River Campground
            Jul. 8, 2024

            Canoe River Campground

            Good But Not Ideal for us

            The campground was very busy with families events activities, etc. If you prefer a noisy fun experience and a more social experience with your very close neighbors, this is the pot for you. Our preferred style of camping requires more space and less noise. The pool bathrooms were gross, but the other facilities area near the tent sites was very nice and clean.

            The food was great and the staff is friendly. Overall we had a great time, but its unlikely we’ll return mostly due to the noise level.

          • A
            Camper-submitted photo from Bay View Campground
            Jul. 2, 2024

            Bay View Campground

            Great spot on the cape

            I stayed here several times overnight in an RV for the Pan Mass Challenge. They were always very accomdiating, the facilities are clean and it’s in a great location

          • M
            Camper-submitted photo from Charlie Brown Campground
            Jul. 1, 2024

            Charlie Brown Campground

            Riverside Delight!

            This was our first time visiting and my entire family enjoyed themselves so  much, that we've already reserved a site for a few weeks from now. Arts and crafts, tractor rides, and of course the tubing down the river. Lots of built in entertainment for the kids! The grounds were clean, the playground was nice, and the people were all friendly.  We did a late checkout for $5 extra, but the noon checkout and two dump stations would make leaving on time a non-issue as well. 

            Of note: We camped with friends, who were given a spot next to a large group of people (weekend prior to 4th of July is to be expected). The group were very polite and abided by quiet hours, but they were having fun and a bit loud for my buddy's 2 month of baby. They requested to move sites, and the management was super accommodating and apologetic. Helped him move his site and threw in some firewood for the troubles.

          • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from West Thompson Lake Campground
            Jun. 27, 2024

            West Thompson Lake Campground

            Pleasantly surprised

            We had an excellent experience at this camp ground. The Staff and Rangers were polite and welcoming. We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property. Once the boat races finished each day the camp was very quiet and peaceful. Had a great weekend

          • Mia S.
            Camper-submitted photo from Burlingame State Park Campground
            Jun. 24, 2024

            Burlingame State Park Campground

            Enjoyed myself this weekend

            We camped here from Friday to Sunday. The staff in the main office was very inviting and friendly, the rangers kept everyone in check . The bathrooms were kept clean, but the showers in the Legiontown area are kinda crappy, it's mainly the shower heads...they feel like bullets hitting you and you can't even adjust the shower head nozzle. The showers are $1.50/8mins I only put $1.00 in for 5 minutes which was more than enough time for me. There's a beautiful lake and you can rent Kayaks or a canoe for the day I believe it was around $45.00. there's a nice general store, an arcade, playground, trails, cabins... And the sites are pretty big. No real big complaints, except that the staties are usually waiting for you to come back from the bars since there's no alcohol allowed on the property. So if you are to drink off the property, make sure you have a Designated Driver. They love handing out DUIs. (I did not have this issue, but my friends did.)



          Guide to Norton Center

          Camping near Norton Center, Massachusetts, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

          What to do:

          • Hiking and Swimming: Explore the scenic trails and enjoy swimming at nearby ponds. One camper mentioned, “Hikes around the ponds and swimming is lovely” at Nickerson State Park Campground.
          • Family Activities: Many campgrounds have activities for kids. A visitor at Normandy Farms Campground said, “It has so many things for the kids to do,” making it a perfect family destination.
          • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, bring your gear! One camper at Wompatuck State Park Campground noted, “No luck on the fishing (seems to be a theme for me) but the swimming was amazing.”

          What campers like:

          • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review for Fishermen’s Memorial State Campground highlighted, “Bathrooms are very nice,” which is a big plus for many.
          • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground said, “The pitches are spacious and shaded,” making it a comfortable spot to relax.
          • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Mystic KOA remarked, “The staff are amazing and the entire place is completely geared to families.”

          What you should know:

          • Busy in Summer: Many campgrounds can get crowded during peak season. A camper at Nickerson State Park Campground noted, “This campground gets very busy in summer.”
          • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A review for Wompatuck State Park Campground mentioned, “You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods.”
          • No Alcohol Allowed: Certain campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, do not permit alcohol, so plan accordingly.

          Tips for camping with families:

          • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with organized activities for kids. A camper at Normandy Farms Campground shared, “They've added a huge covered area with a snack bar and a big TV,” which is great for family fun.
          • Choose the Right Site: Opt for sites that offer more space and shade. A visitor at Lorraine Park Campground mentioned, “There is a lovely pond in which you can swim,” which can be a hit with kids.
          • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially near water. One camper at Wompatuck State Park Campground advised, “Be prepared for mosquitoes when camping close to the water.”

          Tips from RVers:

          • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A review for Normandy Farms Campground noted, “We have a 25” B+ and basically had to park sideways.”
          • Book in Advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during summer. A camper at Boston/Cape Cod KOA recommended, “I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground.”
          • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. A visitor at Mystic KOA said, “It’s just a few minutes from I-95 and so close to Mystic Aquarium,” making it a great base for exploring.

          Camping near Norton Center, Massachusetts, has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for family fun, peaceful nature, or a base for exploring, you’ll find it here!

          Frequently Asked Questions

          • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Norton Center, MA?

            According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Norton Center, MA is Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Norton Center, MA?

            TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Norton Center, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.