118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Swansea, Massachusetts range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks, with several options within a 30-mile radius. Horseneck Beach State Reservation in Westport Point offers oceanfront camping with RV hookups and tent sites along the Atlantic coastline. Other notable camping areas include Massasoit State Park in East Taunton and Newport RV Park in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Most campgrounds in the region provide a mix of accommodation types including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and some offering cabin rentals or glamping options. The landscape varies from coastal settings to wooded inland areas with ponds and trails.
Camping seasons typically run from mid-April through October, with peak demand occurring during summer months. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays and holiday periods. A visitor noted, "The location of this park was great for what we were doing – not too far from Newport but in a nice quiet section of town." Weather conditions can affect camping experiences, with coastal areas experiencing strong winds and inland sites sometimes dealing with tick issues during warmer months. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities like restrooms and showers, though quality varies by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, allowing campers to stay connected.
The proximity to beaches represents a significant draw for many visitors to the area's campgrounds. "Beautiful state park. Horseneck is one of the nicest beach areas in the north east," wrote one camper about Horseneck Beach State Reservation. Several campgrounds provide access to outdoor recreation including hiking trails, fishing spots, and biking paths. Families with children may appreciate campgrounds with playground facilities and organized activities, which are common at larger establishments like Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough. Some campgrounds maintain a quieter atmosphere while others become quite crowded during peak season. Price points vary considerably, with state park campgrounds typically offering more affordable rates compared to private resort-style campgrounds, though non-resident fees at Massachusetts state parks can be substantially higher than resident rates.
"Other than the bees, it was peaceful, and nobody bothered you. i would recommend lots of bee spray and a screen house, but hopefully it was an isolation situation."
"We were located in the no electric no water area and even though every site was taken, it was surprisingly more private than you'd expect."
from $17 - $27 / night
Check Availability"We chose this park due to its location close to downtown Newport (a mere five miles). There is a lot to do in this area and we wanted to spend time sightseeing. "
"The premium sites have no shade and are a little close to the neighbors. However, they have great paver stone patios and fire pits."
from $70 - $140 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $200 / night
Check Availability"This is a busy campground due to its location . Easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, Newport, and many more attractions."
"We selected this campground because of its proximity to family who we would be visiting. It was very convenient to Providence, Cape Cod, and Duxbury."
"This is a great oceanfront campground located behind the dunes of Buzzards Bay."
"While we are still nursing a grudge over the ridiculous price gouging Massachusetts enforces on non-residents, I have to admit that the infrastructure of this campground is lovely."
from $22 - $28 / night
Check Availability"This place is pretty awesome if you’re looking to see a show at the nearby Comcast center."
from $42 - $58 / night
Check Availability"The view is nice and there's a recreation area next to the campground."
"Lots of nearby beaches and restaurants. Campsites are simple. A patch of grass with a small bush or two, not very much shade, space or privacy."
"Easy to walk around and quiet."
from $18 - $28 / night
Check Availability"My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."
"Good access to surrounding new England towns."
from $17 - $35 / night
Check Availability"My parents stayed in a bunkhouse and my husband and I stayed on the adjacent site. Bunkhouse is very basic but clean. Sites are well spaced with lots of types to choose from."
"There's a small beach at the pond, a boat ramp, and proximity to wildlife refuges and the ocean. It's a HUGE campground, with 700 sites and 20 cabins. Canoes are available to rent."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability
ScoutThis campground is wonderful. The playground, the goats, the activities, the craft shed, there is so much to do for kids here. Everyone is so friendly and the campground is very clean. Bathrooms and showers are clean, the snack shack food is really tasty. The peacocks roaming around are the cherry on top. Overall, just a wonderful campground.
Scout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cedar Valley Heritage Farm has become one of those places that keeps calling me back. The campsites are simple and peaceful, with plenty of room to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of the land. Nights are quiet, the stars are bright, and mornings often begin with birdsong and mist hanging over the fields.
What I appreciate most is the feeling of being somewhere real. This isn't a crowded commercial campground—it's a working heritage farm with character, history, and a sense of care. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, a place to gather around a campfire, or a basecamp for exploring the surrounding area, there's something special here.
The atmosphere encourages you to unplug, breathe deeply, and remember that sometimes the best experiences are the simplest ones. If you enjoy nature, authenticity, and a slower pace, Cedar Valley Heritage Farm is well worth the visit.
Would happily camp here again.
LegendWe stayed a week and really enjoyed it. There is lots to do in the area but we also loved hanging around our campsite in the afternoon which was quiet since everyone was gone for the day. There are two public beaches nearby that are a really big draw.
The campground is divided into four loops. Loops 1 and 2 are for RVs and have sewer, water, and electricity and have paved camping pads. Loop 3 is for tents only. Loop 4 is water and electric with gravel pads. There is nice grass around campsites but bring a patio mat because everyone has used one in the past which has killed the grass. In my opinion, the best sites are 70-73 with a water view and facing west for a nice sunset. Sites 53-65, 75-79 are alongside a busy road that is quite noisy and the sites are extremely unlevel. About half the sites are level so pay attention to "grade" when booking your site.
All loops have a bathhouse except for Area 1. The tent sites are in a separate loop and have a bathroom centrally located. Tent sites have nice grass, a paved parking area, fire pit and picnic table. Some offer more shade than others. There really are no hiking trails– just a¼-mile mowed path around one of the old bunkers (this was a military instillation in WWII and while you can’t go in them for safety reasons there are some interpretive panels with historical information). There are two tennis courts, basketball, horseshoes, and a playground. We loved the farmers market that is held in the park every Sunday.
Check-in requires a driver's license and proof of vehicle registration so make sure you bring it when registering in the office. Since many campers did not know this, it caused a line at registration and a long back-up of RVs checking in. The campground does not sell firewood but you can find it at a nearby convenient mart. There are two EV charging station but they are at the registration office which is not very close to campsites.
Two miles away is the little town of Galilee where there are restaurants, seafood markets (where you can buy live lobster right off the boat), and the ferry dock that takes you to Block Island. About 4 miles north of the campground is a much bigger town with lots of restaurants, groceries, Walmart, etc. Less than a mile away is Aunt Carries which has delicious ice cream. Within two miles are two public beaches (which are free but require a parking pass which is$12/day for non-residents or$60/season).
LegendWe have stayed at this campground many times because we love the towns of Mystic and Stonington. The campground has changed hands many times and it seems things are always different. I’ll start off with the bad. At check-in, we were greeted by one of the rudest people we have encountered in fifteen years of full-time RVing. There is a page of rules but they don’t seem to be enforced– like dogs off leash and no fences at your campsite. There are seasonal campers that are proud to fly political flags but I suppose there are no rules against that. The park is a mix of seasonals (who seem to just come on weekends to party) and transients. There are lots of amenities (which we did not use) but still had to pay the$10/day resort fee which really drives up the cost. This is a Passport America park so we were able to get 50% off on our stay. The laundry was really dirty (including a wet, slippery floor) and very busy since there weren’t that many machines and some were broken.
As for the good. We had a long, level back-in site with lots of room on both sides of us. The grass was lush and nicely mowed (which our dog loved) and we had a nice shade tree. The utilities worked well but were placed at the back of the site and the water was a shared spigot on opposite side. Our water hose was long enough so I didn’t have to add another one to reach the spigot. There are no sewer sites but there are two dump stations available.
There is a hiking trail nearby (Hoffman Evergreen Presreve) that we like to visit and is great for dogs. The campground is very convenient to downtown Mystic, the aquarium, and Mystic Seaport Village. Our GPS routed us through the tiny town of Old Mystic which was really tricky to navigate. If you are in a big-rig, we suggest using the Cow Hill Road exit off I-95 and then HWY184 to the campground.
LegendWe visited in early June and really appreciated the shade at our site as the temps rose into the mid-80’s. There are lots of tall pine trees but are trimmed back and not a problem getting or big-rig through the park or in our site. We loved site 47 which was long and level with nice grass around it. The next site (46) was pretty close, but luckily nobody was in it while we visited. Our patio area was fairly large with no other sites next to it, just a road. We chose a 50A/water pull thru site and the electric was good at 124 volts on each leg. Honey wagon service is quite expensive at $35/pump out, or you can use the dump station for free. We used the campground cable tv and got about 60 stations, included the major stations (local news was out of Boston). This was a good thing since the trees blocked our Dish receiver from getting any channels. The wifi was 2.4G and just o.k. You could surf the internet but definitely not strong enough to stream. I went to the lodge and got great wifi speed to download movies quickly.
The campground is gated and charges$15/day for visitors. There are lots of amenities. There is a good access to a small lake (with a canoe/kayak launch and rentals), fishing pier (for catch and release, no license required), ice cream stand, food truck, playground, a large dog park (with two runs), laundry, playground, horseshoes, etc. The campground is conveniently to the downtown Plymouth attractions (10 minutes) and a grocery store (2 miles).
The biggest downside was the dust since most of the roads are gravel. It was very dry during our visit and the dust was crazy. Another negative was the $5/day pet fee. There are restrictions as to where you can walk your pets in the campground and they are not allowed on the beach. There is a good size dog park with two runs. If you dog is afraid of gunshots, do not come here as there is a gun range nearby that is pretty loud.
LegendThis park is mainly seasonal campers with a handful of transient sites. We were in a 50A, full hookup, pull thru that was plenty long enough for our 45’ motorhome and tow car. Other transient sites include shorter 30A sites and tent sites. (P9 is a really nice back-in site on the water and steps away from the beach, snack shack and bar.)
Our site was nicely shaded, level, and paved (as are all the roads). The utilities worked well and were located in the middle of the site. The only negative was that the sewer was uphill and didn’t drain properly. Cable tv is included and we got about 60 channels. There was a wifi router right outside our window so the internet was good for surfing but not enough to stream. The campground was gated and you have a key card to get in.
This park has a lot of amenities– two beaches, pool, snack bar, bouncy pillow, basketball and baseball fields, snack bars, and scheduled activities. The campground is located on Peters Pond but it is pretty small and not even large enough for me to want to blow up my paddleboard. That is great if you use them because you have to pay a$15/day resort fee. We used none of them so found the nightly price to be very high. Plus, the nightly rate for weekends is higher. We had a 25% discount code but our nightly weekend rate was still over$90/night. In my opinion the park could use some more attention as far as picking up trash, keeping grass around sites mowed, and cleaning the laundry facilities (which were pretty gross). We stayed in early June so the park was pretty quiet as kids were not out of school. But, I can imagine in the summer it gets really busy with as big as the park is. We were there over a weekend and it did get busier, and seemed everyone broke out their golf carts to ride around listening to music and drinking or entertaining their screaming kids.
For the most part, it is big-rig friendly but, we did hit some trees and had to go out a different way to avoid low hanging branches. We probably would not stay again due to the price and our campsite was just o.k.
ScoutWe spent the weekend here with our 4 kiddos ages 8,6,4, and 3. The kids had a blast. The bathrooms are spotless. They are in the process if renovating but that didnt interfere with our visit. They have a playground, pool, and yard games for the kiddos to use. Wish they had bigger grass sites. I think they will have some in the future.
LegendThis is a great oceanfront campground located behind the dunes of Buzzards Bay. We booked early since the park only has 100 sites and we wanted a 50A site (not all sites have electric so pay close attention when you book). Our campsite has a picnic table and fire pit and was paved with a sand patio. The electric was good with both legs above 120 volts. The bathhouse was clean and is situated in the middle of the campground. There is a dump station which is easily accessible. Roads are one-way but the sites are angled so backing in was easy. Water spigots scattered throughout the campground, and we were close enough to one that we could have filled our tank, if needed. There is no shade and it can be quite windy. Dogs are allowed on the beach at the campground which is a plus. The sunsets were amazing. There is a small playground for kids but the beach is the draw.
The nightly price for Massachusetts residents is a bargain at $28 but it jumps up over $70 for non-Massachusetts residents. The beach is cobblestone/sand and there is a nice paved walking path that runs parallel. The beach by the campground is very rocky but there is another day use area to the west which gets raked and they remove all the rocks, but can be very busy. There is another hiking trail (about 2 miles) that you can walk to from the campground that goes out on a spit of land where you can walk back along the sandy beach. The beach access is easy since there are mobility mats connecting the campground to the beach.
The closest grocery is approximately 10 minutes away and there are a couple of restaurants closer. We took a drive to New Bedford to see the Whaling Museum and the National Park Service site– both were worth the stop. All in all, we really liked our stay at Horseneck Reservation and would return.
RangerWe did a family campout here and had several sites together. We camped in our pop up in the field. We were close to activities and enjoyed an afternoon tubing down the river. The bathrooms weren't the cleanest, but we've seen worse. We enjoyed our time here.
Near Swansea, Massachusetts, campgrounds operate in a coastal northeastern climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most camping options sit at low elevations ranging from sea level to about 300 feet, with temperature swings between 25°F in winter and 85°F in summer. Several campgrounds offer specialized biking trails connected to larger regional networks, allowing campers to access miles of wooded paths without needing to transport their equipment.
Mountain biking trails: Massasoit State Park in East Taunton features excellent biking options just 15 miles from Swansea. "Best biking trails around! Campground is not currently open, but should be again by summer of 2018! In the meantime, perfect place for running, walking, hiking, biking, fishing, and exploring," notes Katie D., who emphasizes the variety of trail options. The park offers both paved and unpaved paths suitable for different skill levels.
Historic exploration: Charge Pond Campground at Myles Standish State Forest provides a great base for visiting Plymouth's historic sites. Located about 35 minutes from Swansea, the campground connects to significant colonial history. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," mentions Mike M., highlighting the strategic location for exploring regional landmarks.
Water recreation: Fishing ponds are a highlight at several campgrounds in the region. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach (at least at Charged Pond) had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," reports Kim R., describing the clear spring-fed ponds at Myles Standish State Forest. Many campgrounds maintain their own swimming beaches with varying facilities.
Affordability: Horseneck Beach State Reservation offers exceptional value for Massachusetts residents. "Price of $20 for instate can't be beat," writes Geoff R. Non-residents pay higher rates at most state parks, typically $35-60 per night compared to $17-23 for residents. Some campgrounds offer midweek discounts during non-peak seasons.
Bathroom facilities: Wompatuck State Park Campground maintains clean facilities, though some campers note they could use updates. "The bathroom could have used some updates but you are camping," comments Jess G., representing the moderate expectations most campers have for state park amenities. Most campgrounds provide showers, though some charge additional quarters for hot water.
Site spacing: Many campers appreciate the layout at Fishermens Memorial State Park. "Excellent location for exploring the cites and beaches of Rhode Island! Call ahead to check on shade versus full sun sites if that's important and take note of grass and course gravel pad material as well," advises Brad B., pointing out the importance of site selection. Some loops offer more privacy than others at most regional campgrounds.
Cost differences for non-residents: Rhode Island state parks charge significantly higher fees for out-of-state visitors. "I'm used to paying $5 or even $10 more for being from out of state but here the fee is double or more for out-of-state campers," writes Lee D. about Fishermens Memorial State Park. This price difference applies to most public campgrounds in the region.
Alcohol restrictions: Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption. "When you are sitting by the campfire, sometimes, chilling with a beer or another adult beverage is nice. Not in Massachusetts State Parks. No alcohol allowed," notes Randy R. about Myles Standish State Forest. Rangers regularly patrol campgrounds and may issue citations for visible alcohol consumption.
Tick awareness: Some campgrounds report significant tick populations, especially in warmer months. "The tick situation was just very difficult. We drowned ourselves in tick spray, but the ticks were overwhelming," reports Happy Camper L. from Horseneck Beach. Bringing appropriate repellent and checking daily for ticks is essential in this region, particularly from May through September.
Kid-friendly activities: Canoe River Campground offers numerous planned events for children. "This campground has showers (pay with quarters for hot water) activities for the kids, pool, arcade, snack bar," explains Gemma G. Most family-oriented campgrounds host weekend activities like scavenger hunts, movie nights, and craft sessions during peak season.
Playground access: Massasoit State Park recently upgraded their play facilities. "Renovations are cont. but what has been done so far is great. Everything is new the playground is fantastic," shares Lorie K., highlighting the investment in family amenities. Newly renovated playgrounds typically feature modern safety features and accessible equipment for various ages.
Noise considerations: Family campgrounds can become quite active, particularly on weekends. "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 spot for you," explains aliyyah A. about Canoe River Campground. Weekdays typically offer quieter camping experiences than weekends at most locations.
Electrical service: Newport RV Park (Melville Ponds Campground) offers reliable power connections with both 30 and 50 amp service. "We chose a site in the open because the winds were projected to be 40-50 mph while we were there and we did not want falling branches on the coach. Our site (F4) had 30 amp and water," explains Nancy W., highlighting the importance of site selection during inclement weather.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for dump station use even if you're not staying there. "The closest sewer dump is not far, but they charge you $10," notes Laura R. about Naval Station Newport Carr Point Recreation Facilities. RVers should budget for these additional costs when planning trips to campgrounds without full hookups.
Site leveling requirements: Several campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring additional preparation. "The main campground is on a slope, so be prepared for some leveling requirements, especially sites #216 and #217 (front to back)," warns Brad B. about Melville Ponds. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the Swansea area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campgrounds in Swansea?
While Swansea itself has limited camping, several excellent options are available in the surrounding area. Horseneck Beach State Reservation is one of the closest options, located along the Massachusetts south coast with beautiful dune views. For those willing to travel a bit further, Scusset Beach State Reservation near the Sagamore Bridge offers both beach access and camping facilities. Both locations provide convenient access to the Swansea area while offering scenic coastal camping experiences.
What are the best camping options in Swansea?
The best camping options near Swansea include Myles Standish State Forest, which offers multiple campground areas including Charge Pond and Barretts Pond, with nice level sites and proximity to Cape Cod. For a unique island experience, Marthas Vineyard Family Campground provides camping on one of Massachusetts' most beautiful islands. If you're seeking a quiet forest setting, Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground offers tranquility while still being accessible to regional attractions. For RV travelers, Newport RV Park is just five miles from downtown Newport and its amenities.
What amenities are available at Swansea campsite?
Campgrounds near Swansea offer varying amenities. At Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground, you'll find hot showers, bathrooms, and two distinct camping areas, with one featuring a playground. For a more developed experience, Boston/Cape Cod KOA near Middleboro provides water hookups, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Many nearby state park campgrounds offer basic facilities like water spigots, dump stations, and shower facilities. Note that alcohol is prohibited in Massachusetts State Parks. Some locations have cleaning stations, tidy infrastructure, and easy beach access, though amenities can vary seasonally.
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