84 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds around Peabody, Massachusetts provide a variety of options within 30 minutes of Boston and the North Shore area. Winter Island Park in Salem offers oceanfront camping with tent, RV, and glamping accommodations on the harbor, while Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides more wooded sites with pond access. Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester features cabins and traditional camping approximately 15 miles northeast of Peabody. Most facilities in the region operate seasonally, with the majority of campgrounds open from May through mid-October, closing during the cold New England winter months.
Reservations are essential at most campgrounds in the area, particularly for waterfront sites and during Salem's popular October Halloween season. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups for RVs, with several offering sewer connections and dump stations. Winter Island Park allows camping from May 1 through October 31, while Lorraine Park operates from late May until early September. Facilities generally include restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, though some locations restrict ground fires. Cell service is reliable throughout the region, and many campgrounds offer WiFi access. A camper noted, "Lorraine Park sites are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds."
The camping experience varies significantly between coastal and inland locations. Oceanfront sites at Winter Island Park provide scenic harbor views but offer minimal privacy between campsites. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of staying there while exploring Salem's historic attractions. One reviewer described Winter Island as having "great views for sunrise" while noting "there is no privacy at the sites, everything is very open." Inland at Harold Parker State Forest, campsites feature more wooded settings with greater separation between neighbors. Campers frequently mention the surprising tranquility of Harold Parker despite its proximity to urban areas. Multiple reviews highlight the spacious sites and clean facilities at both locations, with particular appreciation for water access at pond-side sites in the state forest and the beach areas at Winter Island.
"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."
from $17 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $60 / night
Check Availability"Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you"
"Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower."
from $36 - $44 / night
Check Availability"Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."
"I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."
from $17 - $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."
"The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure."
"You may choose to leave from Long Wharf, near the Aquarium T stop on the Blue line, or from Hingham, with overnight parking available."
from $8 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."
"Kids had enough driving for the day so we had to stop. We called last min and were thankful they had a spot. Arrived at dark and they were friendly and accommodating."
"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."
"Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."
from $44 - $999 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe stayed at site 81, it was near the entrance and right on the pond! The sites were spacious, so it was easy to maneuver our 21 ft travel trailer. The camp bathrooms were across from our site, they weren’t terrible but could use a bit of cleaning!
ScoutGreat little mom and pop campground with tent and RV sites
TravelerPublished rules are can only be here for 30 days with a three week extension possible. The fact is at least half of the spaces are occupied by full time residents with one resident stating she has been here for two years. The airfield noise is excessive during the day. The airfield closes at 11 PM so at least it is not all night long. We booked a pull through and they wanted to put us in a small back in site with shared utilities. I put my foot down and was given a pull through. On a positive note, the bath house is clean and the laundry room is not over priced
ScoutThis is a really great campground. However, the cell service is terrible. I do have Wi-Fi, but it is very weak. I would count on having to use Starlink.
GuideI was lucky enough to score one of the waterfront spots for one night of my stay. I backed in and opened the rear doors of my campervan and just stared at the ocean view for hours. Spectacular!
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.
ScoutI stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
ScoutAmazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
RangerThe first time we camped here was on Columbus Day weekend a number of years ago, and we got to see seals sun bathing on the beach. Are kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! The sites are a little close together and many of them are in direct sunlight , so that isn't the greatest , but if you have an awning, you should be good. We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too. Write down the street from camp, there is a street setup almost like a boardwalk, with arcades, live music, ice cream, food, and a carousel! There is also a bigger beach, and you are one twin away from New Hampshire. Lots to see and do here!
Camping options near Peabody, Massachusetts range from rustic forest settings to coastal sites within 15-30 miles of downtown Boston. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and occasional humid conditions. Most campgrounds receive moderate rainfall year-round with June being the wettest month, affecting trail conditions and campsite selection.
Historic exploration: 30 minutes from Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides access to Revolutionary War sites. A camper noted, "Proximity to the base provides access to the base exchange and other facilities, but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces." Visitors can easily reach Lexington, Concord, and Minute Man National Park.
Marine wildlife viewing: Paddle from Salisbury Beach State Reservation for seal watching. "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching," reports a visitor. Tides affect water conditions significantly.
Berry picking: July-August at forest campgrounds offers seasonal treats. At Peddocks Island, a camper shared, "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored." Many area trails feature wild berries along paths, particularly in wooded campgrounds southwest of Peabody.
Proximity to attractions: Campers value the ability to reach multiple destinations easily. "This is one of two campgrounds located <25 miles from Boston with good commute options into the city," reports a visitor to Winter Island Park. Transportation options include commuter rail and seasonal shuttles.
Varied beachfront experiences: Each coastal site offers different water access. A camper at Cape Ann Camp Site shared, "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever." Tide schedules affect beach size significantly throughout the day.
Urban-adjacent tranquility: Despite proximity to metropolitan areas, many sites maintain a wilderness feel. At Lorraine Park Campground, a guest observed, "Great campground. Close to town, but feels like you are in the middle of nowhere!" This balance appeals particularly to weekend visitors from Boston.
Out-of-state pricing: Significant cost differences exist between in-state and out-of-state visitors. At Wompatuck State Park, a camper noted, "For out-of-state visitors, the cost might not be justifiable, with rates of $17-23 per night for in-state visitors and $60 for out of staters."
Limited shower facilities: Prepare for variable shower conditions. A visitor to Beach Rose RV Park reported, "Showers are not free, but for the money you get plenty of time to shower off." Some state parks require quarters for hot water.
Tight spacing at popular sites: Density varies significantly between campgrounds. "We thought the small campsites would bother us, but after one day we got used to it and it was fine," shared a Beach Rose RV Park camper. Forest campgrounds typically offer more separation than beachfront locations.
Seasonal wildlife: Evening visitors are common, especially at sites near beaches. A camper observed, "The cons were the noise during the day from the beachgoers, and the visits from racoons and skunks at night (scavenging the food left by the beachgoers)." Food storage containers are essential.
Pool access: When ocean temperatures disappoint, heated pools provide alternatives. A camper at Spacious Skies Minute Man appreciated, "Heated pool was great!" Several campgrounds maintain pools from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Playground availability: Check for on-site play areas when booking. At Winter Island, a family reported, "The kids had a great time by the sea and the playground." Not all campgrounds offer dedicated play structures or fields.
Gaming facilities: Indoor options help during rainy days. A Minute Man camper noted, "We enjoyed the ping pong table!! Also have arcade, volleyball, and pet walk area." These amenities vary widely between campgrounds and typically close by 9pm.
Junior Ranger opportunities: Several area campgrounds connect with National Park Service programs. "Earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service," suggested a Boston Harbor Islands visitor. These free educational activities work best for ages 6-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Peabody, MA?
For camping near Peabody, Winter Island Park in Salem offers basic campsites with electric hookups for RVs, grassy tent sites, and an excellent coastal location. Just north in Salisbury, Beach Rose RV Park provides a clean, family-owned option near the beach with a swimming pool. For a woodland experience, Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest is less than 25 miles from Boston with wooded sites and numerous on-site activities. Other excellent options include Salisbury Beach State Reservation for beachfront camping and Cape Ann Camp Site near Gloucester for those seeking coastal access. Most campgrounds in the area are open seasonally from spring through fall.
How much does it cost to camp at sites around Peabody?
Camping costs around Peabody vary based on amenities and location. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, sites with water and electricity are available at state park rates, offering beachfront value despite the lack of privacy. Willard Brook State Forest Campground provides more affordable options with its small, level sites under towering pines. Massachusetts state parks typically range from $15-35 per night for basic sites, while private campgrounds can cost $30-60+ depending on hookups and amenities. RV parks like Beach Rose in Salisbury have been noted as reasonably priced for Massachusetts, though specific rates vary seasonally. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays, off-season camping, or for seniors and military personnel.
What are the camping options and amenities available in Peabody?
While Peabody itself has limited camping options, nearby Hanscom AFB FamCamp offers wooded RV sites with hookups and secluded tent sites for military families and retirees. For overnight parking, Riverside Terminal Overnight Parking provides a convenient option with fees of $3-6 and train access to Boston. The greater Peabody area has several state forests with campgrounds featuring amenities like electrical hookups, water access, restrooms, and picnic areas. Many campgrounds in the region offer hiking trails, fishing spots, and seasonal activities. Most campgrounds near Peabody require reservations, especially during peak summer months, and have varying levels of amenities from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks.
Keep Exploring
