Best Campgrounds near Peabody, MA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Peabody, Massachusetts (84)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    8 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."

    2. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 745-9430

    $60 / 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."

    3. Cape Ann Camp Site

    16 Reviews
    Gloucester, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 283-8683

    $36 - $44 / night

    "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."

    4. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 895-8245

    $17 - $23 / night

    "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."

    5. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    27 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    21 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."

    6. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    11 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    16 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."

    7. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    3 miles
    Website

    "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."

    8. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 740-1605

    $8 - $55 / night

    "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."

    9. Beach Rose RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 463-0226

    "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."

    10. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    29 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $44 - $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."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

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Recent Reviews near Peabody, MA

595 Reviews of 84 Peabody Campgrounds


  • Alizé B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2026

    Field and Stream RV Park

    Highly recommend

    Amazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.

  • Sue B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2026

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Love camping here!

    The 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!

  • Devin
    May. 3, 2026

    Winding River Campground

    Close Sites, Loved the River!

    My husband and I had a great time here! We went early in the season, so there were not many people there. We met the new owners/managers and they were very friendly. David was attentive and very helpful!

    We stayed in the Oak Section at 317. The sites are pretty close together, which is why I gave a 4. We didn’t have neighbors, but I can imagine on a busy weekend, it might get crowded. The Utilities at this site were in an awkward spot, compared to where we wanted the camper.

  • Devin
    Apr. 28, 2026

    Spacious Skies Minute Man

    The Road is Loud

    My husband and I had a great time here! The owners and managers are amazing. Kind, friendly, attentive! We really appreciated them!

    The reason for the 4/5 is due to the road noise, and the neighbors noise. The residents that boarder the campground are a bit loud. We camped at spot 72. If you are tent camping, I would recommend not camping at the 70’s spots. It’s just close to the road, and it can get noisy at times. It quiets down at night, but during peak travel times is a little loud. Head to the back of the camp ground. The bathroom looks further away than it is, but everything is very convenient!

  • Adam  B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2026

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice people

    Needed a spot to dump. They were one of only a very few places open in March. $20 to dump our tanks.

  • M
    Feb. 17, 2026

    Forest Glen

    Forest Glenn campground

    Forest Glenn campground is a very nice campground on Wheelwright pond in Lee New Hampshire! Not well kept up but makes you feel like you’re still camping and not glamping ( glamorous camping ) besides some of the very nice campers here with 2 stories on them! Anyway cutting to the chase, just to let any new comers know that are looking for camping in the Lee area if you so choose to camp at forest Glenn depending who you are or how you approach this place dictates if you will have to feel like your stepping on eggshells your entire stay… the owner is a angry Drunk who is sometimes very nice to others or very nasty, and I personally mostly see him being nasty. A couple years back I wanted to look at the campground to see if this would be a place I wanted to stay at so I walked into the office and asked them if we could look around and the lady was in the process of writing us a pass to drive through. This man comes in and said whats going on so I politely told him that we were interested in his campground and we wanted to look around. He completely flipped out said he doesn't understand, said his campground is his back yard, we can't allow this how would you like if I just walked around your back yard etc etc.... yelling at us the whole time and spitting while screaming and then told us to get out of his sight…. This place mind you is overrun by golf carts and I have heard of incidents where people get hit by them because who cares about the posted 5mph speed limitations if your in a golf carts right? Right! And CLEARLY this place is a Double standard place so you will not be treated equal… and as far as I know this place has secret people who camp supposedly working at camp like the manager and security and the plumber or electrician who look like their helping but while helping they gather information about you to spread it around to others or to cause problems with you and the owner!! Oh how thoughtful… one Morning I was in the office and the owner pulled me into the rec room to have a talk with me about my string lights suggesting I shut them off at night and I’m not allowed to use them anymore. I said “sir why would I do that there are 50 other sites with spot lights and string lights Who are these lights bothering that I need to take them down for? “ he said use them inside the trailer I don’t want to see them on again! “ now tell me how that makes any sense… so I shut them off and it became like a minefield on my site at night with no lights while the campers down a different street get to have theirs on. There is no privacy at this place, things keep going missing, and the sites are packed like sardines with no room for Jesus. There are also people staying here over winter and it’s a seasonal campground tell me how that makes any sense. Anyway definitely an experience to be at where drama hits too close to home and the golf cart parking spots are rolling a little to close to my feet. “ oh sorry my foot slipped “ #welp time to search for another place. Seems to be a trend with almost every campground. Angry owners who automatically cause problems or can’t run their own business place without drug addicts for help ( to say the least me and my wife WILL NOT BE COMING BACK )

  • L
    Feb. 5, 2026

    Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    This camping trip truly exceeded my expectations

     The campground was clean, peaceful, and surrounded by wide open views. During the day, the natural landscape felt refreshing and expansive, and at night, the sky was filled with stars, creating a calm and almost magical atmosphere. The layout of the campsite was well planned, making it easy and comfortable for both beginners and experienced campers to enjoy their stay. One fun thing I did after the trip was use Idea To Image to recreate some of the moments that stood out to me—sunrise over the tents, the warmth of the campfire, and the quiet starry night. It helped me turn those memories into beautiful visuals that really captured the peaceful vibe of the experience. Looking back at them now feels like being transported right back to the campsite. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

    One fun thing I did after the trip was use Idea To Image to recreate some of the moments that stood out to me—sunrise over the tents, the warmth of the campfire, and the quiet starry night. It helped me turn those memories into beautiful visuals that really captured the peaceful vibe of the experience. Looking back at them now feels like being transported right back to the campsite. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

  • Alexander H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Nice Campground near Boston

    This is a nice campground near historic Lexington and Boston.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2025

    Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground

    Two week stay

    Read reviews on google. That’s the experience we had. The signs no everything. Cash only. The management is very weird acting and riding around on a bicycle. I feel so weird making this review because this place is odd . The tenants are fun and the scenery is great. But but but you’ve been warned. Turn your blue tooth off and your WiFi so that your cellphone privacy is protected.


Guide to Peabody

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.