Camping near Peabody, Massachusetts offers easy access to both coastal beaches and inland forests within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences warm summers with average temperatures in the 70s-80s°F and cool springs with temperatures in the 50s-60s°F. While Winter Island Park and Cape Ann Camp Site provide glamping options, several other campgrounds offer varied experiences with both tent and RV sites.
What to do
Beach exploration: 10 miles from Hanscom AFB FamCamp with multiple beaches accessible within a short drive. "Clean, quite and inexpensive, what's not to like! Staying at #20 tent sight and loving it. No water on this site but there is electricity. Several options for bathrooms and all have hot running water," notes Gail W.
Historic site visits: 20 miles to Revolutionary War landmarks near Peabody with several key sites within driving distance. A visitor to Hanscom AFB FamCamp shared that it's "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."
Water activities: 5 miles to Pawtuckaway State Park Campground for kayaking and paddling. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," reports Matt R.
Whale watching: 40 minutes from Gloucester with tours departing regularly during summer months. Campers staying at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort mentioned its "location is close to Hampton Beach and Rye sea walk and good restaurants."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Cape Ann Camp Site offers secluded camping spaces surrounded by nature. "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area. Definitely recommend it!" shares Cristina P.
Waterfront camping: Pawtuckaway State Park offers prime lakeside locations for direct water access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" notes J L., highlighting a feature many campers seek.
Clean facilities: Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort maintains exceptionally well-kept grounds and bathrooms. One camper remarked, "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent."
Year-round glamping close to Peabody, Massachusetts: Normandy Farms Campground offers luxury camping options even in cooler months. "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool," reports Liz W.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season requires planning as the most popular glamping sites near Peabody book 4-6 months in advance. Boston Harbor Islands notes, "Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you're counting on a particular day."
Pet restrictions: Seasonal limitations at some parks affect dog owners. At Pawtuckaway, one visitor noted, "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months."
Site selection matters: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground requires research on site numbers. "We camped at Lovells Island. Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle... When we got to the island we found that all of the sites had already been taken even though we had booked online months ahead," cautions Jess G.
Ferry transportation: Island camping requires planning for those seeking more remote experiences. "Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part, not least because they don't make the inter-island ferry schedule as readily accessible," warns a Boston Harbor Islands reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The Pines Camping Area offers kid-friendly facilities near water features. "This camp ground was great for my family and doggie. Everyone we encountered was friendly... My son and I loved watching the baby field mice play in the marsh land," shares Heather B.
Mosquito preparation: Bring extra repellent for certain campgrounds, especially those near marshland. At The Pines Camping Area, one family noted, "The con of this camp ground was the mosquito, we went through 3 deep woods cans in just the first night."
Seasonal activities: Check program schedules for family-oriented events that change throughout the season. Normandy Farms receives consistent praise from families, with Douglas L. stating, "Great spot, clean, fun and easy access. So many of our camping friends love this place so we figured we'd try it - outstanding."
Safe swimming spots: Ask about water testing and designated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer. Wakeda Campground provides "camping on the oceanfront" that many describe as "a rare treat" for families with access to beaches just 10 minutes away.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground offers level sites with proper amenities. "We stayed here for a week, our site was large with full hookups and the area was very clean, some sites in other sections are closer together," notes Betty H., which is important information for RVers concerned about space.
Utility hookups: Check amperage before booking as some parks offer limited electrical capacity. Sea Coast Camping provides "no issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across."
Dump station locations: Note locations as not all parks offer on-site dumping. Nancy W. observed at Sea Coast, "The park recently added new 50-amp full hook-up sites (some of which are pull-thrus) so there are plenty of options for big-rigs."
Winter RV options: Limited year-round facilities are available for those seeking off-season glamping near Peabody. Normandy Farms remains a standout option with SANDIE B. noting, "This is one of the best campgrounds you will ever come to... It has a number of pools and a rec hall filled with things to do."