Best Campgrounds near North Chelmsford, MA

State parks and private campgrounds surround North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, providing a range of camping experiences within a short drive. Spacious Skies Minute Man in nearby Ayer offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with amenities including water, electric, and sewer connections. Less than 25 miles away, Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest features wooded sites with varying levels of privacy and individual water spigots at most sites. Pearl Hill State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles west, provides a more rustic camping experience with hiking trails directly accessible from the campground. The region's camping options extend into southern New Hampshire with locations like Pawtuckaway State Park and Field and Stream RV Park within an hour's drive.

Massachusetts state park campgrounds typically operate from mid-May through mid-October, with reservations strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays. As one camper noted about Harold Parker State Forest, "Sites are large, often with good separation from neighbors, some have a hilly approach." Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with many reviewers recommending downloading maps before arrival. Most state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, even at campsites, a regulation mentioned by several reviewers. Firewood is generally available for purchase at campgrounds, with outside wood often prohibited to prevent the spread of invasive species. Weather conditions remain relatively mild during the camping season, though spring can bring significant rainfall.

Pine forests dominate many campgrounds in the region, creating shaded sites that campers appreciate during summer heat. Water features are common attractions, with ponds, small lakes, and swimming areas available at several locations. According to one visitor to Harold Parker State Forest, "Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun." Family-friendly amenities are prevalent, with playgrounds, beaches, and ranger-led programs available at many state parks. The proximity to Boston makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, with several reviewers noting the convenience of having natural settings so close to urban areas. Sites with hookups tend to be limited at state parks but more abundant at private campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near North Chelmsford, Massachusetts (122)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    10 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."

    2. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    15 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."

    3. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    11 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    13 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."

    4. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "Much of the lake is better suited to paddle craft rather than motor boats due to it's shallow nature and rocks. The an expansive beach as well, a camp store and boat rentals."

    "We were caught off guard by how far we had to drive from the entrance into the park to reach out campsite, but that was great - far away from the road."

    5. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    6. Field and Stream RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Hollis, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 673-4677

    $47 - $80 / night

    "Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine. Nice people."

    7. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    8. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    26 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    31 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."

    9. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    15 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."

    "We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"

    10. Winter Island Park

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

    $50 / 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 122 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near North Chelmsford, MA

723 Reviews of 122 North Chelmsford Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • S
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.


Guide to North Chelmsford

Camping spots near North Chelmsford, Massachusetts offer access to both wooded state parks and waterfront locations with variable site sizes and privacy levels. The area's camping season typically runs May through October, with peak humidity in July and August when temperatures average 80-85°F during the day. Nighttime temperatures remain comfortable for tent camping through September, though fall campers should prepare for overnight lows that can drop into the 40s by mid-October.

What to do

Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground in New Hampshire features extensive mountain biking trails accessible directly from campsites. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," notes one visitor. The park maintains numerous trails with varying difficulty levels approximately 45 minutes from North Chelmsford.

Kayaking on protected waters: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, campers can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the lake. "This 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," explains a camper. Watercraft rentals are available at the park store during summer months.

Historical sightseeing: The region offers Revolutionary War history within a short drive. "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station," reports a camper who stayed at Hanscom AFB FamCamp. Sites like Lexington and Concord are approximately 20-30 minutes from most area campgrounds.

What campers like

Spacious, well-separated sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Lorraine Park Campground in Harold Parker State Forest. "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds," one camper notes. Individual water access is available at most sites.

Proximity to Boston with natural settings: Winter Island Park offers coastal camping with urban accessibility. "This campground offers basic campsites, with electric available on RV sites. It's less than 2 miles from Salem and on the trolley line," reports a reviewer. The park includes beach access and lies approximately 30 miles from North Chelmsford.

Forested camping with water features: The Pine Campground provides sites backing up to water features. "Nice little campground. Very home like campground. Wish it had a pound to swing in but it does have a small stream that runs doing a good amount of the sites so you can wake up to a nice sound of trickling water," one visitor explains. Many sites include the natural soundtrack of running water.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between providers. At Bear Brook State Park, "For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon." Most campgrounds have minimal service, particularly in low-lying areas.

Seasonal restrictions: Some parks have specific limitations. One visitor to Pearl Hill State Park Campground mentions: "Swimming area closed for bacteria levels, but lots of other nearby activists for the recreation seeker." Water quality monitoring affects swimming availability, especially after heavy rains.

Variable bathroom facilities: Maintenance and amenities differ between parks. "Bathrooms were fairly clean although small and showers were free!" reports a camper at Lorraine Park. Most state parks offer showers, though some operate on coin systems requiring quarters.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity considerations: When selecting sites at Bear Brook State Park, "I'd avoid site 93 because it is so close to the playground and the fire ring placement makes it seem like families enjoying the playground will be tempted to walk through your site." Request sites that balance playground access with privacy.

Water activities for children: Spacious Skies Minute Man offers family-friendly water recreation. "Heated pool, laundry, Wi-Fi that works, cable, 50 amp FHU. Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map! Good fire pit and nice facilities," a camper reports. The heated pool typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences through ranger programs. "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike," notes a Lorraine Park visitor. Check with park offices upon arrival for current schedule.

Tips from RVers

Site length and hookup locations: Campgrounds often have challenging hookup placements. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord. Park staff told us we could back onto the grass in order to reach the electric." Bring extension cords and water hose extensions.

Limited full-hookup options: Most state parks offer electric and water only. At Pawtuckaway State Park, a camper notes there are "no hookups, but there is running water and a dump station is available." Plan accordingly for waste management during longer stays.

Navigational challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow roads requiring careful maneuvering. One Spacious Skies Minute Man visitor explains, "Good level site water and electric (full hook ups also available) electric box a little far from parking site had to use an extension cord." Larger rigs should request specific sites when making reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near North Chelmsford, MA?

North Chelmsford has several excellent campgrounds within driving distance. Willard Brook State Forest Campground offers level sites around a small, bisected loop with towering pines, perfect for a serene getaway. The forest is just up the hill from Damon Pond, providing water recreation opportunities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Otter River State Forest is a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts with clean, well-maintained facilities. This family-friendly destination offers swimming in a pond and is just a short drive to a larger lake, with a single camping pass covering both locations.

Are there RV-friendly camping options in North Chelmsford?

Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury is a small, friendly, family-owned RV park not too far from North Chelmsford. The park is very clean with a nice swimming pool, and the staff is known for being accommodating, even during busy holiday weekends. For those looking for a state park option, Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers RV camping with water and electricity hookups. The site pads make leveling easy, though it's worth noting this campground doesn't offer much privacy and can be busy, making it better for social campers than those seeking solitude.

What summer camps are available for children in North Chelmsford?

While specific summer camp reviews aren't provided in the camping data, the North Chelmsford area offers several nature-based summer camp options for children. Families might consider day camps at Harold Parker State Forest, which has convenient access to Boston while still providing a natural getaway. For water-based activities, Tully Lake Recreation Area offers paddling programs in summer months. For more comprehensive information on children's summer camps in North Chelmsford, check with the local recreation department or school district, as they typically offer seasonal programs focusing on outdoor education, sports, and arts.