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Best Campgrounds near Salem, MA

627 Reviews

Several good camping spots can be found around Salem, Massachusetts for folks wanting to get outdoors. Wompatuck State Park Campground sits a short drive away and has basic amenities with hiking trails and picnic spots. Many campers also head to Bear Brook State Park Campground where lakes and forests create a nice backdrop for camping trips. If you like water sports, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground puts you close to water for fishing and kayaking. Greenfield State Park Campground works well for families since it has bigger campsites and a playground the kids can use. Both Tidewater Campground and Laura Wakeda Campground give you some privacy while still being easy to reach. Remember to store your food properly so you don't attract wildlife to your campsite. The trails around Pawtuckaway let you see local animals and plants during day hikes. You can easily drive between Salem's historical sites and these camping areas in the same day. New England weather changes quickly, so pack for cool mornings and evenings even in summer. The warmest camping happens June through August when you'll need sun protection and plenty of water. Most people avoid winter camping here because of the cold, though some campgrounds do stay open. The camping areas near Salem work for quick weekend trips or longer vacations depending on what you're looking for.

Map showing campgrounds near Salem, MassachusettsExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Salem, Massachusetts (78)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    33 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "Every site seems to have its own water spigot, though it's not necessarily conveniently located if you want to hook up a trailer/RV. There are 11 sites with water/electric."

    "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
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (978) 745-9430

    $35 - $105 / night

    "It’s less than 2 miles from Salem and on the trolley line."

    "Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance."

    3. Cape Ann Camp Site

    16 Reviews
    Gloucester, MA
    11 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

    43 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    22 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

    26 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. 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."

    7. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    9 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. Beach Rose RV Park

    13 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."

    "Great location from the ocean and some nice towns to visit. Boston and Salem are very close and you can take a train which is only 5 minutes away from the campground. "

    9. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    10 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    22 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."

    10. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    25 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"

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Recent Camping Photos near Salem, MA

292 Photos of 78 Salem Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Salem, MA

627 Reviews of 78 Salem Campgrounds

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    Koa Cape Cod

    Stayed in several KOAs over last few weeks. I would say needs attention. Appearance is not up to standard. Restrooms and grounds are not as clean by comparison.

  • 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!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Colin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Dunes' Edge Campground - Provincetown Camping

    Very nice and quiet camp ground.

    A very nice and quiet camp ground. No generators, and air conditioners allowed, just the noise of nature. Also, no dish washing at camp sites. You must use one of the two wash stations.

    Very friendly staff and clean facilities, and they believe in recycling. Just watch the pot hole on the way in.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Coastal Acres Campground

    Tight but friendly

    Sites are a tight squeeze but the charm is unmistakable. The staff(Deb and Lucy) are fabulous! The welcome is unmatched. You are within walking distance of all downtown activities. There are bike and jeep trails. No fire rings and not much privacy. Would come again!

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Massasoit State Park Campground

    Campsite was great, staff was rough

    I loved our campsite. But the staff was pretty rude. I was there for a family reunion. I told the staff my mom and dad would be dropping me off the next day, so they added their name to the site as it is a mile walk in. They didn’t give us another car tag, just said if there names were in the site we were good. Next night, we get dropped off in the rain, with a 50 lb bag of dog food and they wouldn’t let me parents take me to my site. Eventually we convinced them of we left my dad and sister at the front gate with them in the pouring rain, my mom could drive us in. They never even checked our reservation to see if the names were in there. Bring a car if you are camping here in a motorhome

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    York Beach Camper Park

    Hideaway

    Don’t let the entrance turn you off. Once you get back into the campgrounds, it’s so cute. You are nestled in the woods. You feel like you are in the Forest but so close to the ocean. It’s calm and peaceful. The owners are so friendly and kind.

Guide to Salem

Camping near Salem, Massachusetts, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Bear Brook State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Family Fun: Check out Normandy Farms Campground for activities like crafts and games. One camper said, "It has so many things for the kids to do. Everyone is so friendly."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor shared, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained bathrooms and showers at Wompatuck State Park Campground. One review highlighted, "The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at George Washington State Campground. A visitor noted, "Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds."

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, check the rules. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on trails but not in the campground during summer. One reviewer pointed out, "Pets are NOT permitted in the campground or beach area during the summer season."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier conditions on weekends. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, may not have markets or extensive amenities. A visitor noted, "There is NO market."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. Normandy Farms Campground offers a variety of games and crafts. A parent shared, "Our site had the perfect amount of shade overall a great experience!"
  • Safety First: Keep an eye out for ticks, especially at Bear Brook State Park Campground. One camper warned, "Our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that."
  • Plan for Noise: Be prepared for noise from other campers, especially on weekends. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "Some of the clientele is a bit noisy but overall a very nice spot to camp cheap!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground said, "We have a 25” B+ and basically had to park sideways and use a lot of leveling blocks."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Boston/Cape Cod KOA noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight, but overall the campground is nice."
  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Minute Man Campground appreciated, "The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs."

Camping around Salem, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specific campground rules and amenities to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities can I expect at campgrounds in Salem, MA?

The Pines Camping Area offers a peaceful setting with a playground for kids and beautiful creek views. This campground provides a calm retreat while still offering essential amenities. For RV travelers, Beach Rose RV Park in nearby Salisbury is a small, friendly, family-owned campground with clean facilities and a swimming pool. Most campgrounds in the Salem area provide basic amenities like electric hookups for RVs, water access, and restroom facilities. While not luxury resorts, these campgrounds focus on providing convenient access to Salem's attractions while offering essential camping necessities.

What are the best campgrounds near Salem, MA for weekend trips?

Winter Island Park is ideal for Salem weekend trips, located less than 2 miles from downtown and conveniently on the trolley line. This no-frills campground offers beach access and is particularly popular during Halloween season when Salem gets crowded. For a more nature-focused alternative, Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest provides a wooded retreat less than 25 miles from Salem with ample on-site activities. This campground serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the Massachusetts coast north of Boston while offering a more secluded camping experience.

Is free camping available near Salem, Massachusetts?

Free camping options are extremely limited near Salem. Most established campgrounds in the area charge fees, including Circle Campground Farm Campground, which offers convenient access to Salem and other attractions. For budget-conscious travelers, Cape Ann Camp Site near Gloucester may offer more affordable rates depending on the season. Massachusetts generally has strict regulations about dispersed camping, with most public lands requiring permits and fees. Your best option for minimizing costs is to camp during off-peak seasons or at state forests farther from Salem where rates may be lower, though you'll need to factor in transportation costs to visit Salem.

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