Tent camping around Salisbury, Massachusetts centers around both wooded inland sites and coastal experiences within a short drive. The area features mild summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F with occasional evening fog along the coast. Most tent camping destinations are seasonal, typically operating from May through October due to New England's harsh winters.
What to do
Beach activities: 5-minute drive from Cape Ann Camp Site to Good Harbor Beach for swimming and sunbathing. According to one camper, "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."
Hiking trails: Camp Nihan Education Center connects directly to Breakheart Reservation, which offers various hiking paths through wooded terrain. A visitor noted, "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Historic exploration: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers unique opportunities to explore abandoned military structures. One camper shared, "Exploring the island was awesome. We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house."
Watersports: Salmon Falls River RV Resort provides multiple swimming pools and water activities just 45 minutes from Salisbury. A visitor mentioned, "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Cape Ann Camp Site tent sites offer good separation between campers. According to one review, "The campsite we loved; it was clean & secluded enough but close enough to others to meet & greet if you wanted."
Wildlife viewing: Tent campers report seeing native wildlife at several campgrounds. One visitor mentioned, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
City skyline views: Boston Harbor Islands provide rare urban wilderness camping with metropolitan views. A camper reported, "Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it."
Seasonal fruit picking: Summer campers can find wild berries at certain campgrounds. One visitor mentioned collecting "handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks" island in mid-August.
What you should know
Transportation logistics: Ferry-accessed tent camping requires planning. One Boston Harbor Islands camper explained, "We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry (which was in itself lovely and explained much of the harbor on the way) to Georges Island."
Water availability: Bring sufficient water for primitive sites. A reviewer warned about Boston Harbor Islands: "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods."
Campsite surfaces: Camp Nihan Education Center offers rugged yet accessible sites. As one camper described, "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."
Payment systems: Some campground facilities require coins. One Cape Ann visitor noted, "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change. So I washed my hair in the sink."
Tips for camping with families
Check bathroom facilities: Some locations have recently renovated restrooms. A Camp Nihan visitor mentioned, "A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
Consider alternative accommodations: Huttopia Southern Maine offers family-friendly glamping options 40 minutes from Salisbury. A visitor noted, "Grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly."
Look for dedicated activity areas: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation. A Salmon Falls visitor commented, "Have great activities daily for the kids a nice store onsite."
Choose locations with swimming options: During summer heat, water access becomes important. One camper recommended Camp Nihan because it's near "a great shallow pond with life guard on duty" perfect for children.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Check site conditions before booking. A Cape Ann RV camper noted, "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. One Cape Ann visitor mentioned, "There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a 'dump station.'"
Utility reliability: Military Park New Boston and other surrounding primitive tent camping areas have limited or no utilities. Pack accordingly and expect to be self-sufficient.
Site size considerations: Many tent camping areas near Salisbury cannot accommodate larger RVs. One Cape Ann visitor confirmed, "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome."
