The Saugus area sits just 10 miles north of Boston, offering campers a strategic base to explore both urban attractions and natural landscapes. Located in Essex County, this region experiences typical New England seasonal variations with warm summers averaging 80°F and cooler spring and fall temperatures in the 50-60°F range. Camping options near Saugus provide access to both coastal environments and inland forests within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Beach exploration: 25 cents for showers. At Cape Ann Camp Site, visitors can enjoy beach access just down the street. As one camper notes, "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever." The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring Gloucester and Rockport's coastal attractions.
Historical sightseeing: Revolutionary War sites. The area around Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides easy access to significant historical landmarks. "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston," writes one visitor. This military-only campground puts you close to Lexington and Concord for history enthusiasts.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rental options available. The waterways near Saugus offer peaceful paddling opportunities. A camper at Pawtuckaway State Park mentions, "The lake is wonderful for kayaking and canoeing--we loved the many blueberry bushes scattered around the shores." Many campgrounds provide equipment rentals for those without their own boats.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Wooded sites. Campers appreciate the forested settings available near Saugus. One visitor to Wakeda Campground noted, "We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere." These wooded sites provide privacy and shade during summer months.
Coastal camping: Ocean views. The Winter Island Park campground in nearby Salem offers waterfront camping experiences. A camper shares, "We spent a weekend here on a tent site close to the beach. The pros were the great view, easy put in for our kayaks, and convenience for fishing and trail walking." Oceanfront camping provides cool breezes and scenic vistas.
Wildlife encounters: Natural habitats. The region supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Wakeda, one visitor reported, "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird." Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances to observe local fauna.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for summer. Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend stays. Regarding the Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, one camper advises, "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings."
Transportation logistics: Ferry access required. Some unique camping experiences require additional planning. For Boston Harbor Islands, a visitor explains, "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells."