Campgrounds near Saugus, Massachusetts offer a range of accommodations from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with varied amenities. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically closing between late October and mid-April due to New England's winter conditions. The coastal location provides opportunities for water activities during summer months when temperatures average 75-85°F, while inland sites offer more wooded surroundings.
What to do
Beach access: North Hampton's Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort positions visitors about 5 miles from Hampton Beach. One camper noted, "About 5 miles to the east is Hampton Beach and a little farther is the town of Rye which are worth the drive. There we discovered Ray's Seafood and Petey's Summertime Seafood where you can get a great meal right next to the water."
Historical sites: Camping near Saugus provides access to significant Revolutionary War landmarks. At Spacious Skies Minute Man, campers report excellent access to historic sites. A visitor explained, "Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites, and famous people home tours such as Louisa May Alcott. Lots of good coffee spots and restaurants in historic downtown Concord."
Golf and camping: Some campgrounds combine recreational amenities with camping facilities. The family-owned Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers both camping and golfing opportunities. A reviewer described it as "1300 acres owned and operated by the Simonsen family in Derry, NH. The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc."
What campers like
Coastal views: Winter Island Park in Salem provides oceanfront camping with harbor perspectives. A camper shared, "The campground is right on the ocean with incredible harbor views. It was an easy bike ride to the Salem Ferry to get access into Boston for the day." Another mentioned, "Camping on the oceanfront was a rare treat!"
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate well-maintained campgrounds in the area. At Beach Rose RV Park, campers consistently mention cleanliness: "Great campground, though spaces are small, place is clean, nice pool and staff is very friendly, helpful and responsive! It's only about a mile from the beach."
Proximity to attractions: The location allows for easy day trips to major points of interest. A camper at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod mentioned, "Loved the easy access to Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston. Heavily treed and shaded campground."
What you should know
Site spacing: Many rv parks near Saugus, Massachusetts and surrounding areas have limited separation between sites. A camper at Beach Rose RV Park noted, "We thought the small campsites would bother us, but after one day we got used to it and it was fine."
Seasonal differences: Fall camping can mean significant crowds, especially in October. At Winter Island Park, a reviewer advised, "I stayed one night here to experience Salem during Halloween at a tent site. Positives are access to Salem, Uber and Lyft are available though scarcer as the night gets later (10:30 pm)."
Weather preparedness: New England weather can change rapidly, even during camping season. A Tuxbury Pond RV Campground camper mentioned, "Within the hour, there was a large canopy tent set up right in between us and the bathrooms that we were now much closer to and there was a band setting up for their afternoon show."
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to beach swimming. At Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort, a visitor commented, "The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay!"
Playground access: Family-friendly amenities vary between properties. One camper described Winter Island Park as "a great time by the sea and the playground. There was 2 weddings while we where their. It's a great feelings sleeping under the stars and waking up to the crisp air."
Entertainment scheduling: Some campgrounds offer scheduled activities for children. A visitor to Tuxbury Pond RV Campground explained, "A staff member came to our site and let us know that there is an 18+ comedy show but there was a children's movie being played on a big screen on the other side of the campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites at campgrounds near Saugus vary in layout and amenities. A Sea Coast camper explained, "Pull through sites, while close were arranged in such a way so that you are not next to the sewer hookup of your neighbor. A big plus for me."
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have narrow interior roads. A visitor to Sea Coast noted, "The roads in the park are fairly narrow and we had to drive over the grass across from our site in order to back in."
Off-season advantages: Camping during shoulder seasons may provide more space. A camper mentioned, "None of the sites have a lot of space between them and I bet this park could feel quite cramped when it was full. We were there in the off-season (May) and didn't have any neighbors so it was pretty quiet."
