Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough offers a family-focused camping experience with organized activities and multiple swimming pools. Sites at this resort-style campground range from premium full hookup options to basic water and electric connections, with varying levels of privacy. While the glamping yurts receive praise for their design, visitors seeking a more secluded experience may prefer alternative options in the Sherborn area, where several state parks provide a quieter atmosphere with basic amenities.
What to do
Explore historic sites and walking trails: The Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides access to unique island exploration with remnants of old forts. "You can explore the beach, launch a boat (paddle or motor), catch a sunrise, or explore the remnants of Fort Pickering," notes a camper at Winter Island Park. The trails throughout the islands offer educational markers, though some visitors mention they're "not well maintained."
Visit nearby attractions: When glamping near Sherborn, Massachusetts, many visitors take advantage of the proximity to cultural sites. The Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides "proximity to the base... but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces." A visitor mentions it makes "a great basecamp for exploration of the area's rich culture and history. You are also not too far from Cambridge, and can easily access Boston from there if you like."
Water activities and fishing: Multiple camping options near Sherborn offer water access. At George Washington State Campground, one visitor notes: "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe." Another adds, "My family and I come here twice a season it's quiet it's calm and never crowded. There's fishing and hiking right in the park."
What campers like
Clean facilities and showers: Several campgrounds maintain high standards for their facilities. One visitor to George Washington State Campground praised the "very clean bathrooms with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)." Similarly, at Winter Island Park, campers appreciate that "The park has a full time bathroom attendant from 8 AM to 8 PM, so restrooms and showers were well kept."
Waterfront views and beach access: Sutton Falls Camping Area offers sites with pond views. One camper was "delighted when we learned we had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves. Stunning views across the large pond, and serving as a wonderful halfway rest/respite on the journey from NYC to Belfast, ME." At Winter Island Park, the oceanfront camping experience is described as "a rare treat" where you can enjoy "sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston."
Wildlife and natural settings: Forested campsites provide a nature-focused experience. At Wells State Park Campground, "Most sites were heavily wooded, and the pond is very pretty." Visitors mention seeing "curious ground hogs" at Winter Island Park, while others note raccoons and skunks are common visitors at several campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Reservations and planning: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially in summer. For Boston Harbor Islands, "Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you're counting on a particular day." Winter Island Park has "very few campsites, you definitely need to reserve a spot before you come."
Transportation considerations: When visiting glamping sites near Sherborn for Boston access, consider transit options. Winter Island Park is "2 miles from the commuter rail and during peak season a shuttle runs between the campground and Salem." A visitor notes: "If you choose to drive, beware that traffic is a nightmare and parking expensive."
Varying levels of amenities: Boston/Cape Cod KOA offers full facilities but "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay." For more rustic options, Boston Harbor Islands camping "requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company... the camping is rustic; you'll need to bring everything, including water."
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity programs: Campgrounds with organized children's programs provide built-in entertainment. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, families appreciate "the activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are better suited for families seeking quiet. One camper at George Washington State Campground mentions "it's quiet it's calm and never crowded," while another notes certain locations can be "very noisy, the road has heavy traffic. I was disappointed that I picked a hike in site and it sounded like I was camped on the side of a highway."
Check playground and recreation options: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, visitors note "all kinds of activities for kids. Bouncy 'pillow', pool, bounce pad, sluice, miniature golf, and a playground." Winter Island Park includes "a playground and beach" that makes it "a great spot, clean, fun and easy access."
Tips from RVers
Site selection is crucial: At many campgrounds, the quality of RV sites varies significantly. At Normandy Farms Campground, "There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between. Both back-in and pull thrus are available as are sites with shade and full sun."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. One RVer at Wells State Park Campground shared that their site "seemed nice, but was very un-level, with a steep, narrow driveway. Combined with the winding, tree-lined loop road, there was no way we were going to be able to back into that site in the dark."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger rigs. Winter Island Park has "many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance." Also important to note: "They do not permit tents on RV sites and vice versa. None of the sites offer much privacy."
