Cabins and camping areas near South Hamilton, Massachusetts range from rustic to full-service options across varied terrain. The region features a mix of coastal, wooded, and pond-side camping options within a 30-mile radius. Camping season typically runs from May through mid-October, with limited facilities available during off-season months.
What to do
Beach exploration at Salisbury Beach: Visit Salisbury Beach State Reservation, which offers direct ocean access with a shallow beach area that families enjoy. "The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks. Also there's a beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there," notes one camper at Winter Island Park.
Mountain biking on local trails: The wooded campgrounds provide access to biking paths suitable for various skill levels. "God access to some beginner flowy mountain bike trails," says a visitor about Wompatuck State Park Campground, making it an excellent spot for riders looking for smooth terrain.
Paddle sports on protected waters: Multiple camping areas offer pond and river access for kayaking or paddle boarding. "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching," according to a visitor at Cape Ann Camp Site, though they warn to "beware of tides and strong currents."
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Harold Parker State Forest offers spacious campsites surrounded by mature trees. "Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples," mentions one reviewer at Lorraine Park Campground. Another adds, "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds."
Urban-adjacent camping: Some campgrounds provide surprising seclusion despite proximity to cities. "I actually camped here, while looking for apartments during my move to boston. It's about 45 min out of the city. Not too crowded, bathrooms and picnic tables. Trails around and several ponds," shares a visitor at Lorraine Park Campground.
Ocean views and beach access: Coastal campgrounds offer quick access to shorelines. "Winters island is a beautiful campground in Salem,ma... The kids had a great time by the sea and the playground," writes a camper about Winter Island Park, where campsites are near the water.
What you should know
Site selection importance: Campground layouts vary significantly, with some offering better privacy than others. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome. They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi," according to one camper.
Shower facilities vary: Many campgrounds charge for shower use or have limited facilities. "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom," notes a camper at Cape Ann Camp Site, while others mention varying levels of maintenance across campgrounds.
Reservation requirements: Booking well in advance is essential, especially for weekend stays. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites!" warns a camper about Winter Island Park, reflecting a common situation across popular camping areas near South Hamilton.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly amenities. At Wakeda Campground, "the playground is perfect for kids, the creek is right behind you which gave us beautiful views right outside our RV window(s)," making it convenient for families to keep children entertained.
Educational programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities that appeal to children. "A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike," mentions a visitor about Harold Parker State Forest.
Insect preparation: Marshy areas can have significant mosquito populations. "The con of this camp ground was the misquote, we went through 3 deep woods cans in just the first night. They were crazy and kids were eaten alive," warns a camper at The Pines Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Site placement challenges: Many RV sites have limitations with hookup placement. "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord," explains a camper at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, though they found park staff helpful in resolving the issue.
Accessibility considerations: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. "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," notes a visitor to Winter Island Park, highlighting the trade-off between site size and location benefits.
Seasonal camper presence: Several campgrounds have long-term residents. "Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other," observes a visitor at The Pines Camping Area, which may affect the camping experience for short-term visitors.
