Best Cabin Camping near South Hamilton, MA

Several state parks and private campgrounds within driving distance of South Hamilton, Massachusetts provide rustic cabin rentals with varying amenities. Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire offers five cabins that sleep six people each, equipped with electricity, fire rings, and picnic tables. "Cabins are on a remote lake, perfect for star gazing! Rustic but comfy beds," notes one visitor to Bear Brook State Park, where cabins lack electricity but provide comfortable sleeping arrangements. Ponkapoag Camp in Milton features about 25 rustic cabins with 2-6 beds each, wooden floors, and many with wood stoves for heating during cooler weather. The cabins contain dressers, shelves for storage, and tables for dining. Outside amenities typically include fire pits or grills and picnic tables, allowing for outdoor cooking and dining options.

Booking patterns vary significantly between locations, with most requiring reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months. Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough operates from April through November with cabin accommodations among its 400 total sites. Pet policies differ considerably - Pawtuckaway State Park prohibits pets in cabins during peak season (Memorial Day to Columbus Day), while other locations like Ponkapoag Camp welcome pets year-round. Reservation methods also vary, with most parks offering online booking while Ponkapoag Camp requires mail-in reservations with telephone confirmation. According to a reviewer, "Each cabin has between 2-6 beds. The mattresses in our large cabin were brand new dorm style mattresses, which were slippery but comfortable." Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers seasonal cabin options accessible only by ferry, operating from June through Labor Day weekend.

Most cabin rentals provide beds with mattresses but require visitors to bring their own linens, pillows, and sleeping bags. Cooking facilities vary widely - some locations offer only outdoor fire pits or grills, while others may include indoor cooking options. Ponkapoag Camp has no electricity or running water, requiring guests to bring all water from home. Bear Brook State Park cabins similarly lack electricity, so visitors should pack flashlights or lanterns. Camp stores at locations like Pawtuckaway State Park sell basic supplies, firewood, and sometimes offer boat rentals. For extended stays, grocery stores can be found in surrounding communities, though specific distances vary by campground location. Visitors should check individual campground websites for complete packing lists and nearby services.

Best Cabin Sites Near South Hamilton, Massachusetts (37)

    1. Cape Ann Camp Site

    16 Reviews
    Gloucester, MA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 283-8683

    $36 - $44 / night

    "There is a corner store, bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pit, cell service, and close beach access. Everything you need for a beginner camping experience."

    "Beautiful campsite, nice sized sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private. Bathrooms and showers well maintained, 25 cents for 5 minute shower."

    2. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "quiet during quiet hours, laundromat, playground, dog park, boating pond, Horse shoe & Basketball court."

    "We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"

    3. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    10 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Wakeda Campground, LLC

    16 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 772-5274

    $48 - $97 / night

    "We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm."

    "They offered electric, water, and sewer hook up, trading post that had camping goods and snacks, WiFi hotspot, pool table, and lounging area."

    5. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 740-1605

    $8 - $55 / night

    "The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure."

    "Unless you book one of the 12 yurts on Peddocks island, the camping is rustic; you’ll need to bring everything, including water."

    6. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "The park includes a large family beach on the lake."

    "The convenience store at the campground had essentially everything you would need for a good camping trip."

    7. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $49 - $999 / night

    "Heated pool, laundry, Wi-Fi that works, cable, 50 amp FHU. Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren’t the straight lines on their map! Good fire pit and nice facilities"

    "At first (and this has nothing to do with camp it’s the people and their pets that make or break a visit) we had lots kid noise some had 8 kids!!"

    8. Exeter Elms Campground

    7 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 778-7631

    $45 - $59 / night

    "Sites weren’t bad, clean campground, pool & canoe rentals, family activities offered, short drive to the beaches. Primitive camping, waterfront sites & cabins available :)"

    "Site across the path was a little loud, but we were too I imagine... bet it'd be lots of fun for the kiddos."

    9. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / night

    "The sites fit a family tent, picnic table, fire ring (with plenty of space for chairs) and a vehicle. You don’t have any boundary or open area between sites."

    "Driving in you quickly realize how huge this park is with some 400 RV sites, tent sites, yurts, lean-to’s, safari tents, and cabins. "

    10. Winding River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 778-7631

    "The store is a little overpriced. Most of the staff is okay but there are some that are a little rude. It can get loud at times but it's mostly chill"

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Cabin Reviews near South Hamilton, MA

342 Reviews of 37 South Hamilton Campgrounds


  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    Large and friendly park with plenty of water activity opportunities

    My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone. The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower; an extensive marsh where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen.

    The park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake.  The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake.  Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers.  There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayaks are available, as well as a plublic canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).
  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • M
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    Peddocks Island, Boston Harbor

    This campground has 6 yurts and 6 tent sites. The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. Just getting to the island is a fun adventure. The island is beautiful and has an old fort to explore as well as a lot of Rocky shoreline and trails. You can build bon fires and see gorgeous sunsets. During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids. On peddocks island there is plenty of drinking water available and a ranger station. 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. I been 3 times and always have a great time. This campground is only open during the summer months.

  • Judy W.
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Bearbrook Pros and Cons

    Con: Signage is awful! Hard to find park, office and cabins! Once there, Looong drive to both campground and Cabins.

    Pro: cabins are on a remote lake. Perfect for star gazing! Rustic but comfy (beds) cabins. Bring all your own stuff. No electricity, so no lights. Our cabin had a steep path. Others did not.

  • Kasey M.
    Oct. 12, 2020

    Thousand Trails Moody Beach

    Great location friendly staff

    We came in in October, the foliage is beautiful on the “wooded” sites. There are new sites with gravel and no trees as well, we had our choice. The wooded sites are pull through and back in, depending on the row. There are cabins and rentals as well. Fire pits and charcoals grills at all wooded sites. Family friendly facility with a playground. Lounge closed for Covid, pool closed for season. Events and activities are run by management. Great location for beach and stores.

  • R
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Spacious Skies Minute Man

    Planes, Trains, Dump Trucks...

    The campground itself is beautifully wooded with mature pine trees. However, the sites are packed so tight you can barely maneuver in and out. We only have a 17' travel trailer pulled by a Ford Explorer and had great difficulty backing it in. I did not see any pull-through sites. Our site had a picnic table, fire ring and water & electric hookups. When we arrived we were given a rules list (as customary) that strongly threatened to remove anyone who was too loud, including dogs. I was a little worried because our Border Collie sometimes barks when people walk their dogs past our campsite. Anyway... after we went to bed we were awakened by a cacophony of road noises, including trains, trucks, and tractor trailers. Planes sounded like they were flying right above our heads. Trucks sounded like they were dumping rocks only feet from our site. In between those noises, we could hear a group of people partying outside on the deck of a house very close to the campground. This went on well into the night. Even though my husband has poor hearing, he couldn't sleep through all that. And yes, the irony of the campground's stern noise warning wasn't lost on me. We were there 3 sleepless nights. I would suggest bringing quality earplugs if you go there. Oh- and they do not allow you to choose your site. You get what's assigned to you.

  • Rita M.
    Jun. 13, 2018

    Ponkapoag Camp

    Wild Zora Foods Review at Hidden, Rustic Gem in the Boston Suburbs.

    I found this campground in a totally roundabout way, while searching for lodging during a field trip to Plimouth Plantation. After discovering it, I decided that we HAD to plan a trip here sometime soon.

    Ponkapoag Camp is run by the AMC. The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake. There are about 25 rustic cabins, and a few tent sites dispersed throughout the camping area. There is a year round caretaker there to help folks check in, and she also sells firewood. Reservations are by mail only, although you can call the caretaker to confirm availability.

    Before I continue my review, it is important to note: THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY OR RUNNING WATER.

    We brought all our water from home, and it worked well. Make sure you bring campsuds or other eco-friendly soap since the toilets are just outhouses without running water much of the year.

    The Cabins:

    Each cabin has between 2-6 beds. The mattresses in our large cabin were brand new dorm style mattresses, which were slippery but comfortable. The cabins have assorted dressers and shelves for storage, and a table for dining on those bad weather days. The floors are wooden. Many cabins have wood stoves, which is great for the cooler parts of the year. We were there Memorial Day weekend, and needed the stove when it dipped to 40 degrees. Outside of the cabin is a pedestal grill, and a picnic table. My children found trees close by to hang their hammocks.

    Upon departure from the camp, you are required to sweep and tidy up the cabin.

    The Grounds:

    Hiking trails abound on the property. While none of the trails are steep, they all go through beautiful ares, with views of the pond, and interesting rock formations. Blue Hill is within hiking distance, and it is a favorite spot for seeing the sunrise. Apparently you can see all the way to Boston!

    The pond itself is a wonderful place for kayaking and canoeing. There are several rocky boulders poking out of the water that make fun spots to discover. The sunsets over the pond are spectacular to watch from the dock.

    Getting there: The driveway to the camp is totally unmarked. It is a gate studded with two american flags. When you confirm your reservation (by mail), the caretaker will give you the access code for the gate. We enjoyed being somewhere that was so close to people, but felt so remote and had no traffic.

    Downsides: One of the nights we stayed, the flight path to Logan International Airport was right over the campground. We all slept fine, but it was distracting. Thankfully, they change the flight path every night, so it should not happen every night!

    WILD ZORA FOOD review:

    As a Ranger with The Dyrt, I was given the opportunity to test out food from Wild Zora Foods. https://wildzora.com.

    This is a premade meal company, focusing on Paleo and Primal recipes. We tried out a sampler pack of their meat bars, and then two meal-in-a-bag freeze dried entrees. We ended up eating several meat bars while making the trip to the campground, since we were stuck in traffic and everyone was hungry. Our 5 children helped do the sampling. Out of the six flavors (Parmesan Beef, BBQ beef, Mediterranean Lamb, Curry Turkey, Chili Beef, and Taco Pork), our favorites were Parmesan Beef ad Mediterranean Lamb. The other flavors seemed a bit too sweet for our liking. However, the bars were a great substitute for junk food when everyone is hungry. Everyone enjoyed eating them. I liked that they used food such as dates and dried apricots as sweeteners. My children all wanted more. I'd say that one bar would be a good snack for an adult.

    We also cooked up a batch of a berry breakfast cacao bowl, and their Chicken Caldera Curry. Both meals were super convenient in their pouches that could be cooked and eaten in. We just poured boiling water in, and let them sit. The Caldera Chicken Curry was well seasoned, and very meaty. I was impressed by how filling it was without needing any rice. The texture was a bit chalky, but overall, it was a great option for a Paleo freeze-dried meal. The berry breakfast meal was less satisfying--but it tasted very fresh, and not overly sweet.

    It was fun to test these foods out. When camping with kids, it is often hard to have time to cook a camp meal each night, so having quick options can really make a trip go more smoothly. I recommend checking out Wild Zora if you are interested in a preservative free, high protein freeze dried meal option.

  • k
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Dixons Coastal Maine Campground

    LOTS of people but lovely campground

    This is an extremely large campground.  It seems that most of them on the coast of Maine are.  We didn't get a very good sight, but the person who answered the phone basically told us that when we called and it was all they had, so I can't say too much about that either (#17).  The sight was small and between the two driveways.  All of the sights seem to have rocky ground, so I recommend a sleep pad and a footprint for your tent so you don't rip the bottom.  

    Now, on to the other stuff.  There is a small playground that is weathered but in decent shape.  The pool is lovely and meticulously kept.  The grounds, bathrooms and showers are spotless.  It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water.  There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms.

    They sell ice, wood ($7) and many "I forgots" in the store (bacon, milk, etc...).  They give you a security card to get into the grounds ($10 deposit).  The campground was SUPER quiet and quiet hours go to 8am (thank you)!  Only an RV about to leave made a ton of noise at 7.

    I would go there again.  It was a safe place close to so many things.  The beach and everything else is VERY close but not so close as to be annoying.... 5 minutes at most.


Guide to South Hamilton

Cabin rentals within driving distance of South Hamilton, Massachusetts range from rustic accommodations to more comfortable options with modern amenities. Situated in coastal Massachusetts approximately 25 miles north of Boston, the South Hamilton area serves as a convenient starting point for cabin camping adventures across New England. Seasonal considerations impact availability, with most locations operating from spring through fall, though winter rentals can be found at certain properties.

What to do

Hiking trails access: Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester offers close proximity to coastal trails. "Cape Ann is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views," notes Ron C., who particularly enjoyed the local scenery.

Water activities: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground provides waterfront sites perfect for boating. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," explains Matt R. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for visitors without their own equipment.

Historic exploration: Staying at Minute Man Campground gives access to significant Revolutionary War sites. "Easy to get into Boston by train. Level sites, quiet, and very clean restrooms make this a perfect spot for touring historic Boston, Concord, & Lexington," shares Charles K. The campground is approximately 40 minutes from Boston's historic attractions.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Cape Ann Camp Site receives praise for its natural setting. "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," reports Cristina P. The campground offers a mix of RV sites and cabins in a forested environment.

Family facilities: Normandy Farms Campground stands out for its extensive amenities. "We were here a couple years ago and told everyone we knew about it in the PNW never knowing if our big road trips would have us near Foxboro again. 4 pools, fishing pond, lodge, trivia night, soccer, baseball, softball and frisbee golf and so much more," writes Jennifer H. The campground operates from April through November with cabin accommodations.

Waterfront views: Campers at Pawtuckaway State Park appreciate the lake setting. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" notes J L. The park features five cabins that sleep six people each, situated on the water for maximum enjoyment of the lake views.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advanced booking, especially during summer months. At Wakeda Campground, "Its a nice no frills campground. We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm," reports Kris S.

Shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality varies significantly between locations. "Womens bathroom is clean and large. My husband said the mens got a bit full of trash during weekend," reports mary F. about Minute Man Campground. Some facilities charge for showers, while others include them in the site fee.

Seasonal availability: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground has a limited operating season. "This campground has 6 yurts and 6 tent sites. The yurts have bunk beds, a floor lamp, a table inside, a picnic table outside and a grill. This campground is only open during the summer months," explains Martha H. Most cabin accommodations in the region close by late October or early November.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with planned events keep children engaged. "We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few," shares Lisa H. about Winding River Campground.

Educational opportunities: Camp Nihan Education Center offers environmental programming for children. "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. 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," explains Michael V.

Pack for comfort: Cabin furnishings vary widely between locations. "We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm," says Kris S. about Wakeda Campground. Most cabins provide beds but require guests to bring their own linens and pillows.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Normandy Farms, RVers appreciate the spacious accommodations. "Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground," notes Matt T. Sites with full hookups book quickly during summer months.

Setup considerations: RV campers should check water and electrical connections before arrival. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," reports Zachary W. about Wakeda Campground, highlighting the importance of reliable utilities for comfortable stays.

Seasonal differences: Shoulder season visits can offer better availability and fewer crowds. "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet," writes Kris M. about Pawtuckaway State Park, noting the temperature challenges of early spring camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular cabin campsite near South Hamilton, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near South Hamilton, MA is Cape Ann Camp Site with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find cabin camping near South Hamilton, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 cabin camping locations near South Hamilton, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.