Camping near Stoneham, Massachusetts puts visitors within 10 miles of Boston while offering several wooded campgrounds with varying amenities. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F, making June through September the prime camping season. Winter camping options are limited as most campgrounds close from November through April due to New England's cold winters and heavy snowfall.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers direct access to over 40 miles of multi-use trails. "The tent sites were large which was great as we had two tents at ours. The park is very dog friendly for camping as well as hiking. The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," reports one visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Water activities: Beyond glamping in Stoneham, Massachusetts, visitors can enjoy kayaking at multiple locations. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, one reviewer notes, "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." Rentals are available on-site for those without equipment.
Historical exploration: The region offers several historical sites within a short drive. A visitor to Hanscom AFB FamCamp mentions, "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston." The campground provides a convenient base for exploring early American history.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently rate waterfront sites as top choices. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, a reviewer shares, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" Reservations for premium water sites should be made 6 months in advance.
Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. One visitor to Winter Island Park notes, "The park has a full time bathroom attendant from 8 AM to 8 PM, so restrooms and showers were well kept." Many campgrounds offer coin-operated showers that cost $0.25-$1 for 5-10 minutes.
Urban proximity: The ability to visit Boston while enjoying nature ranks high with campers. A Winter Island Park visitor explains, "We spent two nights at this campground- the closest camping to Boston. 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."
What you should know
Limited privacy: Many campgrounds feature open layouts with minimal screening between sites. A reviewer at Cape Ann Camp Site observed, "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites." When booking, ask for sites along perimeters or in corners for more seclusion.
Reservation essentials: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A visitor to Winter Island Park advises, "Small camp. Have very few campsites, you definitely need to reserve a spot before you come. The manager, David, is super friendly and helped me out BIG because I didn't have a reservation and they were filled up."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report visits from local wildlife. One camper at Winter Island Park shared, "The cons were the noise during the day from the beachgoers, and the visits from racoons and skunks at night (scavenging the food left by the beachgoers). We ended up leaving earlier than planned to avoid another night with the skunk activity."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Normandy Farms Campground stands out for family activities. One visitor states, "This is the place that will raise the bar for all the others. Everything was fantastic. If I could pick ONE thing to improve it would be bigger shower stalls. But seriously. There is so much to do and so much amazing staff that you'd never have to leave." The campground features four swimming pools and multiple playgrounds.
City day trips: Families can combine camping with city exploration. A Hanscom AFB FamCamp visitor explains, "The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees... In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond, so the campground makes a great basecamp for exploration of the area's rich culture and history."
Beach access: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches ideal for children. At Winter Island Park, one family noted, "Winters island is a beautiful campground in Salem,ma. We stayed 2times in the month of June and 1 time each in July and august... the kids had a great time by the sea and the playground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RVers should carefully research sites before booking. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, a visitor cautions, "I have belong to KOA's for quite a few years and I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. With that being said I did not take my own advice and I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to."
Seasonal amenities: RVers should check which amenities are available during their visit. A visitor to Tuxbury Pond RV Campground noted, "Small camp. Have very few campsites, you definitely need to reserve a spot before you come. The manager, David, is super friendly and helped me out BIG because I didn't have a reservation and they were filled up."
Luxury glamping options: For those seeking upscale glamping in the Stoneham area, Normandy Farms Campground offers premium sites. A visitor comments, "Repeat customer and I sure hope we can again! Imagine our surprise and delight when our quest to hit all the MLB parks showed Normandy as proximal to Fenway. Yahoo! Red Sox win and we get to be here again. Kids and adults alike love it. What's not to love. It's the kind of place summer camping trip memories are made of. 4 pools, fishing pond, lodge, trivia night, soccer, baseball, softball and frisbee golf and so much more. Full hook ups. Super long sites."