Swampscott, MA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Swampscott, MA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
The campground, also known as Lorraine Campground, has 91 campsites that are spread out sufficiently to provide a real "forest" camping experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and a pedestal grill. A water spigot is located on each campsite and a dumping station is available. We are pleased to inform you that we now have eleven campsites with 20/30/50 AMP hookups! The comfort stations have showers and flush toilets. Comfort station 3 and 4 are accessible.
$17 - $54 / night
Description Located just 35 minutes from downtown Boston, this 260-site (half with electricity), campground boasts a network of trails - biking, hiking and some of the best mountain bicycling in the state. Enjoy fishing and canoeing in the reservoir and ocean swimming at nearby Nantasket Beach.
Geography: One of the most notable features of the Park is Mt. Blue Spring which is a popular source of fresh drinking water. Visitors can help themselves for free. The park is named for an Indian chief the local colonists knew as Josiah Wompatuck. In 1665, Chief Wompatuck deeded the park and the surrounding land to the English settlers. During WWII the park was used as an ammunition depot by the US military.
Recreation: Wompatuck State Park offers 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, and many miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails. This is also a geocaching park as one can find up to 30 geocaches within park boundaries. Fishing is allowed in the Cohasset Reservoir. A boat ramp is provided for car-top boats, but no boat trailers, please.
Facilities: This beautiful forested campground offers 260 spacious campsites, flush toilets and showers. Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table, pedestal grill and a fire ring. With 125 sites with electric hookups and a dumping station, this is a very popular facility with trailer campers.
Nearby Attractions: While in the area, be sure to visit other nearby DCR properties: Boston Harbor Islands, Blue Hills State Reservation, Nantasket Beach, Myles Standish State Forest and historic Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
$17 - $60 / night
$35 - $50 / night
Salisbury Beach state reservation overlooks the point at which the Merrimack River feeds the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great place to swim, boat, or camp. Salisbury Beach offers 484 campsites for tents, trailers, or R.V.
$35 / night
$36 - $44 / night
Nestled deep in the woods between Boston & Cape Cod, Normandy Farms Campground is a luxury camping destination that has been a family tradition since 1971 and widely recognized as one of the premier resorts in the world. Relax and enjoy the unique seasons of New England in your RV, tent, or in one of our deluxe cabin or YURT rentals. We also have pop-up trailers and safari tents for those seeking an elevated camping experience.
Normandy Farms Campground Special Amenities include: a bike park, creative arts center, disc golf, a dog park, a fitness center, laundry facilities, playgrounds, a store, volleyball, basketball, soccer, bocce, tennis, 4 swimming pools, spa, wellness center, and more!
$50 - $200 / night
Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground is a peaceful campground located in a piney forest grove in historic Littleton, Massachusetts, set between two National Historic Parks and famed Walden Pond, and just a short drive or ride on public transit into Boston.
We offer both wooded and open sites that can accommodate most rigs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, water, 20/30 or 50-amp electrical service, and many offer sewer. Groups and tent campers are welcome.
RV AND TRAVEL TRAILER CAMPING
Our campgrounds offer a variety of full hook-up sites (water, electric and sewer) and water/electric only sites. We can accommodate 30-amp and 50-amp needs. Many of our campsites have cable and wi-fi services.
CABINS
Spacious Skies Minute Man has 6 one-room cabins and 1 two-room cabin: Your cabin rental includes: • Air Conditioning • Heat • Lights • Electrical Outlets • Charcoal Grill • Picnic Table • Fire Pit
TENT CAMPING
For your short term adventures, we will offer spots to pitch your tent that are either standard rustic or with basic hook ups.
Come relax by our heated pool, hang in the rec hall, send the kids to the playground, or play fetch with Spot in one of our two dog runs. Our camp store carries many convenience items and treats, and nearby restaurants offer both takeout and delivery. We have a number of cozy rustic cabins for rent for those without their own RV or camper but who may not be ready to tent overnight!
We are proud to announce our partnership with Black Folks Camp Too and are now the first “unity blaze certified” collection of private campgrounds!
Being Unity Blaze Certified confirms that all 15 of our campgrounds and our team are committed to making sure all campers know “You are Invited and Welcomed” — the Unity Blaze motto. While Spacious Skies has always firmly held this belief, we wanted to go one step further in partnering with BFCT to make sure all campground staff completed the Unity Blaze training program.
Please navigate to our website for up to date information regarding our amenities.
$40 - $149 / night
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park welcomes campers to one of many campsites located on Peddocks Island.
Enjoy a night under the stars at Boston Harbor’s second largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, and scenic beaches. Campers can reserve a tent site or one of many newly installed yurts featuring bunk beds and electricity.
Peddocks Island can be accessed by park ferry from Hingham or by private boat.
Experience the ultimate urban escape with an overnight camping stay on the Boston Harbor Islands!
Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park welcomes campers to one of many campsites located on Peddocks Island.
2023 camping reservations open on Wednesday, April 19!
Enjoy a night under the stars at Boston Harbor’s second largest island, featuring wooded campsites, miles of trails, and scenic beaches. Campers can reserve a tent site or one of many newly installed yurts featuring bunk beds and electricity.
Peddocks Island can be accessed by park ferry from Hingham or by private boat. Island Campgrounds
Peddocks Island tent campsites can accommodate up to 4 adults or 2 adults and their dependent children. Group sites are also available and can accommodate up to 30 people.
Yurt campgrounds are also available on Peddocks Island. Yurts accommodate up to 6 people and feature bunk beds and electricity.
All campsites feature composting toilets and picnic tables. Running water and flush toilets are available at the Visitor Center near the ferry dock. Grills and shade shelters are available within close walking distance of most sites.
Resident staff live on the Island during the visiting season and provide Island supervision, emergency communication, park and campground management
$8 - $70 / night
Pawtuckaway State Park Campground 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 kayak rentals are available, as well as a public 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.
$25 - $30 / night
A COASTAL COZY RV campground committed to the balance of Work, and Relaxation….Beach Rose RV Park is a short walk to the beach on the Atlantic ocean. Options are endless to venture south and visit our state’s capital, Boston or experience the north country of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
The campground, also known as Lorraine Campground, has 91 campsites that are spread out sufficiently to provide a real "forest" camping experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and a pedestal grill. A water spigot is located on each campsite and a dumping station is available. We are pleased to inform you that we now have eleven campsites with 20/30/50 AMP hookups! The comfort stations have showers and flush toilets. Comfort station 3 and 4 are accessible.
$17 - $54 / night
Description Located just 35 minutes from downtown Boston, this 260-site (half with electricity), campground boasts a network of trails - biking, hiking and some of the best mountain bicycling in the state. Enjoy fishing and canoeing in the reservoir and ocean swimming at nearby Nantasket Beach.
Geography: One of the most notable features of the Park is Mt. Blue Spring which is a popular source of fresh drinking water. Visitors can help themselves for free. The park is named for an Indian chief the local colonists knew as Josiah Wompatuck. In 1665, Chief Wompatuck deeded the park and the surrounding land to the English settlers. During WWII the park was used as an ammunition depot by the US military.
Recreation: Wompatuck State Park offers 12 miles of paved bicycle trails, and many miles of wooded bridle paths and hiking trails. This is also a geocaching park as one can find up to 30 geocaches within park boundaries. Fishing is allowed in the Cohasset Reservoir. A boat ramp is provided for car-top boats, but no boat trailers, please.
Facilities: This beautiful forested campground offers 260 spacious campsites, flush toilets and showers. Each campsite is furnished with a picnic table, pedestal grill and a fire ring. With 125 sites with electric hookups and a dumping station, this is a very popular facility with trailer campers.
Nearby Attractions: While in the area, be sure to visit other nearby DCR properties: Boston Harbor Islands, Blue Hills State Reservation, Nantasket Beach, Myles Standish State Forest and historic Pilgrim Memorial State Park.
$17 - $60 / night
$35 - $50 / night
Salisbury Beach state reservation overlooks the point at which the Merrimack River feeds the Atlantic Ocean. It's a great place to swim, boat, or camp. Salisbury Beach offers 484 campsites for tents, trailers, or R.V.
$35 / night
$36 - $44 / night
Nestled deep in the woods between Boston & Cape Cod, Normandy Farms Campground is a luxury camping destination that has been a family tradition since 1971 and widely recognized as one of the premier resorts in the world. Relax and enjoy the unique seasons of New England in your RV, tent, or in one of our deluxe cabin or YURT rentals. We also have pop-up trailers and safari tents for those seeking an elevated camping experience.
Normandy Farms Campground Special Amenities include: a bike park, creative arts center, disc golf, a dog park, a fitness center, laundry facilities, playgrounds, a store, volleyball, basketball, soccer, bocce, tennis, 4 swimming pools, spa, wellness center, and more!
$50 - $200 / night
Scout
I use up my two weeks allotted here at Harold Parker every year. A great place to enjoy family in the outdoors .clean sites. clean bathrooms and friendly staff. I live in a neighboring town to Andover. It’s so easy to get to.
Scout
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), it is also on the trolley line if you need transportation during their business hours, great view for sunrise. Negatives are there is no privacy at the sites, everything is very open, fires must be off the ground, and the bathrooms are old and may not be stocked.
Scout
I booked Deluxe Cabin 1 at the Boston KOA based on my past experiences in VA and NC. BOSTON was the WORST KOA I've stayed at. The cabin SMELLED of mildew and cigarettes(pic of ashes in the tub), and there was NO HOT WATER, which is against MA law. It was FILTHY, the pots needed to be replaced, and you have to request blankets. I informed the after hours staff about the water, blankets, and smell. The next morning, I went to the office at 9 am and talked to LORI. She was COMBATIVE and confrontational which is weird because she just started her day. As a person of color, I had to walk away because I was frightened. When I returned, BOB Brammer(He wanted to write his name down, so I got it right(his words)) lacked empathy and had a facial expression of annoyance. He was also CONFRONTATIONAL as I explained there was no hot water and the cabin smelled. I informed the national KOA feedback team(Kaitlyn& Tiana) and they said it's handled internally, whatever that means. If you read the reviews about bad customer service, believe it. You can see CUSTOMER SERVICE IS BADDDD! The KOA will probably respond to this review, but NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. I'll be reaching out to TOBY O'ROURKE and OSCAR TANG so they are aware the BOSTON KOA is tarnishing the KOA brand.
Traveler
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.
GuideNeed to make reservations before 2pm!! This campground is nice and calm with a lot of space and bathrooms. There are water hookups at tent sites. Didn’t have any issues, just it is a little expensive for someone from out of state. We paid $54 because we are from Ohio
Scout
Friendly staff, hard gravel access roads, level gravel sites. No issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across. Great access to beaches, numerous eateries and shopping minutes away. This is our second time we have been here and here for the month of September.
I would reccomend Seacoast RV Park to other campers.
GuideThis is one of the best places we saw. We were here during a quiet period in August. The pitches are spacious and shaded.
The sanitary building is clean with good showers.
There is a lovely pond in which you can swim. It is somewhat small when crowded but nevertheless very lovely.
The water in the pond is not streaming so be prepared for mosquitoes when camping close to the water.
There is a well maintained playground for kids and there are activities planned for kids and adults.
We would definitely return.
Traveler
Had an amazing stay, cabin was perfect and comfortable. Water was nice and fish were biting. Can’t wait to come back.
Traveler
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. Staff were friendly and helpful.
Traveler
This spot does have everything you need. It is very remote and a lot of distance between campsites. Lots of trees. The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest. There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug. Like I said what you need, but not want you might want.
Scout
We were treated very poorly by staff and management. We here humiliated in front of our family members and the public. We were made broken promises and called liars by staff and management and then intimidated to leave the premises. It was a very bad experience that ruined our family vacation.
ScoutPROS
- 45 min from Boston
- You have everything you need there: firewood, bathrooms (with shower, soap and toilet paper), a camp pit...
- You get a map in the entrance - very helpful for hiking.
- You can take a trail from the campsite.
- Good sights while hiking, with good spots to have lunch or pause for water.
CONS
- Only one really: You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods. There is NOT a decent amount of land between each campsite. So if you have neighbors all around, you'll feel like in a village!
Guide
Pinewood has all of the basics covered. Great place to spend 1-3 nights under the stars. Hot showers were awesome (.25 cents per 3 minutes) and the stone fire pits were a hit. Pond was pretty dirty and you’ll be in close proximity to a shooting range and municipal airport (be wary of noise levels).
ScoutRelaxing by the river w ur family is the best way to go
LegendThis was my first time staying at Bear Brook, it's an easy campground to get to, once you get to the west gate it's about a 4-mile drive to the campground, if you're coming from the east it's about 1.5 miles.
The first impression was impressed by the size and how organized everything was. Check-in was easy, then driving to my site (#7) took a minute.
That's when I realized the sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in. Other sites on each end are further apart.
The campground has a beach, a playground, a Ball field, and a store. The roads are all easy to drive on but narrow.
TravelerI would probably nitpick stay at this park again. The site we had paid for was not given to us. The shower in the bathroom did not provide hot/warm water until the end of my shower, and then the water would not turn off. Also, the lady camping beside us was tent camping, and she literally smoked weed the whole time she was there. We have children, and while she was there, you couldn’t do anything outside without smelling it. Overall, not the best campground.
Traveler
We enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.
We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.
We will return.
Traveler
The campground was very busy with families events activities, etc. If you prefer a noisy fun experience and a more social experience with your very close neighbors, this is the pot for you. Our preferred style of camping requires more space and less noise. The pool bathrooms were gross, but the other facilities area near the tent sites was very nice and clean.
The food was great and the staff is friendly. Overall we had a great time, but its unlikely we’ll return mostly due to the noise level.
Scout
It’s a 50 site campground and built 20 years ago, so it’s cozy small sites in some spots. But for the money of your from out of state it’s cheaper then the state park down the street and it has full hook-ups with laundry, showers and a heated pool when the ocean is colder then you want. They assist you in getting into your cement pad site and guide you down to your site.
Even though the sites are small in spots the people are friendly and very welcoming. We meet some seasonal campers that were very friendly and informative about the area. Great location from the ocean and some nice towns to visit. Boston and Salem are very close and you can take a train which is only 5 minutes away from the campground.
Campground is very clean and well kept. Pool is very nice to hangout and cool off. Showers are not free, but for a the money you get plenty of time to shower off. Bathroom is very clean and maintained. Owners and hosts where friendly and helpful with thing to do in the area and where to eat for the best New England seafood restaurants. Highly recommend checking the place out if your looking to stay in the area.
GuideWompatuck is a charming state park with numerous hidden trails known mostly to locals, making it ideal for low-traffic hiking, biking, and mushroom hunting. However, one side of the campground appears to be shut down.
For out-of-state visitors, the cost might not be justifiable, with rates of $17-23 per night for in-state visitors and $60 for out of staters. Sites offer electric hookups only.
I was disappointed with our assigned spot. Despite seeing several other sites that could have accommodated our rig size, K05 was the only option available when booking online. The site was small and tight, with poison ivy, water pooling during rainstorms, and limited space for our dogs.
Additionally, both groups across from us were large families with many children, which detracted from the tranquility of our stay. I thought there was a limit to the number of people per campsite, but it appears that might not be the case.
Lastly, be aware that alcohol and outside firewood are prohibited at this campsite.
Legend
The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees, as well as for RV camping for active duty military on temporary orders. The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB. Proximity to the base provides access to the base exchange and other facilities, but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces such as basketball and outdoor sports, and an indoor game and recreation room complete with crafts supplies for the kiddos and tourism info for the lical area. 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. You are also not too far from Cambridge, and can easily access Boston from there if you like.
There are several clean modern bath houses, with hot showers and flush toilets. The office staff is very helpful and friendly!
Dogs are welcome too.
Guide
Spacious Skies Minute Man is a forested haven so close to Boston that you think you are in the country. There are so many cool things to do just a short drive away. The nearby town of Ayer is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. 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 so spend a morning in this special city.
GuideWhile not the type of campground we normally try to book, it fit our needs for this trip perfectly. The bathrooms are clean and nice, and the landscape was well maintained. I could picture my father in law loving this place.
Scout
Serves all of our purpose. Good basic campground
Scout
They charge 50 dollars for a tent site with no electric, the spots are right next to eachother and touch the bath house. There’s more rules than a state park.its easy to get in and out of.
Scout
Great location. Perfect for a beach weekend or week. Not much privacy, but beautiful relaxed spot. Mostly trailers and RVs.
Guide
Great location with lake views, trails etc. Some sites are spaced out, some are closer together. Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from.
Can't beat it for only an hour from Boston
Camping near Swampscott, Massachusetts, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.
Camping near Swampscott, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Swampscott, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Swampscott, MA is Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What parks are near Swampscott, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Swampscott, MA that allow camping, notably West Hill Dam and Buffumville Lake.
