Best Campgrounds near Swampscott, MA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Swampscott, Massachusetts (76)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    31 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "north of Boston and <5 miles from the interstate, Lorraine Park campground at Harold Parker State Forest provides ample on-site activities and also serves as a jumping off point for exploring the Massachusetts"

    "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

    2. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 745-9430

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Many of the RV sites are located in the main parking lot; others are in a field just to the right of the entrance."

    "We drove 3-1/2 days from Idaho to get to a COVID testing site which would take non MA residents and turn the results around under 48 hours. We needed quiet camping and not have it cost a fortune."

    3. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (617) 895-8245

    $17 - $23 / night

    "Ours (R002) was large, beautiful, and mostly surrounded by forest."

    "I chose a spot away from others and was glad I did. Behind me was nothing but quiet woods and a deer meandered through a couple times."

    4. Cape Ann Camp Site

    14 Reviews
    Gloucester, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 283-8683

    $36 - $44 / night

    "Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you"

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

    5. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    12 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."

    "You may choose to leave from Long Wharf, near the Aquarium T stop on the Blue line, or from Hingham, with overnight parking available."

    6. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    7 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."

    7. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    24 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

    "However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    8. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    8 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 225-3953

    "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."

    "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."

    9. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 961-7007

    $20 - $65 / night

    "The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw."

    "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."

    10. Normandy Farms Campground

    38 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / night

    "The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."

    "Driving around this place is definitely not a typical campground but more of a luxury camp because of all of the amenities.

    That being said it was very nice and felt safe."

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Recent Reviews near Swampscott, MA

595 Reviews of 76 Swampscott Campgrounds



Guide to Swampscott

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. “So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great,” said a happy camper.
  • Water Activities: At Wompatuck State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One visitor noted, “You can take a trail from the campsite,” making it easy to access the water.
  • Family Fun: Check out Normandy Farms Campground for activities like bike tracks and playgrounds. A reviewer mentioned, “Absolutely love this campground. It has so many things for the kids to do.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the lake views at Bear Brook State Park Campground. One camper said, “This site is close to the lake/beach area, hiking trail, bathroom/shower. It is very spacious and nice.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at George Washington State Campground. A visitor remarked, “Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers.”
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe at Lorraine Park Campground. One review stated, “The pitches are spacious and shaded,” highlighting the park's charm.

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, check the rules. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on trails but not in the campground during summer. A reviewer noted, “Pets are NOT permitted in the campground or beach area during the summer season.”
  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. One camper mentioned, “The sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Wompatuck State Park Campground is open from mid-May to mid-October. A visitor said, “You have everything you need there: firewood, bathrooms.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. Normandy Farms Campground is noted for its family-friendly environment. A reviewer said, “Everyone is so friendly. Can’t wait to go back for the 4th of July.”
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. At Greenfield State Park Campground, one camper said, “All sites are very private.”
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Bring bug spray, especially if you're near water. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground warned, “Our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground mentioned, “We have a 25” B+ and basically had to park sideways.”
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and dump stations. Minute Man Campground offers good facilities, as one camper noted, “The sites were ample size and space for our rig and needs.”
  • Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Boston/Cape Cod KOA said, “The campground isn’t bad and facilities are clean,” but noted that some sites are packed closely together.

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 14 parks near Swampscott, MA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.