r
roy T.
Scout
ScoutCountry Barn Motel & Campground
Very appealing cabins
I stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
Best Campgrounds near Swampscott, MA
Campgrounds near Swampscott, Massachusetts span coastal and woodland settings within easy reach of Boston and the North Shore, ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV areas. Winter Island Park in Salem, just 3 miles from Swampscott, offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water access from May through October. Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest, located about 15 miles northwest, features wooded sites with water spigots and select electric hookups. The region includes several state parks and private campgrounds accommodating various camping styles, including cabin rentals at Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester.
Massachusetts state parks maintain strict regulations, including no-alcohol policies at all state-operated campgrounds. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October, with limited year-round options. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods when coastal sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, though shower availability varies by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with most campgrounds reporting 3-4 bars on major carriers. A camper noted, "If you're looking for privacy and quiet, this isn't the place for you. However, you can't beat the location and it's a great place to go with a group."
The proximity to beaches and historical sites represents a significant draw for campers in the Swampscott area. Winter Island Park provides convenient access to Salem's attractions, while Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers oceanfront camping about 30 miles north. Several visitors mentioned the benefit of using these campgrounds as base camps for exploring coastal towns and historical sites. Campers report that sites at Harold Parker State Forest offer good separation from neighbors and peaceful surroundings despite being close to urban areas. A review highlighted that "Less than 25 miles north of Boston and less than 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 coast north of Boston."
Best Camping Sites Near Swampscott, Massachusetts (82)
1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
32 ReviewsNorth Reading, MA14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSalem, MA4 milesWebsite+1 (978) 745-9430$60 / 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
42 ReviewsHingham, MA19 milesWebsite+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
16 ReviewsGloucester, MA15 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsHull, MA12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSaugus, MA7 milesWebsite"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
27 ReviewsSalisbury, MA24 milesWebsite+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
11 ReviewsBedford, MA20 milesWebsite+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. Beach Rose RV Park
14 ReviewsSalisbury, MA26 milesWebsite+1 (978) 463-0226"Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."
"Kids had enough driving for the day so we had to stop. We called last min and were thankful they had a spot. Arrived at dark and they were friendly and accommodating."
10. Normandy Farms Campground
40 ReviewsFoxborough, MA36 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Swampscott, MA
270 Photos of 82 Swampscott Campgrounds
Michael V.
Camp Nihan Education Center
Jean C.
Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
Emanuela B.
Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
Della S.
Cape Ann Camp Site
Jess G.
Wompatuck State Park Campground
Alexander H.
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Dawn E.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Jake H.
Black Bear Campground
The Dyrt
Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
Jean C.
Tidewater Campground
Sara C.
Wakeda Campground, LLC
mia
Spacious Skies Minute Man
Recent Reviews near Swampscott, MA
633 Reviews of 82 Swampscott Campgrounds
Alizé B.ScoutField and Stream RV Park
Highly recommend
Amazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
Sue B.
RangerSalisbury Beach State Reservation
Love camping here!
The first time we camped here was on Columbus Day weekend a number of years ago, and we got to see seals sun bathing on the beach. Are kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! The sites are a little close together and many of them are in direct sunlight , so that isn't the greatest , but if you have an awning, you should be good. We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too. Write down the street from camp, there is a street setup almost like a boardwalk, with arcades, live music, ice cream, food, and a carousel! There is also a bigger beach, and you are one twin away from New Hampshire. Lots to see and do here!
Sean M.ScoutCharge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest
Great place
Me and my girl spent 2 weeks and had an amazing time the people are friendly they dont bother you about drinking only problem was the cell service is trash out ghere
DevinScoutWinding River Campground
Close Sites, Loved the River!
My husband and I had a great time here! We went early in the season, so there were not many people there. We met the new owners/managers and they were very friendly. David was attentive and very helpful!
We stayed in the Oak Section at 317. The sites are pretty close together, which is why I gave a 4. We didn’t have neighbors, but I can imagine on a busy weekend, it might get crowded. The Utilities at this site were in an awkward spot, compared to where we wanted the camper.
- DevinScout
Spacious Skies Minute Man
The Road is Loud
My husband and I had a great time here! The owners and managers are amazing. Kind, friendly, attentive! We really appreciated them!
The reason for the 4/5 is due to the road noise, and the neighbors noise. The residents that boarder the campground are a bit loud. We camped at spot 72. If you are tent camping, I would recommend not camping at the 70’s spots. It’s just close to the road, and it can get noisy at times. It quiets down at night, but during peak travel times is a little loud. Head to the back of the camp ground. The bathroom looks further away than it is, but everything is very convenient!
Adam B.RangerBeach Rose RV Park
Nice people
Needed a spot to dump. They were one of only a very few places open in March. $20 to dump our tanks.
- MMatthew L.Scout
Forest Glen
Forest Glenn campground
Forest Glenn campground is a very nice campground on Wheelwright pond in Lee New Hampshire! Not well kept up but makes you feel like you’re still camping and not glamping ( glamorous camping ) besides some of the very nice campers here with 2 stories on them! Anyway cutting to the chase, just to let any new comers know that are looking for camping in the Lee area if you so choose to camp at forest Glenn depending who you are or how you approach this place dictates if you will have to feel like your stepping on eggshells your entire stay… the owner is a angry Drunk who is sometimes very nice to others or very nasty, and I personally mostly see him being nasty. A couple years back I wanted to look at the campground to see if this would be a place I wanted to stay at so I walked into the office and asked them if we could look around and the lady was in the process of writing us a pass to drive through. This man comes in and said whats going on so I politely told him that we were interested in his campground and we wanted to look around. He completely flipped out said he doesn't understand, said his campground is his back yard, we can't allow this how would you like if I just walked around your back yard etc etc.... yelling at us the whole time and spitting while screaming and then told us to get out of his sight…. This place mind you is overrun by golf carts and I have heard of incidents where people get hit by them because who cares about the posted 5mph speed limitations if your in a golf carts right? Right! And CLEARLY this place is a Double standard place so you will not be treated equal… and as far as I know this place has secret people who camp supposedly working at camp like the manager and security and the plumber or electrician who look like their helping but while helping they gather information about you to spread it around to others or to cause problems with you and the owner!! Oh how thoughtful… one Morning I was in the office and the owner pulled me into the rec room to have a talk with me about my string lights suggesting I shut them off at night and I’m not allowed to use them anymore. I said “sir why would I do that there are 50 other sites with spot lights and string lights Who are these lights bothering that I need to take them down for? “ he said use them inside the trailer I don’t want to see them on again! “ now tell me how that makes any sense… so I shut them off and it became like a minefield on my site at night with no lights while the campers down a different street get to have theirs on. There is no privacy at this place, things keep going missing, and the sites are packed like sardines with no room for Jesus. There are also people staying here over winter and it’s a seasonal campground tell me how that makes any sense. Anyway definitely an experience to be at where drama hits too close to home and the golf cart parking spots are rolling a little to close to my feet. “ oh sorry my foot slipped “ #welp time to search for another place. Seems to be a trend with almost every campground. Angry owners who automatically cause problems or can’t run their own business place without drug addicts for help ( to say the least me and my wife WILL NOT BE COMING BACK )
- LLeeScout
Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
This camping trip truly exceeded my expectations
The campground was clean, peaceful, and surrounded by wide open views. During the day, the natural landscape felt refreshing and expansive, and at night, the sky was filled with stars, creating a calm and almost magical atmosphere. The layout of the campsite was well planned, making it easy and comfortable for both beginners and experienced campers to enjoy their stay. One fun thing I did after the trip was use Idea To Image to recreate some of the moments that stood out to me—sunrise over the tents, the warmth of the campfire, and the quiet starry night. It helped me turn those memories into beautiful visuals that really captured the peaceful vibe of the experience. Looking back at them now feels like being transported right back to the campsite. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.
One fun thing I did after the trip was use Idea To Image to recreate some of the moments that stood out to me—sunrise over the tents, the warmth of the campfire, and the quiet starry night. It helped me turn those memories into beautiful visuals that really captured the peaceful vibe of the experience. Looking back at them now feels like being transported right back to the campsite. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Guide to Swampscott
Seasonal camping opportunities near Swampscott, Massachusetts extend beyond basic overnight stays to multi-week summer experiences. The North Shore region features varied terrain, with coastal saltmarsh ecosystems and inland forest settings both within 15 miles of Swampscott. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with occasional humidity spikes affecting camping comfort levels, especially in July and August.
What to do
Beach access: At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, campers enjoy direct oceanfront access and diverse water activities. "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," shared a visitor who noted the tides and currents can make paddling challenging.
History exploration: The region offers numerous historical attractions accessible from campgrounds. From Winter Island Park, visitors can explore Fort Pickering remnants. "There's a trail around the park with markers, but they're not well maintained. Stay here if you want to be near the water or explore the region," notes a camper who visited in 2020.
Biking trails: Forest campgrounds provide access to extensive trail networks. "God access to some beginner flowy mountain bike trails," mentions one visitor about Wompatuck State Park, where paved and dirt paths accommodate cyclists of various skill levels.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of sites at Lorraine Park Campground. "The site are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds," wrote a satisfied camper who gave the location a 5-star rating.
Urban proximity: The ability to quickly access Boston while enjoying nature ranks highly for visitors. "Charming! 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," shared a camper at Lorraine Park.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Cape Ann Camp Site, visitors reported seeing "wild turkeys, deer, etc." The campground features "beautiful boulders and fire pits" with tent sites that received particular praise from visitors.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most North Shore campgrounds fill quickly, especially for summer weekends. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites!" advised a camper at Winter Island Park, where oceanfront sites are particularly sought after.
Payment systems: Some facilities require specific payment methods for amenities. At several campgrounds, "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom," while others include shower access in the site fee.
Weather considerations: The coastal location affects camping conditions. A visitor to Boston Harbor Islands State Park noted, "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks," highlighting how seasonal timing impacts the camping experience.
Site privacy variations: Many campgrounds have a mix of private and more exposed sites. "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," noted a camper at Cape Ann, while another observed, "The sites' privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose."
Tips for camping with families
Indoor activity options: Ponkapoag Camp provides alternatives for rainy days. "The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot. Lots of hiking trails," mentioned a repeat visitor who considers this location a family favorite.
Beach safety: Families appreciate the supervised swimming areas available at some locations. "Life guards were paying attention. The camp grounds are quiet and there are big curious ground hogs," noted a visitor to Winter Island Park, highlighting the combination of natural interest and safety features.
Transportation planning: When camping with children near urban areas, consider public transit options. At Wompatuck State Park, families are roughly 25 miles from Boston, with commuter rail access requiring some advance planning for family outings.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hanscom AFB FamCamp offers full service options for qualified users. "Our site was set up a little weird but we made it work," noted an RVer, while another mentioned "Good laundry facilities" as a particular advantage for longer stays.
Site selection considerations: Choose carefully when booking RV sites, as configurations vary widely between campgrounds. "The sites are wide open so getting satellite is possible. We were able to get plenty of antenna channels and had a strong Verizon phone signal," reported an RVer at Salisbury Beach State Reservation, where cellular connectivity is generally strong.
Leveling requirements: The terrain at many North Shore campgrounds requires preparation. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," shared a visitor to Cape Ann Camp Site, though others noted some sites require significant adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at camping sites near Swampscott?
What amenities are available at camping sites near Swampscott?
Campgrounds near Swampscott offer varying amenities. Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury provides a clean facility with a swimming pool and is conveniently located near the beach. Salisbury Beach State Reservation features site pads that make leveling easy and includes water and electricity hookups—amenities not always available at Massachusetts state parks. Other area campgrounds typically offer basic facilities like restrooms and picnic tables, while some provide additional features such as pond access for swimming and fishing, hiking trails, and shower facilities. Most Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption, even at your campsite.
Where are the best campgrounds near Swampscott, MA?
Where are the best campgrounds near Swampscott, MA?
For camping near Swampscott, Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest is less than 25 miles away, offering wooded sites and serving as an excellent base for exploring the Massachusetts coast north of Boston. Another great option is Hanscom AFB FamCamp, a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees featuring RV sites with hookups and secluded tent sites. For those willing to travel a bit farther, Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers oceanfront camping, and Wompatuck State Park provides a convenient natural escape close to the city.
Which is the most popular campground near Swampscott, MA?
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 32 reviews.
Keep Exploring