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.
