Winter Island Park
Can’t beat the view
I was lucky enough to score one of the waterfront spots for one night of my stay. I backed in and opened the rear doors of my campervan and just stared at the ocean view for hours. Spectacular!
146 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Townsend, Massachusetts provides a mix of developed campgrounds and cabin accommodations within a short drive of town. Pearl Hill State Park Campground offers wooded tent and RV sites with access to hiking trails and a small pond for swimming. Nearby Willard Brook State Forest Campground features tent sites, RV spots, and cabin rentals beneath towering pines. Both state parks provide a natural setting with basic amenities while remaining accessible to visitors seeking outdoor recreation opportunities in north-central Massachusetts.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping options. Pearl Hill State Park typically opens mid-May and closes mid-October, while Willard Brook has a shorter season from late May to early September. "A nice and quiet campground with trails that offer some great scenic vistas," noted one camper about Pearl Hill State Park. Road access is generally good for standard vehicles, though larger RVs may find limited suitable sites. The campgrounds have designated a small number of sites for RVs up to 35 feet, with most sites accommodating smaller 15-20 foot units. Cell service can be spotty, particularly at Willard Brook, so downloading maps before arrival is recommended.
The mixed-use campgrounds in the area feature primarily wooded sites with varying levels of privacy. Pearl Hill campers appreciate the pine forest setting, though some mention the sticky pine needles can be problematic. "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! #18 is right next to a ravine, so it was wooded on one side," shared one visitor. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews, with Pearl Hill generally rated higher for cleanliness. Both state parks offer hiking trails directly from the campgrounds, with Pearl Hill connecting to Willard Brook via trail systems. Swimming is available at both locations, though water quality at Pearl Hill's pond occasionally faces bacterial closures during hot summer periods.
"The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."
"Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."
from $44 - $999 / night
Check Availability"We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "
"It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "
from $17 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Small river/ brook rind behind the campground. Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites. No pond or pool for swimming."
"Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine. Nice people."
from $47 - $80 / night
Check Availability"This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area. "
"This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained."
from $14 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."
"Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"
from $35 - $105 / night
Check Availability"The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."
"As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."
from $17 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."
"I loved it here, it was a great little campground for massachusetts"
from $17 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Campsites are well shaded but if you have an RV take the time to rent an RV site otherwise backing in will put you in and awkward position as the mixed use “standard” sites are oriented towards tent camping"
"The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easilly access to hiking trails. The staff there are friendly and helpful. It's definitely a plus."
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability"The views outside our camper window is amazing. We’re surrounding be trees and it’s breathtaking when surrounded by freshly fallen snow."
"I prefer trees, but this wont keep us away from trying out RV sites this year."
from $60 - $130 / night
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I was lucky enough to score one of the waterfront spots for one night of my stay. I backed in and opened the rear doors of my campervan and just stared at the ocean view for hours. Spectacular!
If you stay in the eagles nest and get. Perimeter spot you overlook a lake, it’s nice and quiet. Everyone waves, nice lake to fish on. Front desk/owner? is a sweetheart.
We spent the weekend here with our 4 kiddos ages 8,6,4, and 3. The kids had a blast. The bathrooms are spotless. They are in the process if renovating but that didnt interfere with our visit. They have a playground, pool, and yard games for the kiddos to use. Wish they had bigger grass sites. I think they will have some in the future.
I stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
Amazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
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!
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.
Oxbow Campground in Deering has a helpful and friendly staff. The bathrooms are kept clean although should be updated.
The campsites are spacious, trash picked up and very quiet at night promoting a good night's sleep.
They sell their own fire wood, an employee who services campers is also available.
They have a propane fill station for your convenience too!
Dogs must be kept on leashes for safety.
Owners live right there within the park.and take pride in their facility.
A nice family owned and run park promoting peacefulness.
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!
Camping options near Townsend, Massachusetts include year-round access at several locations within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at approximately 400-600 feet elevation with forested terrain dominated by pine and oak trees. Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures routinely drop below freezing from December through March, with most facilities reducing services during off-season months.
Hiking the White Mountains: Take a day trip from Spacious Skies Minute Man to experience scenic mountain trails. "The White Mountains, New Hemisphere, is a must, worth the short drive especially if you can go in early October, when the leaves are changing," notes Adam P.
Historical exploration: Concord's revolutionary sites make excellent day excursions from campsites near Townsend. "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," shares Ann B. about her stay at Spacious Skies.
Swimming options: Greenfield State Park Campground offers swimming when conditions permit. However, be aware of potential closures: "When we went (July 2025) the water was closed due to Cyanobacteria Blooms, hence the 1 star deduction. We are grateful that they are honest about it," explains Hailey D.
Wildlife viewing: The small wetland areas adjacent to campsites provide opportunities to observe local fauna. At Lake Dennison, "There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful," according to Rachael K.
Natural water sounds: The Pine Campground offers sites with relaxing stream acoustics. "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night," shares Ian H.
Privacy levels: Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground offers various site configurations. "The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites... Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful," notes Rachael K.
Seasonal advantages: Visiting in autumn provides exceptional experiences. "Very pretty and historical trails to walk on. Not too far from the city," says Caitlin B. about Minute Man in the fall. The region's foliage typically peaks in mid-October, with colors beginning to change in late September.
Clean facilities: Multiple campers mention well-maintained bathrooms at Greenfield State Park. "Comfortably Isolated... Restrooms are easy to reach throughout the campground and there is a shower house near the entrance to the campground (no quarters necessary)," reports Jade B.
Water quality considerations: Swimming areas may close temporarily. At Lake Dennison, one camper reported: "Nice quiet place for all the sites showers could be better bathrooms were clean but out dated," according to Eric LeBoeuf.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in this region have limited operating seasons. Monadnock State Park runs "May 19 to October 28," which offers a slightly longer camping season than some others in the area.
Pine needle issues: Pine forests create specific camping conditions. "One word of caution however, our site and many others were completely covered with sticky pine needles. They get stuck on your shoes to a depth of almost a half-inch!" warns Alan about his experience.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "I lost cell coverage (Verizon) as I approached the campground, so you may want to ensure you have maps downloaded for offline use if you'll be out exploring," advises a camper about trails in the region.
Multiple pool options: Friendly Beaver Campground provides swimming facilities for all weather conditions. "They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days. They have a few animals the kids can feed," reports Kate C.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for younger visitors. Gilson Pond Campground at Monadnock State Park features "a small playground, and a loop trail around Gilson Pond that leads right from the campground," according to Tara S.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer small petting zoos or animal viewing areas. "We enjoyed their small but nice petting zoo of a few goats and a horse," mentions one camper about Friendly Beaver, providing entertainment for children during campground days.
Camp store convenience: Facilities like Friendly Beaver maintain well-stocked stores. "Store has all you need," notes Kate C., while another camper calls it the "best I have ever seen. Well stocked with everything you could need."
Site dimensions: Otter River State Forest accommodates smaller rigs better than large ones. "Site 33 is large and level, suitable for an RV, but Group B site is right behind it, which may or may not be an issue," reports Jean C.
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds in the area offer only partial hookups. "Dump station and additional swimming/water activities are a little farther down the road at Lake Dennison," notes one RVer about Otter River's facilities.
Road navigation: Access roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "You can get in here with a smaller RV, but the campground isn't built for larger units with the turns and curves. They've only designated 3 sites for 35' rigs; everything else is 15-20'," explains a camper about site limitations.
Level site availability: Finding flat parking areas can be difficult. "Sites are a bit on the smaller side and not very private. Great location to see some of the historical sites in the area," notes Stephanie about Minute Man, indicating the tradeoff between location and site quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Townsend, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Townsend, MA is Spacious Skies Minute Man with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What parks are near Townsend, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Townsend, MA that allow camping, notably Edward MacDowell Lake and Tully Lake.
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