The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Townsend, MA

723 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Townsend, MassachusettsExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Townsend, Massachusetts (137)

    1. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "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."

    2. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    3. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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. "

    4. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-8802

    $14 - $55 / night

    "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."

    5. Field and Stream RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Hollis, NH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 673-4677

    $47 - $80 / night

    "Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine. Nice people."

    6. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $35 - $105 / night

    "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!"

    7. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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."

    8. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "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"

    9. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $29 - $45 / night

    "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."

    10. Friendly Beaver Campground

    13 Reviews
    New Boston, NH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 487-5570

    $60 - $130 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 137 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Townsend Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Townsend, MA

394 Photos of 137 Townsend Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Townsend, MA

723 Reviews of 137 Townsend Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. 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. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).
  • Rae Y.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Saddleback Campground

    Uncomfortable feeling for my girls

    I made everyone stay in the trailer every night , we just didn’t feel comfortable with our girls being out after dark. There was def a lot of questionable rif raf that were definitely on something and it was obvious that there were a few girls there that were working.   Always men working on vehicles.  Family will not go back. Don’t want my daughter around that

Guide to Townsend

Camping near Townsend, Massachusetts, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Bear Brook State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There are hiking trails throughout the campground," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Water Activities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming. A reviewer noted, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Family Fun: Check out Normandy Farms Campground for family-friendly activities. One camper said, "It has so many things for the kids to do," making it a hit for families.

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor shared, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. A reviewer from Wompatuck State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest," indicating that while there’s room for improvement, the basics are covered.
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Normandy Farms Campground is a highlight. One camper said, "The staff is lovely," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know

  • No Hookups at Some Sites: If you're planning to stay at Bear Brook State Park Campground, be aware that there are no electric hookups. A visitor noted, "No hookups in the campground," so plan accordingly.
  • Pet Policies: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, have specific pet rules. One reviewer pointed out, "Pets are NOT permitted in the campground or beach area during the summer season."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier conditions on weekends at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The weekend was packed!" so consider going during the week for a quieter experience.

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. At Normandy Farms Campground, one parent said, "There are activities planned for kids and adults."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye out for ticks, especially at Greenfield State Park Campground. A visitor warned, "Our dog got covered in ticks," so be prepared with repellent.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds may not have nearby stores. A camper at Jamaica State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there."

Tips from RVers

  • Leveling Blocks: If you're staying at Normandy Farms Campground, be ready with leveling blocks. One RV owner said, "We basically had to park sideways and use a lot of leveling blocks to get our rig level."
  • Check Site Size: Make sure to check the size of your site before booking. A reviewer at Minute Man Campground noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight."
  • Amenities Matter: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. A visitor at George Washington State Campground mentioned, "Very clean, not as busy, and has all the basics," which is a plus for RVers.

Camping near Townsend, Massachusetts, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

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 4.5-star rating from 28 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.

Keep Exploring