M
Marvin R.
Scout
ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Whole Trip Better
We brought the boat along and having access to the lake made the whole trip better. Nice to have everything right at the campground instead of having to load up and drive somewhere.
Camping near Waltham, MA
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Camping options near Waltham, Massachusetts range from developed RV parks to more primitive tent sites within a 30-mile radius of the city. The Ponkapoag Camp in Milton offers cabin and tent camping about 13 miles south of Waltham, while Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford provides military families access to RV sites, tent camping, and a yurt approximately 7 miles northwest. Several state parks and private campgrounds in the region accommodate various camping styles, with some facilities like Spacious Skies Minute Man offering cabin rentals alongside traditional tent and RV sites.
Massachusetts state park regulations influence the camping experience throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October. Many campgrounds near Waltham require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends. "This campground is superlatively convenient if you live in the Boston area," noted one visitor about Ponkapoag Camp, highlighting its accessibility for city dwellers seeking quick nature retreats. Cell service varies across the region but is generally reliable near developed campgrounds. Most state park campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption, which several reviewers mentioned as a limitation. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend.
Campers particularly value sites with water access and shade trees, common features at several campgrounds within driving distance of Waltham. Harold Parker State Forest receives positive reviews for its spacious wooded sites, with one camper noting, "All sites have water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table." The proximity to Boston remains a key advantage for most camping areas, allowing visitors to combine urban exploration with outdoor recreation. Many campgrounds in the region feature hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and some offer swimming areas during summer months. Visitors seeking quieter experiences typically recommend mid-week stays or spring/fall visits when campgrounds operate at reduced capacity and temperatures are more moderate.
Best Campgrounds near Waltham (102)
1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
"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."
from $17 - $45 / night
Check Availability2. Hanscom AFB FamCamp
"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."
3. Spacious Skies Minute Man
"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 Availability4. Wompatuck State Park Campground
"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."
from $17 - $23 / night
Check Availability5. Normandy Farms Campground
"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."
from $50 - $200 / night
Check Availability6. Berry's Grove Campground
"We had plans on both sides of the state line, so the location worked really well for our trip."
"We stopped at Berry’s Grove while traveling through Massachusetts and were really happy with our stay."
from $1950 / night
Check Availability7. Winter Island Park
"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."
from $60 / night
Check Availability8. Ponkapoag Camp
"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."
from $20 - $65 / night
Check Availability9. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
"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."
from $8 - $55 / night
Check Availability10. Camp Nihan Education Center
"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."
Drive Time
- 20 min from Boston, MA
- 36 min from Worcester, MA
- 43 min from Manchester, NH
- 44 min from Providence, RI
Recent Camping Photos near Waltham, MA
330 Photos of 102 Waltham Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Camp Nihan Education Center
Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
Spacious Skies Minute ManM
Circle CG Farm CampgroundC
Wompatuck State Park Campground
Normandy Farms Campground
Pearl Hill State Park Campground
Cape Ann Camp SiteD
Willard Brook State Forest Campground
Sutton Falls Camping AreaS
Recent Reviews near Waltham, MA
764 Reviews of 102 Waltham Campgrounds
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Dwain S.ScoutSalisbury Beach State Reservation
Showers were a bit cold. Site had rubbish scattered about.
Renee R.
GuideWinter Island Park
Cool location!
Hard to beat being right on the water with a lighthouse! But it's kind of a kooky campground.
Pros:
- Gorgeous views.
- Cute little trails.
- Super friendly staff.
- The bathrooms were always being cleaned (which is nice), but the bathrooms are dilapidated, so it's kind of like putting lipstick on a pig.
Cons:
- It's just an odd arrangement of sites. The RV area is a parking lot. Some tent sites don't allow cars on them. Our site #37 was cool, but right by the busy entrance.- As we stayed in October, the entire area is Halloween central. There were tour trolleys coming in all day, and since we were near the entrance we felt like animals in a zoo.
- As mentioned previously - the bathrooms could use a serious upgrade.
- Renee R.Guide
Spacious Skies Minute Man
Probably great, if you're looking to enterain kids.
Let me just preface this review by saying when I go camping, I like to be immersed in nature– ideally with a toilet and shower nearby. These are my only desires. This is not that kind of campsite. But just because it isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean it won’t be for you.
Pros:
- Easy to book and accommodating staff.
- Restrooms/showers were clean(though the air fresheners are not migraine sufferer-friendly).
- Nice, tall trees.
Cons:
- My only real con is the general vibe. Again, it’s just not for me. It has lots of activities for kids (an arcade, park, pool, etc.), so if that’s what you’re looking for, great! It just wasn’t what I personally was looking for. But with limited camping options in the area, it was our only real choice.
Carla L.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Had A Good Time
Fishing off the dock in the evening was such a nice way to end the day. We didnt catch much lol but still had a good time.
- GGeorge H.Scout
Berry's Grove Campground
Change Of Scenery
Came up from Boston for a little change of scenery and this worked out great. Close enough that the drive wasnt a hassle but it felt like we were actually getting away.
Kirsten F.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Small Campground
Small campground, which we actually really liked. It wasnt crowded or overwhelming and we could just relax at our site.
Hollie M.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Brought The RV Up
We brought the RV up for a weekend and everything was really easy. Hookups were right there and getting settled took no time at all.
Kyle P.GuideNormandy Farms Campground
Best Campground in the Northeast!
I can understand why this place is rated one of the best campgrounds in the country. This was my first time camping here with my own RV and it did not disappoint. Our site was spacious, and centrally located within the campground, they have all the amenities you can imagine living up to that “resort” title. Ranging from multiple pools, hot tubs, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, etc. the cell service was great, they offer WiFi, and much more. I love the store, it gives off that Great Wolf Lodge feel, and it has everything inside you may need. Including a little hidden café that surprisingly made good lattes. This place is massive, and I’ve never seen a campground that had as many million dollar RV’s in one place. That atmosphere is just great here. There is so much to do. It’s so big you need an e-bike just to get around. Resort-style campgrounds like this come at a steeper price compared to others, but in my opinion, Normandy was well worth the cost. We look forward to revisiting, often!
Guide to Waltham
Camping options within 25 miles of Waltham, Massachusetts range from established campgrounds to basic amenities on Boston Harbor islands. Several campgrounds provide both tent and RV accommodations, including Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford, Spacious Skies Minute Man in Littleton, and Ponkapoag Camp in Milton. Family-friendly resorts like Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough offer additional amenities such as cabins, yurts, and glamping facilities, while state parks including Wompatuck State Park and Harold Parker State Forest maintain seasonal campgrounds with varied hookup options.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through September or October due to New England's cold winters. Reservations are typically required, especially during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity. "This campground is superlatively convenient if you live in the Boston area," noted one visitor about Ponkapoag Camp, highlighting its proximity to the city while offering natural surroundings. Cell phone coverage varies by location, with most established campgrounds maintaining adequate service. Several campsites near Waltham have fire restrictions or specific regulations regarding alcohol consumption, and campers should verify current policies before arrival as they differ between state, federal, and private facilities.
Waterfront camping represents a distinctive feature of the greater Boston area, with options ranging from pond-side cabins to island camping in Boston Harbor. Ponkapoag Camp provides rustic cabin accommodations beside a pond, offering paddling opportunities within the Blue Hills Reservation. According to reviews, "The sunsets over the pond are spectacular to watch from the dock." Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground presents a unique urban-adjacent wilderness experience with tent sites and yurts on several harbor islands, accessible only by ferry. Military personnel have access to Hanscom AFB FamCamp, which receives positive reviews for its cleanliness and proximity to historical sites like Minute Man National Park. Most campgrounds near Waltham maintain bathroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly from basic vault toilets to full shower houses with hot water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of camping accommodations are available near Waltham?
What types of camping accommodations are available near Waltham?
The Waltham area offers diverse camping options from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks. Ponkapoag Camp provides convenient tent camping for Boston-area residents with wooded sites. For RV enthusiasts, Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury offers full hookups, clean facilities, and a swimming pool. Other options near Waltham include state forest campgrounds with basic tent sites, some offering electric hookups, and private campgrounds with cabins. Massachusetts state parks typically feature level sites in wooded settings, though most prohibit alcohol consumption even at your campsite. Many campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
Where are the campgrounds near Waltham, MA?
Where are the campgrounds near Waltham, MA?
Several campgrounds are within driving distance of Waltham. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest is less than 25 miles north of Boston, offering a convenient getaway with wooded sites. Willard Brook State Forest Campground in north/central Massachusetts provides a small, pine-surrounded camping area near Damon Pond. Other options include Spacious Skies Minute Man and Camp Nihan Education Center for those seeking spots closer to the city. For those willing to drive a bit further, Salisbury Beach State Reservation provides oceanfront camping. Most campgrounds near Waltham require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
What are the best-rated campgrounds around Waltham for families?
What are the best-rated campgrounds around Waltham for families?
Wells State Park Campground in Sturbridge consistently receives excellent ratings for families. Located on Walker Pond, it offers swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking opportunities with newly renovated bathroom facilities. The park features well-marked trails of varying difficulty levels. Otter River State Forest is another highly-rated family destination in north central Massachusetts, described as a "hidden gem" with clean, well-maintained sites. The campground offers swimming in a pond, and camping passes also cover access to a nearby larger lake. Both locations feature family-friendly atmospheres, though like all Massachusetts state parks, they prohibit alcohol consumption.
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