The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campgrounds near Waltham, MassachusettsExplore the Map

Best Campgrounds near Waltham, MA

708 Reviews

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 Camping Sites Near Waltham, Massachusetts (101)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +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. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    11 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    6 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Spacious Skies Minute Man

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

    $44 - $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."

    4. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    24 miles
    Website
    +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."

    5. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    24 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 961-7007

    $20 - $65 / night

    "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."

    7. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    17 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Winter Island Park

    14 Reviews
    Salem, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 745-9430

    $50 / 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."

    9. Camp Nihan Education Center

    2 Reviews
    Saugus, MA
    14 miles
    Website

    "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."

    10. Circle Campground Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Franklin Town, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 966-1136

    $45 - $75 / night

    "Im guessing these sites will be considered "close" to "moderately close" by other site standards but it housed my 24ft trailer, truck, and my family just fine. Roads are a little narrow which made"

    "Everything you need 100% Everything clean 100% EASY Access to all attractions 100% We did Boston (caught the train), Salem, mystic seaport, Sturbridge village, plymouth rock, the Mayflower ship, and plymouth"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 101 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Waltham Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Waltham, MA

328 Photos of 101 Waltham Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waltham, MA

708 Reviews of 101 Waltham Campgrounds

  • L
    Feb. 5, 2026

    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.

  • Alexander H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Nice Campground near Boston

    This is a nice campground near historic Lexington and Boston.

  • Phillip H.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    Koa Cape Cod

    Stayed in several KOAs over last few weeks. I would say needs attention. Appearance is not up to standard. Restrooms and grounds are not as clean by comparison.

  • Kathleen S.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Loud and crowded!

    Know what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!

  • S
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.

  • Mindie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Massasoit State Park Campground

    Campsite was great, staff was rough

    I loved our campsite. But the staff was pretty rude. I was there for a family reunion. I told the staff my mom and dad would be dropping me off the next day, so they added their name to the site as it is a mile walk in. They didn’t give us another car tag, just said if there names were in the site we were good. Next night, we get dropped off in the rain, with a 50 lb bag of dog food and they wouldn’t let me parents take me to my site. Eventually we convinced them of we left my dad and sister at the front gate with them in the pouring rain, my mom could drive us in. They never even checked our reservation to see if the names were in there. Bring a car if you are camping here in a motorhome

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    Good Campground

    Stayed for over a week off season , mid September. Very quiet during the week , weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday / Saturday. 50 percent or more is seasonal camp sites. Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy. Owners are exceptionally helpful and work hard to keep the site functioning and clean. Coin operated showers with hot water, mostly nice and clean except after a crowd gets packed and checks out Sunday AM. Laundry room takes quarters for machines. Small store at office which was open every day. Game room with wi fi. Pool , playground , volleyball area. Good size wood bundle for $10 , delivered directly to your site. Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart.

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?

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?

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?

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.

Keep Exploring

  4. View all Massachusetts cities for camping