Best Campgrounds near Watertown Town, MA

State parks and established campgrounds surround Watertown Town, Massachusetts, providing camping options within a 30-mile radius of Boston. Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, about 20 miles north of Watertown, offers wooded sites with water hookups and hiking trails. Wompatuck State Park Campground in Hingham, approximately 25 miles southeast, features a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of privacy. For military personnel, Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford provides a convenient base for exploring historic Lexington and Concord. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through September or October, with a few luxury options like Normandy Farms in Foxborough extending their season from April through November.

Massachusetts state parks enforce specific regulations that distinguish them from private campgrounds. Most notably, alcohol is prohibited at state park campgrounds, as mentioned by several campers. One reviewer noted, "Only complaint about Massachusetts state parks is no alcohol even while sitting in your site." Reservations are essential, particularly for summer weekends, with most bookings handled through Reserve America. Cell service varies by location, with some campgrounds reporting limited connectivity. Many sites offer water hookups, though placement isn't always convenient for RVs. State park campgrounds typically provide basic amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, while private resorts offer more extensive facilities including swimming pools and recreation programs.

Campers consistently highlight the convenience of these locations for Boston residents seeking quick weekend getaways. One reviewer described Ponkapoag Camp as "superlatively convenient if you live in the Boston area," noting its wetland setting and proximity to trails. Harold Parker State Forest receives praise for its "nice large campsites" with "privacy that is very diverse." Site selection proves important at most campgrounds, with reviews frequently mentioning significant differences between sites within the same facility. Wompatuck State Park campers report peaceful nights "with very little human noise" and opportunities for wildlife viewing. Many campgrounds serve as convenient basecamps for exploring coastal towns, historic sites, and beaches, with several reviewers appreciating the balance of natural settings with proximity to regional attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Watertown Town, Massachusetts (92)

    1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    31 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. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    21 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."

    3. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Bedford, MA
    9 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."

    4. Normandy Farms Campground

    39 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    23 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."

    5. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    22 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."

    6. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Hull, MA
    14 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."

    7. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    13 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."

    8. Winter Island Park

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

    $35 - $105 / 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
    12 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
    24 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"

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Recent Reviews near Watertown Town, MA

689 Reviews of 92 Watertown Town Campgrounds



Guide to Watertown Town

Camping near Watertown Town, Massachusetts, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. Many campers appreciate the "great location with lake views, trails, etc." and find it easy to launch kayaks from the shore.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and kayaking at Wompatuck State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "You can take a trail from the campsite," making it easy to access the water.
  • Family Fun: Check out Normandy Farms Campground for family-friendly activities. A reviewer mentioned, "It has so many things for the kids to do," making it a great spot for families.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Lorraine Park Campground enjoy the "spacious and shaded" pitches, which provide a comfortable camping experience.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at George Washington State Campground. One camper said, "Very clean bathrooms & hot showers," highlighting the well-maintained amenities.
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the "lovely waterfront sites" at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. A long-time visitor stated, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities," making it a favorite spot.

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, be aware that Wompatuck State Park Campground allows leashed pets on trails but not in the campground or beach area during the summer.
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier conditions on weekends at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The weekend was packed!" so plan accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No hookups in the campground," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with organized activities, like Normandy Farms Campground, where one reviewer said, "Tons of games, multiple playgrounds, multiple pools."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites, such as Lorraine Park Campground, where families can spread out and enjoy their space.
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be ready with bug spray, especially at campgrounds near water, like Greenfield State Park Campground. A camper warned, "Watch for ticks," so keep an eye on the kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites, like those at Normandy Farms Campground, may not be level. One reviewer advised, "Bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Check Site Size: Before booking, check the size of your RV against the campground's site dimensions. A visitor at Boston/Cape Cod KOA mentioned, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight."
  • Utilize Amenities: Take advantage of the amenities offered at campgrounds like Minute Man Campground, where one camper appreciated the "game room" and "clean facilities."

Camping around Watertown Town, MA, provides a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Watertown Town, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Watertown Town, MA is Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.

What parks are near Watertown Town, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Watertown Town, MA that allow camping, notably West Hill Dam and Buffumville Lake.