Arthur D.
Scout
ScoutPine Acres Family Camping Resort
4th of July weekend
It was a hot one! The pool was crowded but that’s to be expected when it was 96 for three days. Clean, fun, and friendly. My son said it was the best campground so far.
Camping near Waverley, MA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
State parks and private campgrounds within an hour of Waverley, Massachusetts provide a range of camping experiences from wooded tent sites to full-service RV resorts. Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest, located 25 miles north of Boston, offers spacious wooded sites with individual water spigots and some electric hookups. Hanscom AFB FamCamp in nearby Bedford serves military families with both RV and tent camping options in a peaceful setting despite its proximity to the busy air base. For those willing to travel slightly farther, Wompatuck State Park Campground south of Boston features a mix of sites along forested roads with hiking trails and nearby beach access. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited year-round options like Ponkapoag Camp in Milton.
Massachusetts state park regulations prohibit alcohol consumption at all campsites, a rule frequently mentioned in visitor reviews. Reservations are essential during the peak summer season, particularly for weekend stays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Many campgrounds have limited cell service, with reviewers recommending downloading maps before arrival. Weather conditions remain relatively mild throughout the camping season, though spring can bring significant rainfall. As one camper noted about Lorraine Park: "Nice large campsites. The sites' privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size."
Campers consistently praise the convenience of these locations for quick weekend getaways from Boston. The proximity to historical sites like Lexington, Concord, and Salem makes these campgrounds popular bases for exploring regional attractions. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering well-separated sites while others feature more open layouts. A visitor to Wompatuck State Park noted: "Nights were peaceful with very little human noise. We were a little stressed about the tall, skinny trees swaying dramatically in the wind above us, but we managed to tune them out after a bit!" Many campgrounds feature water access, with ponds for swimming or fishing, though facilities range from basic to resort-style depending on the location. Families particularly appreciate the biking and hiking trails available at most state parks in the region.
Best Campgrounds near Waverley (97)
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 $21 - $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. 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 Availability4. 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 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. 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 Availability7. 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 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. 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."
10. Circle Campground Farm Campground
"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"
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 17 min from Boston, MA
- 44 min from Worcester, MA
- 46 min from Manchester, NH
- 51 min from Providence, RI
Recent Camping Photos near Waverley, MA
322 Photos of 97 Waverley Campgrounds
Janet R.
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Michael V.
Camp Nihan Education Center
Jean C.
Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground
Migdalia G.
Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest
Martin B.
Spacious Skies Minute Man
Rosie R.
Wompatuck State Park Campground
Greg R.
Normandy Farms Campground
Cody F.
Circle CG Farm Campground
Della S.
Cape Ann Camp Site
Alan
Pearl Hill State Park Campground
The Dyrt
Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
Tanya W.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Recent Reviews near Waverley, MA
712 Reviews of 97 Waverley Campgrounds
Emily T.
TravelerOtter River State Forest
Labor Day Weekend!
We had a great time during our stay on Labor Day Weekend. Even on the busier side, it was still quiet and our site was fairly private. Right on a stream and a short walk to the bathrooms and hiking trails. We drove a few minutes up the road to Lake Dennison to kayak and fish.
- MMaggie B.Scout
Otter River State Forest
Highly Recommend
Great place to camp. Reasonably priced. Clean hot showers and dish washing station. Clean-Quiet-Well Patroled and Maintained. Nature based activities for kids.
Alicia V.ScoutIndianhead Resort
Worst place to RV
Long review from a long-term camper, but if you’re considering staying here, it’s worth the read so you know what you’re paying for. My husband and I have stayed here for the past three years, and this year has been, without question, the worst experience we’ve had. We prepaid for a 6-month stay, expecting a quiet, well-managed campground. Instead, we’ve dealt with inconsistency, poor communication, and management that seems focused on the wrong priorities. Before the campground was even fully open, we came to prepare our camper because there were already other campers on the property. While we were there, a woman repeatedly followed us around and watched us before finally approaching us. Rather than treating us like returning guests who have stayed here for years, we were made to feel like we didn’t belong and were questioned as if we were trespassing or trying to live here for free. Ironically, people who don’t even pay to stay here regularly park on the property to use the lake without anyone questioning them. Apparently, paying customers receive more scrutiny than people who aren’t customers at all. Because of that interaction, we were told we couldn’t return for weeks. When we were finally allowed back, our electricity hadn’t even been turned on, and we had to wait while no one seemed particularly concerned about getting it working. Then, completely out of the blue, we were told we had a past-due balance that had supposedly existed all along. At no point were we ever notified. No phone call. No email. No letter. No conversation. Yet somehow we were expected to fix a problem we didn’t even know existed. Meanwhile, the issues that actually affect paying guests continue to be ignored. On weekends and almost every holiday, large groups takes over the campground with 20+ tents, blasting music well into the night and early morning with absolutely no respect for the people who actually pay to stay here. They spread out wherever they want, take over common areas, and even park in front of occupied campsites to the point that we’ve had trouble getting into our own site. Even worse, people were plugging into our electrical service without permission, causing our camper to repeatedly short circuit. We eventually had to install a lock on our own electrical box because management did nothing to stop it after it was brought to their attention. That’s what makes this so frustrating. Management seems incredibly quick to police long-term residents over minor issues, yet has no problem looking the other way while other people take over the campground, block campsites, disturb everyone around them, use utilities they aren’t paying for, damage property, and ignore every basic campground rule. The former management understood that people who spend thousands of dollars to stay here deserve a safe, enjoyable, and well-managed campground. Rules were enforced. Problems were addressed. Paying guests mattered. Now it feels like the people causing the problems face no consequences, while the people paying to be here are the ones expected to tolerate them. I also wouldn’t recommend this campground for families. The“playground” looks like it hasn’t been properly maintained in a very long time and honestly looks like it could earn a child a tetanus shot instead of a fun afternoon. The basketball hoop has been broken, and the laundry area is tucked behind some of the dirtiest bathrooms on the property, surrounded by overgrown grass. None of it reflects the kind of campground this used to be. It’s disappointing because this campground had so much potential and used to be a place we genuinely enjoyed returning to every year. Unfortunately, poor management and a complete lack of consistency have changed that. If you are looking for a campground, there are way better options in the surrounding area with better amenities and better people.
- RRalph C.Traveler
Hanscom AFB FamCamp
Worst Military Campground
Published rules are can only be here for 30 days with a three week extension possible. The fact is at least half of the spaces are occupied by full time residents with one resident stating she has been here for two years. The airfield noise is excessive during the day. The airfield closes at 11 PM so at least it is not all night long. We booked a pull through and they wanted to put us in a small back in site with shared utilities. I put my foot down and was given a pull through. On a positive note, the bath house is clean and the laundry room is not over priced
- VVictoria V.Traveler
Hide-A-Way Cove Campground
Just okay
When we arrived at our site we were instantly greeted with an angry resident. He started shooing us away as we were trying to park our camper at our site. He needed to back out and leave but we had only been there no more than 3 minutes before he popped up angrily. There are a lot of long term campers there. Very very unkept campers. Broken down, damaged, some look unlivable. Some may not like the dozens of cats everywhere, but I did. It’s fun to spot a new cat roaming around the campground. The pool is nice and clean. The playground is cute. The Arcade is not worth going to. A lot of the games were broken or empty. Bikes are NOT allowed. My 8 year old son was riding his bike and we were told he couldn’t do that at this campground. The pond/beach area is beautiful. You can try fishing in it. We didn’t catch anything. I definitely don’t suggest swimming in it. It’s not clean enough for that. Camp “store” is very minimal in what they have. Mostly little candy and some minor essentials. There is also a little restaurant attached to the camp store. I like that the sites were grass and not dirt. Or site did not have sewer. We had to go to the dump station to empty black water.
Emily V.TravelerIndianhead Resort
Great Old School Campground
We had a great stay at Indianhead Resort! The management was wonderful and very helpful. The sites were very spacious and private, which made it feel relaxing and comfortable for our family. The playgrounds are a little older, but our two-year-old absolutely loved the swings and had a great time. Overall, it was a great family-friendly campground experience!
nancy B.TravelerHoliday Acres Campground
Worse campground ever
There site map lies. Noisy people. Tons of loud kids. Uneven site. Marijuana smoke by me. Was to stay 3 nights but left the next morning. Total nightmare. And the dust. Even with everything shut up it fill the RV.
Heather H.ScoutSea Coast Camping and RV Resort
Great Spot
This is a really great campground. However, the cell service is terrible. I do have Wi-Fi, but it is very weak. I would count on having to use Starlink.
Guide to Waverley
Military-only camping is available at Hanscom AFB FamCamp, located just 13 miles northwest of Waverley. Most campgrounds near Waverley operate seasonally from May through October, though Ponkapoag Camp remains open year-round for those seeking winter camping options. The region features both coastal and woodland camping environments with elevations ranging from sea level at Boston Harbor Islands to approximately 635 feet at the Blue Hills Reservation sites.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Several campsites near Waverley provide strategic access to Revolutionary War landmarks. Spacious Skies Minute Man in Littleton serves as an excellent base for history enthusiasts. "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. Lots of good coffee spots and restaurants in historic downtown Concord so spend a morning in this special city," notes Ann B.
Kayak Boston Harbor: For water-based activities, Winter Island Park in Salem offers direct ocean access. "The beach is interesting with some tide pools as well as sand and warm water. Life guards were paying attention," writes Lisa M. Campers can easily launch kayaks from their sites, with one reviewer noting: "Our site was large enough for an 8 person tent, 4 person tent, EZ Up, and a pop up dog house for our pooch. We also kept our 2 kayaks on our site during our stay."
Bike through state forests: The extensive trail networks at Wompatuck State Park Campground offer both paved and off-road options for cyclists. One camper recommends: "Definitely bring bikes to do some exploring. We found a large pond and an underground bunker to venture into." The park features miles of former military roads now converted to cycling paths, making it suitable for riders of various skill levels.
What campers like
Military convenience: Hanscom AFB FamCamp offers a quiet retreat for military families despite its proximity to a busy air base. A reviewer explains: "The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB. Proximity to the base provides access to the base exchange and other facilities, but the quiet location is a recreational retreat centered around several indoor and outdoor gathering spaces."
Year-round options: Unlike most seasonal options, Ponkapoag Camp offers cabin camping throughout winter. "Spending Friday & Saturday in one of the cabins (w/woodstove) is ideal for a winter weekend adventure!" notes Stu L. Another camper adds: "Ponky is a hidden gem! Minutes from Boston, feels Miles away."
Accessibility to Boston: Campsites regularly mentioned for their convenient access to public transportation include Winter Island Park in Salem. "We spent a weekend here on a tent site close to the beach... We ordered pizza from Door Dash on our first night here, and that was a very easy experience as well," explains one camper, highlighting the unique blend of outdoor experience with urban conveniences.
What you should know
No alcohol policy: Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption at campsites. One camper at Lorraine Park Campground noted: "Convenient location, but still let's you get away. Nice wooded sites. Only complaint about Massachusetts state parks is no alcohol even while sitting in your site."
Wildlife encounters: Some campgrounds report regular wildlife activity after dark. At Winter Island Park, one camper shared: "The cons were the noise during the day from the beachgoers, and the visits from racoons and skunks at night (scavenging the food left by the beachgoers). We ended up leaving earlier than planned to avoid another night with the skunk activity."
Weather considerations: Spring camping near Waverley often means dealing with seasonal precipitation. Sites at Circle Campground Farm were described as having "level sites, quiet, and very clean restrooms" but another camper noted road access challenges: "Roads are a little narrow which made backing in a little challenging. I had to use other sites to complete the back-in process."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Normandy Farms Campground features multiple swimming facilities. "They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean. I highly recommend staying here. It was a lot of fun," states Liz W. The campground maintains four pools including an indoor heated one, making it suitable for families even during cooler weather.
Educational programming: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities for children. At Camp Nihan Education Center, one visitor noted: "We went camping here with our SpiralScout Circle, kids aged 4-8. 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."
Playground access: When selecting family-friendly sites, consider facilities beyond just camping. Winter Island Park provides playground facilities alongside beach access. As Candace H. reports: "The kids had a great time by the sea and the playground. There are wildlife like skunks, raccoons do put food in car. Each site has a grill and shade."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Circle Campground Farm, RVers note the variable site conditions. "Site size was adequate. I'm 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," explains Sean R.
Hookup logistics: Pay attention to utility placement when booking. One camper at Circle Campground observed: "Good level site water and electric (full hook ups also available) electric box a little far from parking site had to use an extension cord."
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds offer extended seasons. At Spacious Skies Minute Man, a visitor in early spring reported: "Late April so there weren't too many campers in the park. Bathrooms were clean. Staff in the office were friendly and helpful."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Waverley, MA?
Which is the most popular campground near Waverley, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waverley, MA is Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.
What parks are near Waverley, MA?
What parks are near Waverley, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Waverley, MA that allow camping, notably West Hill Dam and Buffumville Lake.
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