Primitive tent camping near Waverley, Massachusetts offers several outdoor recreation options within a reasonable driving distance. The area's hardwood forests and coastal terrain create diverse camping environments ranging from inland woodland sites to harbor islands. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to New England's cold winters, with reservations required weeks to months in advance during peak summer months.
What to do
Swimming at local beaches: Cape Ann Camp Site provides access to excellent beaches where campers can enjoy the Atlantic shoreline. According to camper Dan, "We had a great time camping and going to the beach. The camp ground is full of beautiful boulders and fire pits. We were tent camping and were very happy with our site."
Explore historic coastal towns: Cape Ann Camp Site offers convenient access to nearby historic maritime communities. "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views," notes camper Ron C.
Wildlife observation: The wooded setting at Buck Hill Campground supports various wildlife viewing opportunities. Greg R. reports, "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities... This is the type of campground to just come and unwind, fish, cook, etc."
Kayaking and canoeing: Several campgrounds offer water access for paddling. "There's a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts... The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water," notes a Buck Hill Campground visitor.
What campers like
Private, wooded tent sites: Many tent campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Cape Ann Camp Site. Camper Della S. notes, "The campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites. The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites."
Convenient beach access: Proximity to quality beaches ranks high among visitor priorities. Rebecca S. mentions, "Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilities are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff."
Helpful campground staff: Multiple reviews highlight positive interactions with campground personnel. Lajaun C. states, "Love this campground. The staff is awesome. Very helpful. The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome."
Balance of rustic feel with amenities: Camp Nihan Education Center offers primitive camping with convenient facilities. Michael V. explains, "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. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
What you should know
Ferry planning requirements: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground requires significant transportation planning. Jess G. advises, "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells."
Pay showers at some locations: Budget accordingly for shower facilities that require coins. Ben E. notes about Cape Ann, "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change. So I washed my hair in the sink."
Limited drinking water: Some sites require bringing your own water supply. A Boston Harbor Islands camper warns, "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods."
Site selection challenges: Campsite availability can be problematic even with reservations. One camper reported, "When we got to the island we found that all of the sites had already been taken even though we had booked online months ahead. The ranger showed us two spots that we could camp at but they had no grills."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly terrain: Military Park New Boston Air Force Station offers accessible outdoor spaces for children. According to Shuang W., it's a "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!"
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds near Waverley provide learning experiences for children. At Boston Harbor Islands, one camper noted, "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore... earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak."
Shallow swimming areas: Families appreciate safe water access at certain locations. Michael V. mentions that Camp Nihan is "adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Consider tent site proximity to facilities: When tent camping with children near Waverley, bathroom access becomes important. A Cape Ann visitor mentions, "Clean Bathrooms and pay showers. The owners are very helpful. Call and they will help you find a spot if you have questions."
Tips from RVers
Site surface conditions: Be prepared for natural, unpaved sites at many campgrounds. One Cape Ann reviewer notes, "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads."
Hookup availability: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers some sites with utilities. A camper reports, "electric-hookups, fifty-amp-hookups, sewer-hookups, water-hookups" are available at certain locations.
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds near Waverley have restrictions on larger rigs. Lajaun C. mentions that at Cape Ann, "All size RVs and tents are welcome" but other reviewers note limitations at different locations.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Cape Ann Camp Site operates "from May 15 - Oct 15" according to official information, requiring advance planning for RV campers seeking tent camping near Waverley, Massachusetts.
