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Best Tent Camping near Wenham, MA

568 Reviews

Tent camping options near Wenham, Massachusetts include established campgrounds within a short drive of the coast and city areas. Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester offers wooded tent sites with fire pits and picnic tables, while Camp Nihan Education Center provides a more rustic experience with tent sites in a natural setting. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers a unique island camping experience accessible by ferry during the summer months.

Most tent sites in the region require reservations, particularly during peak season from May through October. Cape Ann Camp Site provides clean bathrooms with pay showers (25 cents for 5 minutes) and access to drinking water. Camp Nihan features recently renovated bathroom facilities with showers, making it suitable for families with young children. One camper noted that Camp Nihan offers "the perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping" with terrain that feels secluded despite being close to parking areas.

Tent campers in the Wenham area can expect varying levels of privacy depending on the campground. Cape Ann's tent sites are generally more secluded than their RV sites, with trees providing natural separation between campsites. A recent review described the sites as "beautiful tent sites surrounded by trees so it felt pretty private." Boston Harbor Islands camping requires more planning, as campers must bring all supplies including drinking water to the islands. The reward is unique coastal camping with sunset views over Boston. Proximity to beaches is another advantage, with Cape Ann Camp Site located near excellent shoreline access. Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities, though amenities are basic compared to larger resort-style campgrounds.

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Best Tent Sites Near Wenham, Massachusetts (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wenham, MA

18 Photos of 7 Wenham Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Wenham, MA

568 Reviews of 7 Wenham Campgrounds

  • Migdalia G.
    May. 29, 2019

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Nice Wooded Campground in Awesome Area

    We stayed at Harold Parker State Forest Campground during Memorial Day Weekend. Reservation through Reserve America was a breeze. Check in till 9:00 pm was convenient. Checkout by 11:00 am but we paid for an additional night to be able to leave at night the day we checked out. Totally worth it!

    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. All sites have water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table. Most of them are drive in. 

    Quiet hours from 10 am to 7 am. No alcohol allowed (although I didn’t see an actual enforcement of this rule and guess it’ll happen only if people act out). Rangers are constantly patrolling. Felt pretty safe at night. You can’t bring wood. Bundles are $5 each and it burns really well. 

    Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun. A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike. 

    Bathrooms were fairly clean although small and showers were free! Some sites were right in front of a lovely pond and there were many group sites available as well. 

    The location is pretty good. Salem, Andover, Boston Are accesible while staying here. Close proximity to Richardson Ice Cream which you CANT miss if you decide to stay.  They have cheap but amazing ice cream, mini golf and battling cages which was entertaining for my whole crew. 

    It rained a lot during one night of our stay and the site (301) did not flooded at all. All sites seemed in pretty good shape the morning after as well. 

    Beautiful and will recommend to families with small kids, groups and couples too.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • Sable W.
    May. 16, 2018

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Spacious, Quiet, Clean and Conveniently Located

    Five friends and I decided to compete in Questival, which came to Boston for May 11-12, 2018. There aren't many campgrounds open in Massachusetts this early in the season, but Harold Parker State Forest was! I snagged a group campsite since we'd have four tents. We had to set up after dark, so we wound up congregating in one corner of the group site. When we woke up we could see just how HUGE the group site was! We had 4 two-person tents; you could easily fit 3x that number of tents. PLENTY of flat ground to set up on, and we were far enough back from the road that we never heard or saw other campers arriving, even though we know most other Questival competitors stayed at this campground. It was about a 5 minute walk to the bathrooms and showers, and potable water was available right on the site. Even though it was early in the season and not very leafy, we could only occasionally see our neighbors' headlamps. There were 4 or 5 fire pits, 5 large picnic tables, and 3 driveways that could fit two cars each. Great value for the cost! We were pleased with the privacy, space, cleanliness, and amenities.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Tidewater Campground

    Large campground near, but not on the beach

    First of all, the location is a little quirky and I think I only arrived once without a wrong turn! Watch the GPS carefully. That said, it’s very close to Hampton Beach and you can easily drive or bike over. The campground is parallel to US1, so there is some road traffic noise. Some of the tent sites overlook the marsh. The tent sites are definitely tighter than trailer sites. Some sites back up to each other and it takes a moment to understand where one ends and the next begins. 

    I was here early in the season and placed in a seasonal site with water/electric. Site was level. Neighbors were friendly. The bathroom was a short walk away and spotless. I did notice that in the tent areas, the main bathrooms are supplemented with portable toilets. Sites are mostly wooded, which will offer nice relief from the heat. It's a nice base for exploring the area.

    There’s a gated entry and turtle-speed limit that they take seriously. The pool was not yet open. There’s a small store onsite for ice and essentials. All the big box stores and a number of restaurants are nearby. For a change of pace from seafood, I picked up Shane's Texas Pit BBQ and brought it back to my site. 

    You may request a reservation online, but you have to confirm and pay for it via the phone. You’ll need to arrive before 9pm to check in. Bring $10 for a cash deposit on the gate card. Only 1 vehicle and 1 camping unit (tent or trailer) allowed on a site.

    Downside: They charge for showers, the amount and duration is unclear and the duration varies depending on which shower you choose! Given the rates they charge, this seems petty.

  • Meg T.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Seagulls hungry for Egg Rolls and sunsets galore!

    Stayed here with my partner for her birthday while we were up in the Plum Island/Rockport area. Beautiful ocean access and great facilities. We stayed in a site right next to a large bathhouse with showers, plentiful stalls, and water bottle fill-up and rinse off station. We were situated next to a kind family who lent us fire starter and offered us some of their snacks they were making when we arrived, while we were setting up we did lose some egg rolls to a hungry seagull but I think he needed them more than we did. Not very private and sites are packed close together, but that is what I expected based off the map! I would absolutely return again, this time to check out the beach and surrounding area!

  • Anna C.
    Oct. 15, 2019

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Red Ledge Rebel Shell Rain Pants at Pawtuckaway State Park

    *CAMPGROUND REVIEW*

    This campground is definitely a dazzler and I was fortunate to visit on a quieter weekend. I was able to enjoy an especially picturesque sunset over the lake and I would definitely visit this spot again, especially with how accessible the campground is. There is a nice stretch of sandy beach at the campground as well as canoes and kayaks for rent. The convenience store at the campground had essentially everything you would need for a good camping trip. Definitely do your research on the different site numbers because some sites are much more private and scenic than others. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit as an added bonus.

    Pros: 

    -Within a short driving distance from the Boston area 

    -Lakefront sites available 

    -Canoe and kayak rentals available 

    -Well stocked convenience store 

    -Reasonable cell reception

    Cons: 

     -Can get busy during peak camping times 

     -Some sites have a lack of privacy

    *PRODUCT REVIEW*

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. During this trip, I took out a pair of Red Ledge Rain Pants. While it didn’t rain during my camping stay (great from a camper perspective, not so great from a reviewer perspective), I was able to try out the general fit of the pants. They have a nice stretch fit to them and a certainly one of the more stylish options as far as rain pants go. As is true for most waterproof gear, they run on the warmer side and don’t have a ton of ventilation so they may not be the best choice for hotter weather. Although I didn’t get to test out the pants in a camping setting, I did wear them a few days ago while making the 1.5 km evacuation route trek from my apartment to the flood shelter during one of the biggest typhoons to make landfall in Japan. After about 25-30 mins of walking in record breaking-ly heavy rain, the pants started to saturate around the knees and the upper thigh area started to get a bit soggy. That being said, this is probably the most extreme possible test setting and they did hold up reasonably well. Due to the aforementioned, I would recommend using these pants as a waterproof option when skiing/snowboarding in warmer weather where you still want a snow barrier but may not necessarily need the insulative warmth offered by actual snow pants.

    Pros: 

    -Stylish look 

     -Stretch fit 

     -Waterproof 

     Cons: 

     -Trap heat 

     -Not typhoon proof

  • k
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Dixons Coastal Maine Campground

    LOTS of people but lovely campground

    This is an extremely large campground.  It seems that most of them on the coast of Maine are.  We didn't get a very good sight, but the person who answered the phone basically told us that when we called and it was all they had, so I can't say too much about that either (#17).  The sight was small and between the two driveways.  All of the sights seem to have rocky ground, so I recommend a sleep pad and a footprint for your tent so you don't rip the bottom.  

    Now, on to the other stuff.  There is a small playground that is weathered but in decent shape.  The pool is lovely and meticulously kept.  The grounds, bathrooms and showers are spotless.  It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water.  There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms.

    They sell ice, wood ($7) and many "I forgots" in the store (bacon, milk, etc...).  They give you a security card to get into the grounds ($10 deposit).  The campground was SUPER quiet and quiet hours go to 8am (thank you)!  Only an RV about to leave made a ton of noise at 7.

    I would go there again.  It was a safe place close to so many things.  The beach and everything else is VERY close but not so close as to be annoying.... 5 minutes at most.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 18, 2020

    Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    Small forest campground best suited for tents and small trailers

    This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond. I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.  

    Sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines. Most of the sites are best suited to tents and small trailers (think teardrops and pop-ups), but a couple of sites can accommodate slightly larger units. They are level and there's not a lot of brush between sites, so not much privacy either. I liked site 3 for a bit more privacy ; it's also one of the 3 sites designated for an RV. Site 11 is larger and can accommodate a larger unit.

    There is a large yurt suitable for 10 people. The yurt does offer electricity, but there are no hookups nor a dump station at the campground. There are flush toilets, but no showers. The small bathroom was under renovation autumn 2020. There is a dishwashing sink. 

    There are hiking trails in the area and, of course, swimming at the small pond. A nearby roadside waterfall offers another picnic area opportunity. For a longer hike, you can hike to and from Pearl Lake State Park. Fishing, mountain biking, and geocaching are other activities available. There's a parking lot closer to the beach or it's an easy walk from the campground.

    If you are from out of state, check fees carefully. In 2020 MA increased fees significantly in light of the pandemic. Prices are steep for what you get if you are out of state.

Guide to Wenham

Tent camping near Wenham, Massachusetts offers access to diverse natural landscapes within an hour's drive from Boston. The region experiences warm summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F from June through early September, with cooler nights in spring and fall that can drop to the 40s. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter camping options available.

What to do

Shoreline exploration: Cape Ann Camp Site provides convenient beach access for day trips. "Very close to a nice beach too," notes camper Lajaun C., who appreciates how the campground is "close enough to stores if you need more" supplies while enjoying coastal activities.

Island adventures: Boston Harbor Islands State Park offers unique opportunities for outdoor recreation across multiple islands. One visitor shared that while camping there, "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids."

Forest hiking: The woodland setting around many Wenham-area campgrounds provides natural trails. A visitor at Camp Nihan Education Center mentioned it's "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."

What campers like

Natural separation: Privacy between sites is valued at Cape Ann Camp Site. According to Dan, "The camp ground is full of beautiful boulders and fire pits. We were tent camping and were very happy with our site."

Wildlife viewing: Campers appreciate seeing native animals in the camping areas. John S. noted Cape Ann Camp Site has "spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc." making it ideal for nature photography and observation.

Sunset views: Boston Harbor Islands provides scenic sunset viewing opportunities over the water. A reviewer mentioned, "Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it" despite the logistics of reaching the island.

What you should know

Shower facilities: Pay showers are common at established campgrounds in the region. At Cape Ann Camp Site, Ben E. found "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."

Transportation planning: Reaching Boston Harbor Islands requires careful scheduling. As one camper advised, "Check the ferry schedule. Figure out which departure makes the most sense for you... For Bumpkin and Grape Islands, you'll want to leave from Hingham; Peddocks and Lovells are available from either departure point."

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Wenham operate during warm months only. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground specifically operates "from June to Labor Day weekend," making advance planning crucial.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection: Choose campgrounds with convenient facilities for children. At Camp Nihan Education Center, one visitor noted 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."

Water activities: Supervised swimming areas provide safer options for families. As one visitor mentioned about Boston Harbor Islands, "On Peddocks island there is plenty of drinking water available and a ranger station. These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance."

Pack light strategies: When camping at island locations with ferry access, minimize gear. A Boston Harbor Islands camper advised, "Pack as lightly as possible and plan to carry or wheel it to your site. If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items on and off the ferry."

Tips from RVers

Site conditions: Be aware of terrain variations at regional campgrounds. One visitor to Cape Ann Camp Site cautioned, "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI."

Proximity to services: The best tent camping near Wenham, Massachusetts offers varying levels of amenities. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a reviewer noted, "There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot. It is also close enough to stores if you need more."

Seasonal pricing: Summer rates at campgrounds near Wenham vary significantly. One RVer reported paying "$60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water" at Cape Ann Camp Site, which represents the mid-range for the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wenham, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wenham, MA is Cape Ann Camp Site with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Wenham, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Wenham, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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