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Best Campgrounds in Massachusetts

1,046 Reviews

Massachusetts campgrounds range from forested state parks to beachfront destinations with varying levels of amenities. Notable options include Nickerson State Park Campground in Brewster, offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with boat access to nearby ponds, and Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough, featuring 400 sites with comprehensive amenities including electric and water hookups, shower facilities, and trash service. The camping landscape includes everything from primitive tent sites in state forests to luxury RV resorts with full hookups and recreational facilities.

Camping seasons in Massachusetts typically run from April through October, with some facilities like Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground operating year-round. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when demand peaks. State park campgrounds like Wompatuck, Harold Parker, and Myles Standish provide affordable options with varying levels of amenities, while private resorts offer more extensive facilities at higher rates. Weather conditions can significantly impact camping experiences, particularly near coastal areas. As one camper noted, "Absolutely love this spot and highly recommend if you're looking for a super private, true primitive camping experience. You have to park at the entrance and hike in about 1.5-2 miles with everything on your back."

Many campers specifically seek waterfront locations throughout the state, with several coastal and lakeside options receiving high ratings. Visitors particularly value clean facilities and peaceful surroundings, though experiences can vary significantly by location and season. Several campgrounds near Cape Cod provide convenient beach access, while inland options offer forest immersion and greater privacy. Families appreciate campgrounds with recreational amenities and organized activities. According to one visitor, "We had a great 4 night stay here in our TT. It's a more rustic campsite and doesn't have the bells and whistles of the bigger corporate owned campgrounds. There's plenty to do on the island itself so it's not an issue at all." Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping represent the majority of options, with specialized tent-only or RV-only facilities being less common.

Best Camping Sites in Massachusetts (164)

    1. Nickerson State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Orleans, MA
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3491

    $22 - $55 / night

    "It is at the edge of the Cape Cod Rail Trail bike Path from where you can access both bay side and ocean beaches by bike. it is also walking distance to a bayside beach."

    "We even got the Massachusetts resident discount with his home address. When we arrived, it was a very easy check in. They gave us directions to our site and even to the store to buy fire wood."

    2. Wompatuck State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Hingham, MA
    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. Normandy Farms Campground

    41 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    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."

    "We were here a couple years ago and told everyone we knew about it in the PNW never knowing if our big road trips would have us near Foxboro again."

    4. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    34 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $45 / 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"

    "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."

    5. Mt. Greylock Campsite Park

    30 Reviews
    Lanesborough, MA
    +1 (413) 447-9419

    $40 - $70 / night

    "Great access to Mt Greylock and LOTS of hiking close by. Staff was so accommodating-always willing to spend time giving recommendations."

    "Great family atmosphere w very positive neighbors and owners... Fantastic. 5 stars"

    6. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    29 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    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."

    7. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    27 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

    "However, you can’t beat the location and it’s a great place to go with a group."

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    8. Boston/Cape Cod KOA

    23 Reviews
    Middleboro, MA
    Website
    +1 (508) 947-6435

    "This is a busy campground due to its location . Easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Plymouth, Newport, and many more attractions."

    "We selected this campground because of its proximity to family who we would be visiting. It was very convenient to Providence, Cape Cod, and Duxbury."

    9. Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground

    21 Reviews
    Sandwich, MA
    Website
    +1 (508) 888-0351

    $17 - $55 / night

    "I like this campground because it is close to home.  There isn't much to do here within the campground.  It has two areas.  The one nearer the camp entrance is smaller than the second. "

    "We have stayed here during our exploration around cape cod. It's a but farther away from the main location, but we loved the quiet and tranquility of this campground."

    10. Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    20 Reviews
    South Carver, MA
    Website
    +1 (508) 866-2526

    $17 - $35 / night

    "My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."

    "Good access to surrounding new England towns."

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Recent Camping Photos in Massachusetts

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Recent Reviews in Massachusetts

1046 Reviews of 164 Massachusetts Campgrounds

  • E
    Sep. 16, 2026

    Berry's Grove Campground

    Campground good -Management Bad

    This RV park was a small little park with a little lake to fish and swim (if you're brave enough) Overall had a pleasant experience until 2 weeks after we had left.

    After paying and calling to ensure we were all squared away before leaving with a good to go and a zero-dollar balance, we left. 2 weeks later they charged my card again without letting me know.  I figured it must have been a mistake since I had the paperwork with a zero-dollar balance AND I called to ensure we were all set.   

    Turns out it was purposeful- management decided that there was an additional admin fee after I had left the property.  Note that this was not anything to do with any mess or damage left behind -That I could completely understand but this was a random additional charge. They went ahead and charged without any warning and with no real explanation. 

    I stayed here for 2 months and the first month had no such issues and no additional payments due.

    If you stay here- be aware that they can charge your card EVEN IF you call and make sure you are all set AND have proof of a zero dollar balance. 

    They will say its in the contract and while there is an admin fee section in the contract- it does not state anywhere that it will be charged later, not included in your original bill or anything that would make charging your card randomly acceptable - especially with a zero dollar balance.

    I'm not sure how many times they do this to people but the charge was on the smaller side, so they probably get away with this A LOT.

  • Linda I.
    Sep. 15, 2026

    Coastal Acres Campground

    Coastal Acres Campground

    Another wonderful month long vacation at Coastal Acres Campground! Anna and the wonderful staff made our visit a pleasure. We needed an air conditioner repaired/replaced during our stay. Anna and Rob gave us a list of local mobile RV repair Companies. They also lended a fan to us to use until the repair was completed. We can't thank them enough for everything they did to help make our stay comfortable and fun! We will be back!!

  • R
    Sep. 14, 2026

    Berry's Grove Campground

    Dimension To The Trip

    We brought the boat along and having water access added an entirely different dimension to the trip. Instead of loading everything into the truck and driving somewhere for the day, we could make being on the water part of the camping experience itself.

  • Sam W.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 11, 2026

    Wompatuck State Park Campground

    Safe and quiet

    I always find this is a good spot to have a few quiet nights. Can set up a fire an lf just relax. There are bathrooms with showers but byob bath stuff

  • Marie H.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 10, 2026

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Lovely and peaceful

    We came in the day after Labor Day ~ after 280 rv’s checked out ~ so it may not have been as peaceful over the weekend, but I heard everyone had lots of fun. The grounds are beautiful!

  • Maria A.
    Sep. 10, 2026

    Sweetwater Forest

    tranquility and rest

    I've been three times, twice with a tent and once with a trailer, I highly recommend it.

  • Maria A.
    Sep. 9, 2026

    The Pines Campground

    Peaceful place

    Pleasant place, pool with good facilities; I recommend it.

  • Oscar W.
    Sep. 9, 2026

    Berry's Grove Campground

    Made The Trip Worth

    Coffee by the water before anyone else in our camper woke up. That alone made the trip worth it.

Guide to Massachusetts

Camping in Massachusetts offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Wells State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “We hiked pretty much all the trails in the park that weekend & did a night hike given by a guide.”
  • Water Activities: Campgrounds such as Lake Dennison Recreation Area offer swimming and fishing. A visitor said, “The lake is clean and the beach is clean and soft(ish).”
  • Wildlife Watching: Many areas are rich in wildlife. One camper at Otter River State Forest noted, “If you are looking to get away and unwind this is a great place to do it in.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Pine Acres Family Camping Resort stated, “Super friendly staff, clean bathrooms, nice sites and a beautiful pond.”
  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A visitor at Pearl Hill State Park Campground mentioned, “The camp sites are very well spaced apart so you get plenty of privacy and it's very quiet.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Partridge Hollow Campground said, “Simple clean friendly family run campground.”

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Willard Brook State Forest advised, “I suggest downloading maps before you head out because cell service is iffy in the area.”
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during specific months. For example, Otter River State Forest is open from mid May to mid October.
  • No Alcohol Policies: Certain campgrounds, like Wells State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A reviewer noted, “A surcharge which makes it $50/night for non-MA residents... will have us skip this place in the future.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Thousand Trails Sturbridge said, “The playground was a hit for our kids!”
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Some areas can be buggy. A camper at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, “The mosquitoes here were something out of a Soviet lab.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campgrounds may not have all the amenities you need. A visitor at Lake Dennison Recreation Area suggested, “I had to use my portable grate to make cooking over the live fire easy and pleasant.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV sizes. A reviewer at Pearl Hill State Park Campground noted, “You can get in here with a smaller RV, but the campground isn't built for larger units.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A camper at Wells State Park Campground mentioned, “The driveway to site 38 was a mess. Tree limbs and brush invaded the drive.”
  • Look for Amenities: Check for electric hookups and dump stations. A visitor at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort appreciated, “They provide water, electric, showers, and septic pump trucks that come to you.”

Camping in Massachusetts can be a great experience if you know what to expect and plan accordingly. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best state parks for camping in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts offers several outstanding state parks for camping experiences. Clarksburg State Park Campground stands out for its consistently clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families. Willard Brook State Forest Campground in north-central Massachusetts features level sites among towering pines and proximity to Damon Pond. Other notable options include Myles Standish State Forest with its multiple ponds, Wellfleet Hollow for Cape Cod access, and Shawme Crowell for its family-friendly environment. Most Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol, provide basic facilities including bathhouses, and require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. For the best experience, book well in advance for summer weekends.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts generally does not permit dispersed camping on public lands. Unlike western states, Massachusetts has stricter regulations about camping outside of designated campgrounds. The state's high population density and limited public land contribute to these restrictions. Ponkapoag Camp offers a rare primitive camping experience that's accessible from Boston, but it's still a designated area, not true dispersed camping. Most public lands in Massachusetts require campers to stay in established campgrounds with proper facilities. For those seeking a more remote experience without crowds, look to less-visited state forests during off-peak times rather than attempting unauthorized dispersed camping, which could result in fines.

Where can I find backcountry or primitive camping in Massachusetts?

True backcountry camping options are limited in Massachusetts, but several locations offer primitive experiences. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston provides remote-feeling sites with direct water access, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. For a more isolated experience, Otter River State Forest offers well-maintained but less developed sites. The Appalachian Trail corridor through western Massachusetts permits primitive camping at designated shelters and tent sites. Remember that even in these more remote settings, camping is only permitted in designated areas, not true dispersed camping. Most primitive sites require advance reservations, especially during peak season, and have minimal facilities like vault toilets but no running water or electricity.

How much does camping typically cost in Massachusetts?

Camping costs in Massachusetts vary widely based on amenities and location. State park campgrounds typically range from $17-35 per night for residents, with non-residents paying $5-10 more. October Mountain State Forest Campground represents typical state forest pricing, while Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury demonstrates the higher-end private options that can reach $50-75 per night for RV sites with hookups. Premium locations near Cape Cod or popular vacation areas generally command higher rates, especially during peak summer season. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays, off-season camping, or Massachusetts residents. Reservation fees ($7-10) typically apply when booking in advance through the state reservation system.

Where can I find backcountry or primitive camping in Massachusetts?

True backcountry camping options are limited in Massachusetts, but several locations offer primitive experiences. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston provides remote-feeling sites with direct water access, managed by the Trustees of Reservations. For a more isolated experience, Otter River State Forest offers well-maintained but less developed sites. The Appalachian Trail corridor through western Massachusetts permits primitive camping at designated shelters and tent sites. Remember that even in these more remote settings, camping is only permitted in designated areas, not true dispersed camping. Most primitive sites require advance reservations, especially during peak season, and have minimal facilities like vault toilets but no running water or electricity.

Is dispersed camping allowed in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts generally does not permit dispersed camping on public lands. Unlike western states, Massachusetts has stricter regulations about camping outside of designated campgrounds. The state's high population density and limited public land contribute to these restrictions. Ponkapoag Camp offers a rare primitive camping experience that's accessible from Boston, but it's still a designated area, not true dispersed camping. Most public lands in Massachusetts require campers to stay in established campgrounds with proper facilities. For those seeking a more remote experience without crowds, look to less-visited state forests during off-peak times rather than attempting unauthorized dispersed camping, which could result in fines.

What are the best state parks for camping in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts offers several outstanding state parks for camping experiences. Clarksburg State Park Campground stands out for its consistently clean facilities and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for families. Willard Brook State Forest Campground in north-central Massachusetts features level sites among towering pines and proximity to Damon Pond. Other notable options include Myles Standish State Forest with its multiple ponds, Wellfleet Hollow for Cape Cod access, and Shawme Crowell for its family-friendly environment. Most Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol, provide basic facilities including bathhouses, and require reservations, particularly during peak summer months. For the best experience, book well in advance for summer weekends.

Keep Exploring

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