13 Best Camping Sites in Massachusetts to Visit in 2023

BY: Viktor Vincej
SOURCE:
https://www.travelinglifestyle.net/best-camping-sites-in-massachusetts/

Beautiful Massachusetts has so much to offer residents and visitors alike. It’s a place filled with historical trails, booming cities, and some of the best food along the eastern seaboard.

It’s also a place to admire the outdoors. From interior hills glowing with colorful leaves and perfect places to hike to so many miles of incredible shoreline along the coast, this is a state that remains a nature lover’s ideal location.

One of the most delightful things about a stay here are the state’s many wonderful camping sites.

If you’re thinking about camping in this storied New England state, you’ll find a great deal to appreciate. Camping in this part of the United States is both easy and a lot of fun. The following state camping sites offer a marvelous chance to appreciate varied terrain, see hidden corners, and experience the natural world in a congenial setting all year long.

Check out also camping in neighboring states:
Best Camping Sites in Connecticut
Best Camping Sites in Maine

Quick Camping Massachusetts Overview

👪 For Families: Normandy Farms Campground
🌲 Best State Park for Camping: Myles Standish State Forest
🏐 Best For Activities: Bay View Campground
🏖 Best for Beach Camping: Horseneck Beach State Reservation

Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground

Phone: 508-693-3772
Address: 569 Edgartown Rd, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568

Activities:

  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Badminton
  • Swimming
  • Live music
  • Bingo
  • Movie nights

Martha’s Vineyard is a quaint island located about 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, local shops and restaurants, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. In other words, it’s a perfect vacation spot for solo travelers, couples, as well as families searching for something unique. Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground is the only campground there and is renowned throughout the whole of Massachusetts.

It features shaded RV and tent sites, all of which have their own picnic tables and fire rings. Don’t feel like roughing it? You can stay in one of their rustic cabins. However, what makes this place truly amazing are its amenities.

Leave your kids at the playground and play basketball, volleyball, or badminton. There are also plenty of organized activities, from craft workshops and movie nights to live music and bingo. If you came to explore the island, you are lucky – the campground also offers bike rentals to make getting around easier.

Normandy Farms Campground – BEST FAMILY CAMPING

Phone: 866–673–2767
Address: 72 West Street, Foxboro, MA 02035

Activities:

  • Biking
  • Tennis
  • Swimming
  • Golf

Situated between Boston and Cape Cod, Normandy Farms has been the destination of choice for those in search of a luxury camping experience for over four decades. They offer full hookups for those with their own RVs. If you’d like to stay at their facilities, choose from yurts, deluxe cabins, and safari tents.

More than twenty-three miles of hiking trails make this one a good choice for people who want to get to know the beautiful Foxboro State Forest from the ground up. The Creative Arts Center offers endless activities centered on the arts for the whole family.

There’s also a well-stocked fitness center and a dog park for your furry friends. This is one for those who want to get to know all parts of the state. Stop off here on the way to Boston or the Cape or make this your fun weekend destination getaway.

Myles Standish State Forest

Phone: 508-866-2526
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd, Carver, MA 02330

Activities:

  • Swimming
  • Horseback riding
  • Hiking
  • Biking

Myles Standish State Forest is a spacious property set in southeastern Massachusetts, just about 50 miles from Boston. It’s perfect for family vacations thanks to its summer programs full of fun. It also works great as a home base for those who would like to explore the area’s attractions, such as the Plymouth Rock.

There are over 400 campgrounds scattered around 4 lakes that are just ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Other activities you can engage in are hiking, horseback riding, as well as mountain biking. There are also plenty of golf clubs around.

The campground features everything you might need for your vacation in the great outdoors, including picnic areas, grills, restrooms, showers, and a visitors center. Note that RV camping is available, but there are no hookups.

Bay View Campground

Phone: 508-759-7610
Address: 260 MacArthur Blvd, Bourne, MA 02532

Activities:

  • Pool
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • Coffee shop & ice cream parlor

Set near the beaches and the Cape Cod Canal, Bay View is a family-friendly campground with the amenities of a luxury RV resort.

Enjoy the swimming pools, tennis, and basketball, or set off for a walk to the Bourne Back Beach River Area. Having a sweet tooth? Treat yourself in the on-site ice cream parlor or the coffee shop. For the little ones, there are playgrounds and arcades. Whereas your furry friends will love the spacious dog park.

The RV sites are spacious, partly or full hook-up with 20/30/50 amp service, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Whether you decide to rough it in a tent or stay in your RV, Bay View Campground will provide you and your family with an unforgettable holiday.

Prospect Mountain Campground

Phone: (413) 357-6494
Address: PO Box 323, Granville, MA 01034

Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Hayrides
  • Games

Perched at the foot of the Berkshire mountains, this sprawling campsite is ideal for those who want to get to know interior Massachusetts better.

As a family-owned and operated site, it’s also perfect for those who want to bring their own family right here. The site offers varied kinds of facilities for any type of camping you have in mind. Campers can opt for a personal tent or bring along their RV. Log cabins are also available for rent.

When you’re done settling in, you’ll find lots of things to do with the entire family. Hiking trails of varying difficulty allow visitors the chance to get to know the beautiful rolling hills in person. The site lies along the Connecticut River so you can do plenty of fabulous shore activities or just sit back and dip your feet in the water when you’re done hiking. There’s also a swimming pool and organized activities by the camp owners.

Adventure Bound Camping Resorts — Cape Cod

Phone: 508-487-1847
Address: 46 Highland Rd, North Truro, MA 02652

Activities:

  • Fishing
  • Whale watching
  • Biking
  • Hiking

Nestled near the town of Truro and about 6 miles from Provincetown in Cape Cod, this camping resort is a place to spend a relaxing vacation by the beach and see the peninsula.

There are numerous walking paths, as well as hiking and biking trails. They will take you to the picturesque seaside towns or to the beach where you can engage in swimming, fishing, and whale watching. Head into Provincetown for fancy eats or visit some of the many Cape Cod lighthouses. Half a mile from the resort, there is also a nice golf course.

The camping resort features two campgrounds — North Truro Campground and Horton’s Camping Area. They both have roomy sites under shady pine trees and sparkling clean facilities. You can also camp without hassle in one of their RV and tent rentals if you are just passing around and get drawn by the Cape.

No need to wonder. After all, it offers the best of both worlds — the beauty of the outdoors, rich history, and plenty of cultural opportunities of the city.

Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday

Phone: 508-947-6435
Address: 438 Plymouth St, Middleborough, MA 02346

Activities:

  • Pool
  • Mini-golf
  • Sightseeing

This New England campground is located in Middleborough, a history-rich area of Southeastern Massachusetts. It makes a great base camp as you explore the surroundings and some of the oldest cities in the United States.

Visit the Plimoth Plantation and glimpse the 17th-century colonial lifestyle, or set off for a day trip to Plymouth, Boston, or Cape Cod. Local seafood restaurants and quaint shops, as well as close-by golf courses, shouldn’t be missed either.

Enjoy the countryside setting from your tent, RV, or one of the camping cabins or deluxe cabins. There are also plenty of on-site recreational opportunities, including a heated swimming pool, mini-golf, jumping pillow, dog park, and a pavilion for family gatherings.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation

Phone: (508) 636-8816
Address: 5 John Reed Rd, Westport, MA 02790

Activities:

  • Bird watching
  • Sailing
  • Swimming
  • Biking

This lively park in a convenient location offers a chance to go camping right on the beach. Residents and visitors alike can come to this part of Cape Cod for a stay next to the shore.

During the day, wade into the clean waters a short walk from the site and enjoy the refreshing cold Atlantic coast waters and gentle waves. Make sure to bring your binoculars along with your tent. This is also a popular site for bird watching. Flocks gather here in large numbers. They’re easily visible from many points after you’ve pitched your tent.

The site is an easy one for campers. You’ll find showers to shake the sand off your feet, well-kept toilets, and even a fire pit for family s’mores time at night. The little ones can play with friends in between dips on the water with a modern playground.

Nickerson State Park, Brewster

Phone: (508) 896-3491
Address: 3488 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631

Activities:

  • Biking
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Swimming
  • Hiking

Convenient Nickerson State Park is an excellent place to make your home base in Cape Cod. It’s an ideal place to hit in between exploring many nearby Cape Cod beaches.

The inland park has eight amazing freshwater ponds with sandy shores that are surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery. The ponds are a gem.

You can go fishing, bring your own kayak, or just swim on a hot day. One of the best parts about a stay here is there are over four hundred campsites to pick from. That makes it easy to find the one you like best. You’ll find group campsites ideal for a larger party.

If you want something smaller, book a yurt. These canvas-backed structures allow four to six people to relax in sheltered comfort with bunk beds. This site has hot showers as well as flush toilets.

Boston Harbor Islands

Phone: 617-223-8666
Address: 15 State Street, Suite 1100 Boston, MA 02109

Activities:

  • Bird watching
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Star gazing

If you’re a resident of Boston or in the area and want to see the region’s shoreline up close, the Boston Harbor Islands campground is for you.

These islands are located just offshore from the city. That makes them the perfect day trip. If you want to stay longer, you’re in luck. Camping is permitted on four islands: Peddocks, Lovells, Grap, and Bumpkin.

Thirty other islands await your discovery. Bring your kayak and hit the waters with family and friends. Cool off in the waters along the shores when you’re done. This is also an ideal place to go hiking. You’ll be rewarded at the end with stunning views. There are several types of camping sites available.

Choose from individual camping sites where you can pitch a tent, group tent sites for much larger numbers, or well-kept yurts just right for your entire family.

Northampton / Springfield KOA

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Phone: 413-527-9862
Address: 139 South Road Westhampton, MA 01027

Activities:

  • Basketball
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

Located a short distance away from the bustling college town of Northampton, this KOA site makes a great home base. People can park their own RVs, put down a tent or find a cabin for rent.

The site offers lots of things to do including two large swimming pools. This is a good place for dog lovers. The off-leash dog park means your favorite pet can exercise in a safe location.

When you’re done relaxing, this camping site also makes an ideal place from which to explore the entire Pioneer Valley and the nearby Connecticut River. This is a good choice if you’re thinking about attending college here or have a teenager ready to see which college might suit them. Charming Northampton is one of several places with a lively cafe scene, movie theaters, and easy paths just right for a long walk.

Checklist for RV camping
Check some camping essentials!

Winter Island Marine Park

Image by Marinas.com

Phone: (978)745-1875
Address: 50 Winter Island Road, Salem, MA 01970

Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Historical trails
  • Swimming

A narrow causeway connects this pretty island to mainland Massachusetts. The park is a short distance from historic Salem. This small camping site is perfect for those who love both history and the natural world. You can take your own RV onsite or make arrangements to rent a well-equipped tent site. The site has bathrooms and showers as well as small shops to buy those little necessities.

For those who want to get away, this one is well worth the trip. The secluded island is centrally located but it’s also a bit off the beaten path. Visitors can walk around the green island and admire views from onshore. In between, it makes a great place from which to discover historic Salem in person. The city is a short distance away. Boston is also an easy day trip, making this a good choice for those who want to save money.

Salisbury Beach State Park

Phone: (978) 462-4481
Address: State Reservation Road , Salisbury, MA 01952

Activities:

  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Swimming

Head north from Boston and discover this wonderful 521-acre park. Nearly four miles of beaches make this one a must for the beach and nature lover. Over four hundred campsites make it very easy to pick out one that’s just right for your plans.

The site offers clean bathrooms, fireplaces, and hot shower. There’s also a well-kept boardwalk and a nice playground for small children. If you are planning to bring your own boat, you’ll find a ramp making it easy to get into the water directly.

This site is a good one for those who love the open Atlantic coast. It’s a wild area where people can walk along the dunes and watch the tides flow in and out. Head offshore and discover rich fishing areas that make it easy to catch your own dinner. This is a good space for those who like the shore and want to get to know it better any time of the year.

FAQs about camping in Massachusetts

What’s the biggest state park in Massachusetts?

October Mountain State Forest is the biggest state park in Massachusetts. It features an incredible 16,500 acres of land, numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as boating, fishing, and hunting opportunities.

How much is RV camping in Massachusetts?

Rates for RV camping in Massachusetts highly vary depending on the season, location, and facilities of the campground. Generally speaking, you can expect rates between USD$ 20-60 per night.

Where can you camp for free in Massachusetts?

If you want to find free camping spots in Massachusetts, consider the Cape Cod National Seashore or the Berkshire Hills. Also, some state forests offer dispersal camping. Note that the latter is for free in winter only

When does the camping season start in Massachusetts?

The camping season in Massachusetts starts in mid-April and lasts through mid-October. However, if you wish to avoid crowds, we recommend you come right at the beginning or by the end of the camping season.

Why camping in Massachusetts

Historic Massachusetts is one of those places that brings people back again and again. From Cape Cod to the mountains and college towns, this is a place to live and a place with a great deal for the visitor. Under these circumstances, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to visit this part of the United States. Cities like Boston and Salem offer a chance to get to know the country’s roots. Outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, and boating are another way to discover the land here in person.

If you’re heading to this part of the country, the campsites shown here have all you need for a good time. Head to the state’s lovely interior and see towns like Northampton with plenty of cultural offerings along the way.

The state’s many public forests and marvelous Connecticut River makes for wonderful boating while the Berkshires are an ideal chance to go hiking. If you’re hitting the seashores or Boston, the sites listed make a convenient and pleasant home base.

Things to bring for camping

Camping in Massachusetts is an exciting outdoor experience. And even though most campgrounds are developed, one should not set off unprepared.

If you don’t have an RV and the campground doesn’t offer rentals or cabins, it’s important that you bring a quality tent. Sleeping bags and pads are also a must. If you’re planning on cooking, you will need cookware, fire-starting materials, as well as firewood. However, most campgrounds offer those. You will also need a flashlight, multitool, bug spray, and sunscreen, especially in the summer months.

We also recommend you check the weather before you go and bring appropriate clothes. Ready? Massachusetts can’t wait, so let’s go!

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