Camping in Massachusetts

The Bay State is bigger than Boston, with peaceful beaches, historic parks, and state forests.

96% (2715 reviews)
96% (2715 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in Massachusetts

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Salamander Hollow Healing Habitat

5 sites · Lodging17 acres · Warwick, MA
Best HipCamp Massachusetts 2023 Best HipCamp USA Finalist 2023 Best HipCamp Massachusetts Finalist 2022 THERE IS WIFI, PRIVATE HOT SHOWER and FLUSH TOILET. EXCEPT FOR THE RECENTLY ADDED TULLY 'THOREAU' ISLAND. Salamander Hollow is a private, evolving honeybee and human being sanctuary on 17 acres of land abutting Massachusetts State Forest. We currently have a one-room, wood stove warmed, cozy sleeping loft for one or two - with two benches below on either side of room - for two sleeping bags; plus, a separate 22 foot Sioux tipi with two cots. There are two chairs in the tipi, which if removed at night, make floor room for four other sleeping bags. 'Forest Bathing' for miles! If you're a larger group booking Salamander Hollow main camp with its Sleeping Library, Tipi & Slovenian Beehive House, you might consider renting this additional Tiny Cabin want to entertain all in glamping style, utilizing its amenities; as well, providing another bathroom/shower and guest bedroom for those who prefer being indoors while in the great outdoors. Note that Kula Bata Tiny Cabin abuts the wheelchair accessible larger bathroom/shower which is available to those at the Salamander Hollow main camp, yet you are secluded with your own private entry points and private bathroom. A ten minute drive takes you to the parking area to hike up Tully Mountain. There is a grill, wood fired pizza oven, two fire pits and a hygienic Incinolet electric toilet on the property for night convenience, with small camp sinks for washing & teeth brushing. Take a short hike off the property to organic Chase Hill Farm for milk, eggs, seasonal veggies, grass fed meat and other goodies. Say hello to their cows, chickens, pigs, goats, pups and kids. Nestled across the road from Salamander Hollow is Timber Haven Farm, where you can schedule your pickup of bacon and eggs, while loading up on delicious Owl Energy Bars for your adventurous excursions. For those interested in the glamping side of camping, you will enjoy a remote rustic experience with a few creature comforts to keep you well read, clean and fed. Please bring your own bedding - pillows, sleeping bags, comforter, teddy bears.There is a wall mounted blue tooth car radio/CD player in Sleeping Library, so bring your pre-digital favorites. Classical CDs to listen to. Lots of eclectic books to peruse.Walkie talkies, a set of 4, are available upon request. Chess & poker sets, too. Electric 2-burner stovetop and griddle upon request. Bring fire-starters/newspaper for tinder. We suggest if you are staying more than a night or two in winter, you bring supplemental wood or we can direct you to a nearby stand. Next season, our own cut and split wood will be seasoned and available on site. We ask that you carry out trash and recyclables. An established Western facing four point sacred Medicine Wheel site being established on Askari Ridge - our name for the slope starting with the two fire pits - 'Askari' being Swahili for night guard. Here is where we envision a great touch-point area for those leading groups to be for a base-camp by day or night, where eventually a multi-use tenting platform/performance stage will be constructed for outdoor entertainment, creating an authentic 'stadium style' seating on the hill. You will see on your way up to Salamander Hollow main clearing - the Kula Bata Tiny Kabin on the left of the dirt road- now available to rent with its small guest room for two, infrared sauna, hot shower, kitchenette, dishwasher and laundry.
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$75
 / night
95%
(55)

Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground

100 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Littleton, MA
Escape the bustle without sacrificing convenience at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Nestled in historic Littleton’s pine forests, our campground offers a peaceful retreat steps away from iconic National Historic Parks and Walden Pond. Choose wooded or open sites for your RV or tent, enjoy modern amenities like our heated pool and rec hall, and let the kids and pups run free in the playground and dog runs. Need a break from cooking? Our camp store has you covered, plus local restaurants deliver! Cozy cabins are also available. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of nature and city access – book your stay today! Relax in the heart of history at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Our campground’s tranquil, wooded setting near legendary Walden Pond and National Historic Parks offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Whether you’re in an RV, tent, or one of our cozy cabins, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable adventure: picnic tables, fire rings, full hookups, plus a heated pool, playground, rec hall, and even dog runs for your furry companions. Need a break from camp cooking? Our well-stocked camp store has essentials, and nearby restaurants offer takeout and delivery options for those lazy campground evenings. Explore the rich history of the region, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, or take a quick trip into Boston – the choice is yours! Spacious Skies Minute Man provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban access. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of both worlds! Our prime location and fantastic amenities mean sites fill up quickly. Book your getaway today and create memories that will last a lifetime at Spacious Skies Minute Man.
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$92
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99%
(202)

Rosy Goat Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Gilbertville, MA
Welcome to Rosy Goat Farm!! We are the quintessential family farm/homestead, our farmhouse was built in the 1840’s Bill and I bought this 13-acre property in 2012, It was overgrown with wild roses. We have worked with a limited budget, and used animals to clear the land. The goats love the wild roses. The pigs dig the roses up. Chickens rake it clean. Win win! Very interesting place here- lots to tell you, there’s quite a list of things to do and see around here! Did you know that Gilbertville has a covered bridge? It is one of the last covered bridges still in use in Massachusetts! First- a touch of Hardwick History: Rev. Timothy Ruggles bought this land from the Native Americans for his family to live on, and to work the land. His son, Brigadeer General Timothy Ruggles became unpopular after he introduced the Stamp Act, and was banished to Nova Scotia. His daughter Bathsheba became the last woman executed in the United States for the murder of her husband Joshua Spooner. (There’s a book about it called Murdered by his wife, by Deborah Navas.) Want to know local eateries? For breakfasts and lunch there is The Whistle Stop diner, it was a former Boston & Albany Railroad station. Speaking of railroads, did you know that The Mass Central Rail Trail runs through Gilbertville! Rose 32, is a well known bakery that serves tea, coffee and sandwiches. There’s Hardwick house of Pizza- for tasty pizza and subs, which also serves beer. Feeling fancy? Try Hardwick Crossing Country Club (features a 9 hole golf course), it has a restaurant with a full-service bar, gorgeous scenery! Its a 3 minute drive from here Mimi’s for your morning coffee and lunch, yum! And it overlooks our beautiful Common! Also check out Stone Cow Brewery in Barre -has a kids play area while you wait for your meal! Ware has Mexicali Grill, Theresa’s Restaurant for Italian foods, Bellies Barnyard for traditional American cuisine, and, Pig Park BBQ for comfort food! Farmer Mat in North Brookfield has take out meals- there are picnic tables available, beautiful views. Things to do: You can kayak, and fish, at Swift River in Belchertown. Hardwick is the home of the oldest agricultural fair in the US, held every year in August, and, every Sunday there’s a small farmers market on the common. Hardwick also has a winery- Hardwick Vineyard and Winery, they have all kinds of events, (find them on facebook) and, check out Lost Towns brewery- the name is a throwback to the 4 towns that were submerged to create the Quabbin Reservoir! Medicine River Pow Wow is in August here in Gilbertville, on River Run Rd. The East Quabbin Land Trust has birdwatching and fabulous views, and the Mass Central Rail Trail entrance is located here. Bike it or hike it! Quabbin Reservoir is close by for boating and fishing. There are free concerts in Grenville Park in Ware, (check for dates). Ware also has Janine’s Frostee ice cream and fast foods- and live music on weekend nights! Also check out these on line: Ragged Hill orchard and Rock House Reservation in West Brookfield, and Carter and Stevens farm in Barre. The Leicester, and Mendon movie drive-in’s. Old Sturbridge village is 30 minutes away. Lake Lashaway has a swimming area in East Brookfield, right off of Rte 9. It’s about 20 minutes from here. Lake Siog in Holland has a lovely picnic area and beach for swimming. (30 mins South from here) Is this area great or what?!
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$61.75
 / night
96%
(219)

Cozy Wooded Nook

8 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Carver, MA
A cozy 3 acres near Cranberry Bogs. We have 5 campsites available to choose from. 1 RV (& multi tent) site and 4 onsite trailers. There are additional various locations tucked into nooks for small tent and hammock camping. Short wooded trails for dog walks. Build a fire for enjoyment, or swivel the 30” grill top over, to cook. Campfires permitted. Wood for sale on-site is $5 per bundle — mix of pine, oak, maple, ash, and poplar. The randomly dispersed hammocks are perfect for relaxing, watching sunsets through the tree line or reading a book with the morning birds. Pet friendly. 25-foot tie-out cable available for use anywhere on the property. No dump stations or bathrooms on site. [Luggable Loo Bucket Toilet available for rent for $1] Well water fill up available. Absolutely no use of liquid fire accelerants, please. We will provide endless fire starter logs and cardboard to get you going. 15 AMP ELECTRICITY AVAILABLE FOR AN ADDITIONAL $5/PER NIGHT 5 miles to Plymouth 25 miles to Cape Cod 45 miles to Boston
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$45
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98%
(40)

Ponderings at White Pond

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Concord Ma, MA
Once written about by Henry David Thoreau in Walden. He called it one of the "emerald eyes of the world" . A magical place yet so close to Boston.Learn more about this land:This winter we are offering up our cottage with an additional winterized tent for studio or additional guests.  You need to walk about 100 yards down a gravel path to get to our secluded home. It is heated with two pellet stoves. One in the bedroom wing, the other in the livingroom/kitchen.  Skating, ice fishing, and crosscountry skiing right outside your door when the weather is right. Peace and calm when the weather is harsh. The house is fully stocked with cooking. linens, and a bathroom.  During the summer, glamping in our greenhouse-tent for peace and tranquility.  It is under a canopy of trees with a cool pond breeze prevailing. The bed and linens are first rate for a very comfortable stay. There are shelves, potable water and a desk within. It is heated in the cool temps and fan cooled in the warmer days.  There is a canoe and paddleboard available to borrow. The main house is attached by decks, the bathroom is shared with the main house and there is a kitchen for you to use. The 40 acre pond is 65 feet deep. It is a kettle pond which is spring fed with no river inlets to pollute it.  Access is a little tricky with 100 yard hike from the parking area down a steep slope.  The pond is stocked with bass and trout for great fishing. The birds are amazing.  Henry David Thoreau wrote about White Pond in his book, Walden as the "emerald eyes of the world."  This is a place that magic happens.
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$125
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Hammock Hallows

1 site · Tent2 acres · Belchertown, MA
Your private campsite is on the edge of a mixed-wood forest. Deer roam free and you will surely hear the call of coyotes and owls at night. Centrally located within 10 minutes of downtown Amherst, 15 minutes to downtown Northampton, this campsite is the perfect base camp to access all that this region has to offer. Flea markets and farmers markets on the weekends, malls, museums and numerous restaurants in the area should you decide to venture out for a bite to eat. Holland Glen, a popular hiking spot with waterfalls and swimming holes is a quick 3-minute drive to the trail head. It is an easy 1-mile ride to the start of the Norwotuck Rail Trail a paved bike path through wetlands and rolling farmland. Or simply stay put, unplug, and relax in the hammock or enjoy our one of a kind wood-fired hot tubs! Our guests are welcome to wander around our little homestead have your coffee in the pollinator patch and watch the hummingbirds, butterflies and bees do their thing. Feed the chickens, then nibble your way through our berry patches, fruit trees and gardens and experience what it is like to live simply in New England. Cook a meal over the fire, relax in the hammock and listen to the sounds of nature!
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$43.20
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Massachusetts guide

Overview

New England’s quintessential state, Massachusetts is chock-full of outdoor opportunities. Whether you go camping close to Boston or explore RV campgrounds in the state's west, you can't go wrong at a Massachusetts campground. Try an RV resort to experience the best of Cape Cod, or if you prefer freshwater to saltwater, rent a tent campsite at a state park to unwind. History buffs will want to spend some time south of Boston to hike around Plymouth and other historic towns.

Where to go

Cape Cod

Beaches along Cape Cod come in all sizes and styles, from the romantic to the family-friendly. Family camping thrives in the area. Drive your RV to Scusset Beach State Reservation on the southwest edge of Cape Cod Bay. If glamping is more your speed, head to Falmouth, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket for a getaway along the Atlantic Ocean.

Plymouth

Stop in Wompatuck State Park en route to the Pilgrim Memorial State Park. The latter is a must-stop for United States history enthusiasts, while campsites in Myles Standish State Forest offer everything. Tent and RV campgrounds come with access to hiking trails, as well as opportunities to ride horses, bike, and sail. In the snowy months, you can even snowmobile or cross-country ski.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

North of Boston, Salisbury Beach State Reservation sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Merrimack River. RV parks come with electric and water hookups, while the gorgeous purple sand beaches of Plum Island are just a stone’s throw away.

Inland Massachusetts

The coast gets all the credit, but Massachusetts is more than its beaches. Inland, you’ll find the Quabbin Reservoir, which boasts beautiful views and trails. Head further west, and you’ll encounter Peru State Forest or Granville State Forest, where surrounding campsites are a hiker’s dream.

When to go

When it comes to New England camping, it’s a safe bet to seek out the summer weather. However, popular places like Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are often crowded in the summertime. So if you prefer seclusion to the sun, book your rental in the shoulder-seasons. You may not be able to swim, but there’s never a bad time of the year to gaze at the ocean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Free camping in Massachusetts is limited, but there are a few options available. However, the Green Mountain National Forest is not one of them, as it is located entirely within Vermont. For free camping options in Massachusetts, campers should research other locations and follow Leave No Trace principles while being prepared for primitive camping with no facilities. Always check with the local ranger district for any restrictions or regulations before camping in a specific area.

Yes, camping is allowed in Massachusetts. The state offers a variety of camping options, including state parks, forests, and private campgrounds. Some popular camping destinations in Massachusetts include: 1. Massachusetts State Forests - Camping is available in several state forests, such as Myles Standish State Forest, Mohawk Trail State Forest, and October Mountain State Forest. 2. Massachusetts State Parks - Many state parks offer camping facilities, including Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Scusset Beach State Reservation, and Nickerson State Park. 3. Camping near Boston - For those looking to camp near the city, options include Harold Parker State Forest, Wompatuck State Park, and Boston Harbor Islands. 4. Glamping in Massachusetts - If you prefer a more luxurious camping experience, Massachusetts offers glamping options such as treehouses, yurts, and cabins. Remember to check each location's specific rules and regulations before planning your camping trip, as some sites may require reservations or have seasonal restrictions.

Yes, you can camp in the woods in Massachusetts, but you need to choose designated camping areas within state parks, forests, and other public lands. Some popular wooded campgrounds in Massachusetts include:

Make sure to follow all rules and regulations for camping in these areas, such as obtaining a permit or making a reservation if required. Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is generally not allowed in Massachusetts state forests and parks. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment while camping.

The cost of camping in Massachusetts varies depending on the type of campsite and the amenities offered. Prices for tent and RV sites typically range from $15 to $50 per night, while cabins and other accommodations can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per night. You can explore a variety of camping options in Massachusetts on Hipcamp, including cabins, Boston-area camping, and forest camping.

Winter camping in Massachusetts can be a unique and enjoyable experience if you're prepared for cold weather. Some campgrounds and state parks remain open year-round, offering winter camping options. Here are a few places to consider:

  • Mohawk Trail State Forest - This forest offers rustic cabin rentals during the winter months. Be prepared for cold conditions and limited facilities.
  • Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort - This campground, located in Foxboro, offers year-round camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabin rentals.
  • Private campgrounds and RV parks - Some private campgrounds and RV parks in Massachusetts remain open during the winter months. Check with individual locations for availability and amenities.

Remember to check weather forecasts, road conditions, and park alerts before heading out. Always come prepared with proper winter camping gear and clothing to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Plum Island is a barrier island off the coast of Massachusetts, and it is not open for public camping. The island is home to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which is a protected and restricted area. However, the Plum Island Airport is located in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and is not on Plum Island. It operates under specified hours. There are nearby campgrounds and RV parks on the mainland where you can stay and enjoy the surrounding area. For alternative camping options, you can explore Hipcamp.

Top parks in Massachusetts

Top regions in and near Massachusetts

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