The best camping near Walden Pond State Reservation

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Walden Pond State Reservation adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Walden Pond State Reservation.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Walden Pond State Reservation

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Walden Pond State Reservation

100%
(131)

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH
February Update: WE'VE GOT A RESIDENT OTTER!!! So cool. After a fresh fall of snow you can see their tracks across the ice going from one open patch of water to the next, with occasional belly slides. (check out photo annotated with blue slide arrows) Roads to the sites are passable to a four wheel drive vehicle. If we get another thaw and then hard freeze, you'll get in or out with any vehicle, so check ahead with your host. Getting in is always the easier part, but confirm your vehicle won't have difficulty getting back up the slight rise to exit the sites. (back to our regularly scheduled campsite description...) Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp near the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine, shag bark hickory and blue birch while listening to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the privacy fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we have a better chance of keeping our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the farthest most downstream end of the property and from mid-May to mid-October it is totally private. From your site you only see trees and the river. If you don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit, but it's easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in kayaks or on paddleboards. In dry season, both sites are a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since rapids up stream become unpassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, check ahead to ensure Bob has cleared the access roads. If southern NH gets clobbered with snow, check about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. Bob's been known to mound up snow with the tractor. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall if you need something to do during inclement weather.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
99%
(68)

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH
Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$160
 / night
96%
(217)

Cozy Wooded Nook

8 sites · Lodging, 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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
100%
(107)

Bakers Island Light Campsite

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Beverly, MA
Bakers Island Light Station is located on Bakers Island in Salem Sound, a 60-acre island with a large summer colony. The lighthouse stands at 59 feet tall and continues to guide ships in and out of Salem Harbor with an alternating 20-second white-red light. The 10-acre light station, which includes six historic structures such as two keepers houses, an oil house, and a lantern room (now operating as a gift shop), is located in the northwest quadrant of the island and was formally owned and operated by the US Coast Guard. The rest of the island is in private ownership including the Bakers Island Wharf. The deed to historic Bakers Island Light Station was transferred on August 27, 2014, from the United States government to the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage). Learn more about this land: Rated #1 Hipcamp site in Massachusetts by Outdoor Magazine in 2020! Enjoy the sights and sounds of off-the-grid coastal living at the Bakers Island Light Station Campsite. Set up your tent on a raised platform and take in the beauty of Salem Sound. Meet the summer lighthouse keepers, stroll through island trails, and unwind...just three miles off the coast of Salem! Getting to camp: PLEASE READ - the only way to get to Bakers Island Light Campsite is by boat. You have three options: 1) Use your own kayaks and paddle out to our beach (this is recommended for advanced kayakers only). 2) Take our landing craft, Naumkeag, out to the island for $70 per person. (Boat departs from Blaney Street dock on Friday at noon and picks you up from the Island on Sunday at noon). FREE overnight parking is available there. 3) Take your own boat, and rent a mooring for $59 a night (you will need your own dinghy to get ashore). Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that operates and maintains the 10-acre light station at Bakers Island, with the mission of public access and preservation.  IMPORTANT: The $60 per night fee covers 4 people per site. The absolute capacity for each site is 4 people, and you must provide us the name of each guest prior to arrival. TRANSPORTATION: Bakers Island Light Station is a remote island located in Salem Sound. There are a few ways to get there, including taking the Essex Heritage landing craft (additional fee per person) from Salem, renting a mooring at the light station for your own boat, or kayaking. ALL CAMPERS MUST ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION AFTER BOOKING. DETAILS WILL BE SENT FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING.
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
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?!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$61.75
 / night
100%
(43)

Peaceful Convenience

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Bolton, MA
Come experience New England, embrace the silence, enjoy this 2.5 Acres property Abutting over 100 acres of protected wetlands with access to a private Home; bathroom, screened in porch, use of kitchen for coffee etc. all to enjoy. A babbling brook, hammock trees, peaceful, and serene. The surrounding area is a right to farm community with local beautiful farms within five minutes in every direction property is on a known bike route (2 bikes available for use) The town host a wonderful winery local coffee shop and hiking trails (map book on site) multiple area conservation lands. Bolton is known for its apple farms in the fall for picking and spring time blossoms. August through September harvest (my favorite) plenty of pick your own everything! We have great historic towns surrounding us like concord, Harvard and Hudson voted best small town in America, so much history, dinning etc. cross country skiing. Convenient location to Boston. If looking for an stress free escape the home also offers 2 guest rooms available for rent within a meditative shared space. Fire pit outdoors, fireplace in doors.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$92
 / night
100%
(1)

Grey Wulf Excursions

3 sites · Lodging5 acres · Scituate, RI
Gather your loved ones, and get ready for an adventure you'll never forget. The Grey Wulf Guarida fun and the great outdoors is waiting for you! GREY WULF EXCURSIONS: GUARIDA DEL MASTIN ESPANOL LLC From cozying up under the stars through the skylight to gathering around the campfire for s'mores, you'll find plenty of opportunities for hope, laughter, and family fun. 5+ acres to enjoy when staying on my property. Trailer, outdoor toilet and sink, shower use only inside house for the moment and not handicapped accessible. I will have and outdoor shower setup soon. Full grill setup available when reserved at my property or a location. Eggs, snacks, and/or cooked breakfast available if wanted with rental at property! Also washer and dryer use upon request, use of pool, outdoor movies, wifi and use of house bathroom instead of outdoor setup if wanted with property use. Projector and screen inside of trailer. Some animal crates and fenced areas may be open to use upon request also. Guided hikes, scenic drives especially within RI and CT, and simple town runs if wanting a driver can be setup prior to stay or requested any time during stay! Meet and greet with my Spanish Mastiffs and animals are welcome. Tent setup etc, instead of trailer/camper are also welcome at camp spots on my property. Grey Wulf Excursions presents endless adventures to nature and outdoor fun ! Animals are welcome inside the trailer but please discuss type, breed, number, etc with me.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night

The best camping near Walden Pond State Reservation guide

Overview

About

Camping near Walden Pond State Reservation offers a unique blend of natural beauty and literary history. This iconic location, immortalized by Henry David Thoreau's "Walden," beckons campers to immerse themselves in the same serene environment that once inspired Thoreau and fellow Transcendentalist, Ralph Waldo Emerson. The pond and its encompassing Walden Woods have long been a favored destination for nature walks and introspective journeys. As campers explore the area, they tread the same paths where Thoreau and Emerson once found solace and inspiration. The writings of Thoreau not only celebrated the bond between man and nature but also sparked a profound respect for the environment, laying the groundwork for the conservation movement. A Walden Pond State Reservation camping experience is not just about reconnecting with nature, but also about delving into the rich tapestry of history that the area holds. Thoreau's accounts of life by the pond's shores are replete with tales of his interactions with nature, as well as his musings on the lives of previous inhabitants, from American Indians and freed slaves to Irish railroad workers. Today, as the heart of the Walden Pond State Reservation and a designated National Historic Landmark, Walden Pond stands as a testament to the enduring allure of nature and the profound impact it can have on the human spirit. For campers seeking a blend of tranquility, inspiration, and a touch of literary magic, there's no place quite like Walden Pond.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Walden Pond State Reservation is during the spring and fall when the New England foliage is in full display. Summer offers warm swimming conditions, but the park can reach capacity quickly. Winter visits are serene but come prepared for cold weather.

Know before you go

  • Check the parking lot status by calling (978) 369-3254 before arrival, as it closes when full.
  • Remember, no cash is accepted for parking; purchase passes online in advance.
  • Accessible facilities, including restrooms and the visitors center, ensure an inclusive experience.
  • Beach wheelchairs and a universally-designed trail cater to visitors with mobility challenges.
  • Adhere to park restrictions: no pets, fires, camping, or alcohol for a safe visit.

Top points of interest near Walden Pond State Reservation

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2025 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.