Are you someone who enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors? I sure am! One of the best ways, aside from taking an epic hike around the state, is camping. If camping (or even glamping) is something you enjoy, check out some of the best campgrounds in Massachusetts.

Best State Park Campgrounds in Massachusetts

Did you know that there are 48 state parks in Massachusetts in addition to 38 state forests? Encompassing over 450,000 acres, you better believe there are some pretty awesome campsites around the state! Here are some of the best state park campgrounds in Massachusetts:

1.

" target="_blank">Shawme-Crowell State Forest

• Location: Sandwich, MA
• Popularity: This is a popular campground from early summer into the fall.
• Park Info: Shawme-Crowell State Forest is 700 acres of pitch pine and scrub oak and is popular for camping during the warm weather months.
• Price: $17/night for Massachusetts residents. $54/night for non-residents.

For woodland camping, there's no place better than Shawme-Crowell State Forest. The campground here features 285 campsites, each with its own parking. There are five group campsites, six yurts, and over 60 RV sites available. Among the amenities campers can enjoy are grills, a playground, picnic areas, basketball courts, a nature center, restrooms, and showers. And, if you're a hiker, there are trails to explore as well!

2.

" target="_blank">Myles Standish State Forest

• Location: South Carver, MA
• Popularity: Camping is quite popular here between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.
• Park Info: Myles Standish State Forest offers swimming, camping, and numerous activities for families throughout the year. Daily parking fees are $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-residents.
• Price: $17/night for Massachusetts residents. $54/night for non-residents.

At Myles Standish State Forest, you can camp in a tent or bring your trailer or an RV. Most campsites also include a parking spot, and there are accessible campsites and restrooms available. This is a great park for those who enjoy anything outdoors! Between biking boating, fishing, hiking, sailing, and swimming, you can certainly stay busy for the duration of your stay here. However, you may want to relax along the shoreline of one of the park's beautiful ponds.

3. Nickerson State Park

• Location: Brewster, MA
• Popularity: Very popular for camping during the summer months.
• Park Info: Nickerson State Park offers camping, fishing, biking, boating, swimming, and hiking options. There are eight freshwater ponds for fishing and swimming. Daily parking fees are $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-residents between May 14 and October 30.
• Price: $22/night for MA residents and $70/night for non-residents.

If there's one state park that has it all for recreation it's Nickerson State Park. This Cape Cod-based park is one of my favorites to explore. Situated off the Cape Cod Rail Trail, it's an ideal location for those who enjoy biking. The hiking trails are pretty awesome and picturesque as well, and many of them will lead you right to one of the park's many ponds. Nickerson State Park is 1,900 acres and has 8 miles of biking trails and is easily accessible to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Both tent and RV sites are available.

4. Wompatuck State Park

• Location: Hingham, MA
• Popularity: This is a popular camping destination in Massachusetts between early May and Columbus Day weekend. Reserve your campsite in advance.
• Park Info: Wompatuck State Park is 3,526 acres and has 40 miles of hiking trails as well as 12 miles of non-motorized roads.
• Price: $17/night for Massachusetts residents. $54/night for non-residents.

With its forests, streams, and ponds, Wompatuck State Park is an idyllic location to connect with nature. No wonder why it's such a popular spot for camping! There are 250 campsites in the park for tents, RVs, and trailers. Trailer/RV hookups are available.

5. Otter River State Forest

• Location: Baldwinville, MA
• Popularity: While the campground is smaller than other state parks and state forests, it's still quite popular.
• Park Info: Otter River State Forest is a popular spot for both day trippers and campers. Daily parking fees are $8 for MA residents and $30 for non-residents. between May 14 and Labor Day.
• Price: $17/night for Massachusetts residents. $54/night for non-residents.

If you love scenery and fresh air, camping at Otter River State Forest may be just what you need! There are 76 campsites as well as 3 group campsites and 4 yurts. Among the amenities campers can use are grills, a picnic area, and athletic fields. Swimming and hiking are popular activities here but there's also an athletic field so feel free to bring a ball or a frisbee to toss around. Dogs are also allowed here but must remain on a leash.

6. Savoy Mountain State Forest

• Location: Savoy, MA
• Popularity: This is a quiet yet small campground. It's best to reserve a campsite ahead of time during the high season.
• Park Info: Savoy Mountain State Forest offers 50 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking.
• Price: $17/night for Massachusetts residents. $54/night for non-residents. Cabins are also available for $50-$60/night for MA residents and $130-$150/night for non-residents.

You'll love camping beneath a starry sky at Savoy Mountain State Forest. This park offers 45 campsites as well as four log cabins. Due to its small size, this campground can be quite peaceful. It's also in close proximity to a pond as well as the Hoosac Mountain Range.

Best Beach Camping in Massachusetts

There seems to be an endless number of beaches throughout the Bay State. After all, with over 1,500 miles of coastline as well as rivers, lakes, and ponds, there are plenty of beachfront campgrounds in Massachusetts where we can spend some time camping in the sand!

7. Horseneck Beach State Reservation

• Location: Westport, MA
• Popularity: This is one of the state's most popular spots for swimming and camping.
• Park Info: Horseneck Beach State Reservation is located along Buzzard's Bay and offers a 2-mile stretch of beach. A daily parking fee of $14 for MA residents and $40 for non-residents is charged between May 14 and October 30.
• Price: Camping for Massachusetts residents is $24 per night / standard non electric sites and $30 per night / electric hookups. $70/night for non-residents.

Looking for a campground with a view? Then book your campsite at Horseneck Beach State Reservation! Grab your tent or your RV and get ready for a restful sleep listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Camping here is available between the first week of May and Columbus Day.

8. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

• Location: Salisbury, MA
• Popularity: This is a very popular campground and campsite reservations are strongly encouraged well in advance.
• Park Info: Salisbury Beach State Reservation is situated at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Merrimack River and is a popular spot for swimming, camping, and boating. A daily parking fee of $14 for MA residents and $40 for non-residents is charged between May 14 and October 30.
• Price: $22/night for MA residents and $70/night for non-residents.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation has 484 campsites including tent and RV sites. This beach area and campground are very popular during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy the boardwalk, a boat ramp, a picnic area, and plenty of outdoor fun! This is the place where summer childhood memories are made so make plans for a family vacation here if you've never been before.

9. Sandy Neck Camp Sites

• Location: Barnstable, MA
• Popularity: Due to the remoteness of this campground, it's relatively quiet.
• Park Info: Sandy Neck Camp Sites
• Price: $11-$30/night.

Located at Sandy Neck Beach Park in Barnstable, Sandy Neck Camp Sites, you'll have beachfront camping just so long as you have a self-contained ORV to get to the primitive tenting area located over 3.3 miles from the parking lot. There's also a lean-to campground just over 2 miles from the parking lot. A permit must be purchased for either camping option. Your vehicle must have a septic and gray water tank in order to camp here. If you do, spending the night on this gorgeous stretch of beach is absolutely incredible!

10. Race Point Beach

• Location: Provincetown, MA
• Popularity: Camping at Race Point is only available between July 1 and Labor Day and there are only 100 campsites available each night for self-contained vehicles only.
• Park Info: Race Point Beach is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore and is located at the tip of the Cape. A parking fee of $25 per vehicle per day is charged. If you arrive by bike or on foot, there is a charge of $15 per day. A seasonal Cape Cape Cod National Seashore Pass can be purchased for $60 or you may use a National Parks Pass.
• Price: $75 permit for 7 nights of camping.

Race Point Beach may be remote but it's as relaxing as can be. However, there are several restrictions for those who wish to camp here. First, both tent and trailer camping are prohibited. Instead, you must have a self-contained vehicle (SCV), meaning it must have its own water or chemical toilet. Second, you must obtain a permit before heading out to a site within the off-road vehicle corridor of the Cape Cod National Seashore. All campsites are first-come, first-served.

11. Scusset Beach State Reservation

• Location: Sandwich, MA
• Popularity: The campground here is popular for RV camping.
• Park Info: Scusset Beach State Reservation borders Cape Cod Bay and offers 1.5 miles of sand. The Cape Cod Canal is within walking distance. There's a daily parking charge of $14 for MA residents and $40 for non-residents.
• Price: $22/night for MA residents and $70/night for non-residents.

Scusset Beach State Reservation offers 98 RV sites complete with hookups. As for tent sites, there are only five. Not only is the beach beautiful and relaxing but the location can't be beat -- you'll be close to Plymouth and Cape Cod if you want to get out and explore.

Top Glamping in Massachusetts

If you're someone who enjoys the comforts of home but also loves the great outdoors, glamping is a great option. That way, you can leave the outdoors outside of where you're sleeping! Here are the top glamping spots in Massachusetts:

12. Pinewood Lodge Campground

• Location: Plymouth, MA
• Popularity: Located in the popular vacation town of Plymouth, this campground is most popular during the summer months.
• Park Info: Pinewood Lodge Campground encompasses 200 acres of pinewood forest and has been family-owned and operated since 1952.
• Price: Nightly prices range between $55-$75 for campers and $94-$275 for yurts, cabins, or tiny homes. Discounts for weekly stays available.

Pinewood Lodge Campground offers a wide range of camping options. You can bring an RV or rent a yurt, a tiny home, a basic cabin, a deluxe cabin, or a lake view cabin. As this is a glampground, there's a wonderful array of amenities to be enjoyed including a game room, a snack shack, ice cream, playgrounds, outdoor games like horseshoes and bocce, dog-walking areas, and boat rentals for Pinewood Lake. You won't have any reason to leave once you check in!

13. Normandy Farms Campground

• Location: Foxborough, MA
• Popularity: With its amenities, this is a popular glamping destination in close proximity to Boston.
• Park Info: Normandy Farms Campground has been around since 1971 and is a desirable glamping destination.
• Price: Cabin and yurt rentals are $350 per night during the summer and $200-$350/night in the spring and fall. The Cozy Cabins are $2,275/week in the summer and $175-$325/night during the spring and fall. Safari tents are $150-$300/night. Pop-up rentals are $125-$275/night.

The incredible Normandy Farms Campground is the ultimate glamping destination in Massachusetts. Not only are there yurt, cabin, and safari tent rentals but more amenities than you could ever dream of! Among the amenities are a bike park, a business center, a dog park, a fitness center, playgrounds, a wellness center, swimming pools, a store, a snack bar, and so much more! You'll want for nothing here.

14. Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

• Location: Oakham, MA
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem camping destination that's both quiet and relaxing.
• Park Info: Pine Acres Family Camping Resort had its beginnings in the 1960s and is family-owned and operated.
• Price: $22-$26 for tents, $44-$48 for RVs, and $550-$1,430 for cabins.

While tent sites are available, there are additional options at Pine Acres Family Camping Resort for those of us who prefer glamping. Cabin types range from rustic to premium waterfront cabins. Rustic cabins offer slightly more than camping in a tent does (like electricity and outdoor water hook-ups). Full-service cabins have their own bathrooms and kitchenettes while premium cabins offer even more comfort with a separate bedroom, some with and some without a loft, along with a stove, a full-sized fridge, and more. And then there are the premium waterfront cabins which are by the shores of Lake Dean. Which cabin would you choose?

This campground certainly doesn't skimp on the amenities either. There's an arcade, a country store with a cafe, a bait shop, a pool, a jump pad, mini golf, gem mining, ball fields, pickle ball, and a playground, among other amenities.

15. AutoCamp Cape Cod

• Location: Falmouth, MA
• Popularity: abc
• Park Info: AutoCamp Cape Cod is a short distance away from Woods Hole and provides an array of accommodations like luxury tents and Airstreams.
• Price: Depending on your accommodation choice and the time of year, prices range from $134-$404/night.

For those who love glamping and funky, retro vibes, a stay at AutoCamp Cape Cod is a must! This mid-century modern-style campground will be the most memorable camping experience you could have here in the Bay State. Have you ever dreamed of spending the night in an Airstream? Well, you can here at AutoCamp! While Airstreams are a nostalgic throwback, the ones at this glampground are super comfy. However, you may wish to try a luxury tent instead. These safari-style tents are well-appointed and you will still feel at one with nature. Premium cabins are another option, and each one has its own bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Speaking of kitchens, the on-site restaurant is called "The Kitchen" and is open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m.

16. Bonnie Brae Campground

• Location: Pittsfield, MA
• Popularity: This is a quiet campground open between May 1 and October 15.
• Park Info: Bonnie Brae Campground is close to all the best of what the Berkshires has to offer yet feels worlds away.
• Price: A standard cabin averages $95/night while a deluxe cabin averages $115/night.

Bonnie Brae Campground does have tent and RV sites but if you want something a bit more luxurious, consider renting one of the cabins. A standard cabin has a queen-sized bed, a fridge, a microwave, and a Smart TV. Outside, you'll find a covered porch along with a fire pit and a picnic table. A deluxe cabin offers a king bed, a queen futon, a Keurig coffee maker, and A/C.

Best RV Camping Sites in Massachusetts

RVs are a great way to camp. After all, RVs are mobile and you can go anywhere you want! Don't have an RV? Don't worry! You can rent one on RVShare.com. Let's find the best place to camp in Massachusetts with an RV for you.

17. Pine Lake RV Resort & Cottages

• Location: Sturbridge, MA
• Popularity: This place gets pretty packed, especially during the summer and on holiday weekends.
• Park Info: Pine Lake RV Resort & Cottages (formerly Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park) is a family-friendly campground located on an 8-acre lake.
• Price: RV sites range between $65 to $115/night from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the shoulder season from April 1 to Memorial Day and Labor Day to November 1, the price range for RV sites is $51-$90/night.

There's always something to do here at Pine Lake RV Resort & Cottages! With an array of activities along with a pool, a spa, fishing, boating, a fitness center, and billiards, this is such a fun family-friendly place to be! There are 230 RV sites that are offered weekly, monthly, and seasonally. In addition, cottages are available to rent as well.

18. Beach Rose RV Park

• Location: Salisbury, MA
• Popularity: This is a popular RV park close to the beach in Salisbury and, depending on the time of year, it can fill up fast.
• Park Info: Beach Rose RV Park is family-owned and operated and within walking distance of the beach.
• Price: $55-$80/night depending on the time of year and holiday weekends.

Walking distance to the beach in Salisbury, Beach Rose RV Park has 50 RV sites available and its season runs between April 1 and November 15. There are 50/30/20 amp electric, sewer, water, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Dogs are allowed at this RV park, too! On-site is a rec room as well as a pool. Escape from Boston for a weekend and head to this lovely RV park by the beach!

19. Spacious Skies Minute Man

• Location: Littleton, MA
• Popularity: This is a quiet campground situated between two national parks less than an hour away from Boston.
• Park Info: Spacious Skies Minute Man is located close to two national parks as well as Walden Pond.
• Price: RV sites start at $70/night.

While there are tent sites and cabin, yurt, and safari tent rentals available, Spacious Skies Minute Man is also a fantastic RV park with spacious 30-amp and 50-amp sites. You can choose a site in the woods if you prefer, or not. Each site comes with its own fire ring and picnic table and there are plenty of amenities to use including a heated pool, a rec hall, a playground, and dog runs. You'll enjoy the serenity of connecting with nature here.

20. Boston/Cape Cod KOA Holiday

• Location: Middleborough, MA
• Popularity: With its amenities and close proximity to Boston, KOA is a popular campground.
• Park Info: As part of the KOA family of campgrounds, you can expect a lot from Boston/Cape Cod KOA Holiday in terms of amenities and fun.
• Price: RV sites average $70-115/night.

Boston/Cape Cod KOA Holiday is where family fun never seems to end. There are so many amenities here that you may never want to leave! There's a jumping pillow, a pool, a playground, a store, horseshoes, volleyball, a train, a pool, and so much more. KOA understands that dogs are a part of the family, so feel free to bring your four-legged best friend along as well. As for RV sites, there are both pull-thru and back-in sites, and an RV up to 80 feet in length can be accommodated. Cabins and tent sites are also available to rent.

21. Atlantic Oaks RV Resort

• Location: Eastham, MA
• Popularity: During the summer months, this RV park usually has no vacancy. Low season is May 1 - June 1 and Oct. 1 - Nov. 1. High season is June 1-29 and Sept. 7 - Oct. 1. Peak season is June 29 - Sept. 7.
• Park Info: Atlantic Oaks RV Resort is located close to the Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor Center just off Route 6.
• Price: $72-$103/night for a 30-amp site and $78-$110/night for a 50-amp site.

Adjacent to the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Eastham, Atlantic Oaks RV Resort offers large pull-thru sites surrounded by trees. It's a gorgeous campground close to some of the best beaches on the Cape. When I'm here in the summer, I pass by Atlantic Oaks on my bike rides and have even ridden through it. (If you enjoy biking, definitely bring a bicycle with you!) This is a clean RV resort and offers full hookups along with Wi-Fi, private showers, laundry, a dog park, and a camp store.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Massachusetts

If you don't know what primitive camping is, it's pretty much the exact opposite of glamping. With glamping comes comfort and amenities. With primitive camping, you're in a remote area with no amenities. If that sounds like an adventure you'd like to embark on, here are some of the best primitive tent campsites in Massachusetts:

22. Boston Harbor Islands - Peddocks Island

• Location: Boston, MA
• Popularity: Peddocks Island offers several campsites. Due to the fact that it's boat access only to this and other islands in the Boston Harbor, the campground is quiet.
• Park Info: Peddocks Island is one of the largest of the Boston Harbor Islands and is home to several historic buildings including Fort Andrews.
• Price: $8/night for MA residents and $20/night for non-residents.

Peddocks Island is one of several islands of the Boston Harbor Islands which is both a national and state park. Accessible only by boat, there is a sense of calm on this island. Explore on a hike and settle into one of the primitive campsites for the night. It's truly a remarkable experience!

23. D.A.R. State Forest

• Location: Goshen, MA
• Popularity: This is a quiet and peaceful park so it should be no problem finding a campsite any time of the year.
• Park Info: This Massachusetts state park is over 1,000 acres with wetlands, two lakes, hiking trails, and more.
• Price: $17/night for MA residents and $54/night for non-residents for tent and RV campsites.

D.A.R. State Forest offers 51 campsites spread out far enough from each other that you'll be able to relax without being disturbed. The views throughout this park are absolutely awe-inspiring and you can spend time kayaking, canoeing, or swimming in one of the lakes.

So, what is your favorite type of camping in Massachusetts -- tent camping, RV camping, glamping, or primitive camping? Have you ever stayed at one of the best campgrounds in Massachusetts we featured here? Let us know!

Need a new tent for your camping experiences? Check out the ones at REI!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/campgrounds-hate-camping-ma/