Summer Camping Sites in Massachusetts!

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Earlier this month, we asked our fans on Facebook for a few suggestions on topics that they would like to see us cover next, and the response was fantastic!
A topic that stood out to us was family-friendly camping spots across Massachusetts, and seasonally speaking, with July among us and August just around the corner, what better time to dive into a roundup of camping spots than now?
One of the most fun ways to experience nature, and quite possibly the easiest way to escape from every day life, a Massachusetts camping experience can be enjoyed under the stars along a mountain, state park or even a beach.
So, without further ado, here are some top local camping spots to explore this summer!
Pittsfield State Forest (Pittsfield, MA)
The Berkshires are famed for their beauty and Pittsfield State Forest’s 65 acres make it one of the most attractive places for camping in western Massachusetts. Streams, waterfalls and flowering shrubs abound in the forest, which houses two campgrounds and a swimming beach. Pittsfield State Forest is also home to Berry Pond, a fisherman favorite that sits more than 2,000 feet above sea level.  To check availability and book sites, click here.

Photo: Berry Pond

DAR State Forest (Williamsburg, MA)
All the way back in 1929, the Daughters of the American Revolution donated 1,020 acres to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Eighty-four years and more than 750 additional acres later, DAR State Forest offers 51 wooded campsites, along with easy access to lakes, beaches and picnic areas. Adventurers can scale the nearby Goshen Fire Tower for a view that looks out on the Connecticut River Valley and five states. To make a reservation, click here.
Pine Acres Family Camping Resort (Oakham, MA)
Routinely rated as one of the country’s top camping facilities, Pine Acres runs the gamut from rustic cabins to plush, full-service accommodations. Cable, TV, free Wi-Fi, pool and mini-golf are just the beginning to what awaits visitors in Oakham. For the kids, there’s also a splash pad, while adults can relax and recharge at the spa. For rates and reservations, click here and here.
Salisbury Beach State Park (Salisbury, MA)
Salisbury Beach State Park provides a unique, social camping experience. With more than 480 campsites, you’ll get the chance to kick back and relax in an environment that’s equal parts campground and small town. Each site comes with a picnic table and grill, so if you’re looking to spend some time on the beach while meeting some new friends this summer, mark your calendar for a trip to Salisbury Beach State Park.
Photo: Salisbury Beach
Pearl Hill State Park (Townsend, MA)
For a more arboreal North of Boston experience, head for the Merrimack Valley. There you’ll find Pearl Hill State Park, which offers a much more quiet, secluded campground. A canopy of stately pines populate the area, which offers fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horse trails and a handful of other outdoor pursuits. To view available dates or book a site, click here.
Wompatuck State Park (Hingham, MA)
Twelve miles of paved bicycle trails, 262 wooded campsites and countless walking paths await at Wompatuck State Park, which has long been popular with RV owners. The nearby Cohasset Reservoir provides a great fishing hole and Wompatuck also houses Mt. Blue Spring, a favorite source for fresh drinking water. For a look at the park’s layout, click here.
Nickerson State Park (Brewster, MA)
There are a number of good spots to pitch a tent along the Cape but Nickerson State Park is a special one. The sand dunes and salt marshes usually associated with Cape Cod are replaced by piney woods and freshwater “kettle” ponds, which were formed by glaciers centuries ago. Nearby access to the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History and Cape Cod Rail Trail make a stay at Nickerson even more convenient. To take a look at Nickerson State Park, click here.

Photo: Cape Cod Museum of Natural History

Blue Hills Reservation (Milton, MA)
Think you can’t find camping near the city? Think again! Just half an hour from the heart of Boston, Blue Hills Reservations spans more than 7,000 acres, offering scenic views and archeological history.  A variety of flora and fauna also inhabit the reservation, including several rare and endangered species in Massachusetts. For information on reservations, click here.
Which of these camping grounds in Massachusetts would be your top pick for a weekend getaway? Let us know in the comments!
For a comprehensive listing of camping sites in Massachusetts, check out our Camping section. Note: it is always encouraged to book your camping experience far in advance of your desired date, as many of these spots fill up quickly! 
Lead photo by Evan Gregg.

TOPICS: Outdoors, Summer, Things to Do