Camping isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s definitely something to be said for starry skies, cool nights by the campfire, and lots of ooey-gooey smores. In this list of some of the best places to camp in Massachusetts, we’ve included a mix of full-featured camping spots (i.e. places with showers and toilets) and rustic sites (i.e. you’re going in the woods). Check out these awesome, beautiful, and best campgrounds in Massachusetts.

1. Horseneck Beach State Reservation, West Point

Phillip Capper/Flickr
Horseneck Beach State Reservation, 5 John Reed Rd, Westport, MA 02790, USA
Christina McCarty/Flickr
With over 100 campsites and lots of amenities like running water, picnic areas, showers, toilets, fire pit areas, and a playground, Horseneck Beach State Reservation is a great place to pitch your tent for some of the best tent camping in Massachusetts. The reservation is also only steps away from Horseneck Beach and a quick drive to Provincetown. To make reservations, call (508)-636-8817 or visit the DCR web page to learn more.

Let's explore the beautiful campground at Horseneck Beach State Reservation in this video from Our Braveheart Adventures:

2. Shawme-Crowell State Forest, Sandwich

Jasperdo/Flickr
Shawme-Crowell State Forest, 42 Main St, Sandwich, MA 02563, USA
Alan Strakey/Flickr
Lots of space (700 acres, to be exact) combined with 15 miles of bike and walking trails makes this forest the perfect place for a woodland escape. This might be one of the best-equipped campgrounds on this list (read: you won't be roughing it quite as much). There are plenty of showers and restrooms to go around. Cyclists will also appreciate the access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. This is one of the best Massachusetts campgrounds. To make a reservation, call (508) 888-0351 or visit the Shawme-Crowell State Forest web page to learn more.

3. Myles Standish State Forest, South Carver

Alvin Kho/Flickr
Myles Standish State Forest, 194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330, USA
Alvin Kho/Flickr
You'll never be bored while camping in this state forest. With plenty of biking and hiking (15 miles of trails), lots of swimming and fishing (16 ponds), plus equestrian trails and many campsites to choose from, Myles Standish is a local favorite and definitely popular with visitors as well. Campsites usually feature flush toilets, showers, fire pit areas, picnic areas, and a dumping station. Visit the DCR webpage to learn more and to reserve your campsite online.

4. Nickerson State Park, Brewster

Nickerson State Park, 3488 Main St, Brewster, MA 02631, USA
Lizard10979/Flickr
This place is covered in tall pines and dotted with charming freshwater ponds. There's plenty of kayaking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, hiking, and biking to be had. One of Nickerson State Park's biggest draws has to be how many amazing campsites there are – you have 403 to choose from! This is one of the best places to camp in Massachusetts. Check out the park's website for seasonal events and wilderness classes, too. Call (508) 896-3491 to make reservations or visit the DCR web page to learn more.

5. Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area, Boston

Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park, 191w Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02109, USA
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr
When you plan a trip to the Boston Harbor Islands National Park area, you get thirty-four islands to explore. That's a serious bang for your buck. Ferry service to the islands is available from Boston Harbor, and there are concession areas on Spectacle and Georges Islands. Spending a day on a few islands is an excellent way to get to know the harbor area. The islands that permit overnight camping are Bumpkin, Grap, Lovells, and Peddocks.

Learn more about the Boston Harbor Islands National Park area and what you can expect when you come to visit:

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6. Wompatuck State Park, Hingham

Matthew Simoneau/Flickr
Wompatuck State Park, 204 Union St, Hingham, MA 02043, USA
Dave/Flickr
Check out Wompatuck State Park and take advantage of its convenient location and beautiful woods. It's just a 35-minute drive from downtown Boston and offers 260 forested campsites, 12 miles of paved paths for hiking and biking, and lots of fishing and boating opportunities. Mt. Blue Spring also is a great place to bottle up some fresh, delicious drinking water. Out-of-state visitors must pay $54 per night, while the fee for Massachusetts residents is only $17. Visit the DCR web page to learn more and to reserve your campsite online.

7. Savoy Mountain State Forest, Florida

Doug Kerr/Flickr
Savoy Mountain State Forest, Savoy, MA 01256, USA
JBehn/TripAdvisor
Located in the scenic woodlands of Florida (pro tip: reserve your campground for the early fall; the foliage is stunning), Savoy Mountain State Forest is the perfect spot to bring the whole family. You can camp in one of 45 apple orchards, or book a few nights in one of the park's rental cabins to experience glamping in Massachusetts. Visitors are also free to go mountain biking or cross-country skiing. Visit the DCR web page to learn more and to reserve your campsite online.

8. Harold Parker State Forest, Andover

Myles Tan/Flickr
Harold Parker State Forest, 133 Jenkins Rd, Andover, MA 01810, USA
Chris Devers/Flickr
Head to this state forest to check out over 3,000 acres of hemlock and white pine woodland. It's just 20 miles north of Boston, which makes it a great place to camp for a night before heading into the city for some urban fun. Featuring 89 campsites in Massachusetts that aren't packed together so closely that you feel like you're on top of your neighbor, the park offers picnic tables and grills at each site. There are no electric or water hookups, however, so you'll definitely be roughing it here. Visit the DCR web page to learn more and to reserve your campsite online.

9. Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Falmouth

NOAA Photo Library/Flickr
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 131 Waquoit Hwy, East Falmouth, MA 02536, USA
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region/Flickr
This protected swathe of coastal land offers 2,700 acres of marshland and beach to explore. Camping is primitive, with few amenities, but the sites (ten total), which sit close to the water, make this one of the most beautiful camping spots in Massachusetts. Visit the DCR web page to learn more and to reserve your campsite online.

10. Otter River State Forest, Baldwinville

Otter River State Forest Entrance, 86 Winchendon Rd, Baldwinville, MA 01436, USA
tracy ducasse/Flickr
Otter River was actually the first campground to be opened in a Massachusetts state park. Most of the park's 85 sites sit under a shady canopy of pine forest, though four are actually yurt sites and three surround Beaman Pond. The pond offers some great swimming, the waters warming up pretty early in the summer season. Reserve your campsite online for the Otter River State Forest Campground.

The best campgrounds in Massachusetts offer so much diversity, from oceanside beach camping to some of the finest national forests in the country. If you enjoy the outdoors and haven’t made the trip to Massachusetts yet, we think you’ll love it. Have you stayed at any of these beautiful camping spots in Massachusetts? Where do you feel are the best places to camp in Massachusetts? Please tell us all about it in the comment section!

If you are looking for more of a glamping experience, check out the Pine Lake RV Resort and Cottages in Sturbridge.

Need a new tent, sleeping bag, or any other camping gear? Take a look at the selection of outdoor equipment from our friends at REI.

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More to Explore

Best Campgrounds In Massachusetts

Melissa M | April 14, 2023

Where can I go glamping in Massachusetts?

Some of the best glamping spots in Massachusets include:

 

Not everyone wants to rough it with a primitive tent out in the woods, but some may not want to stay at a hotel either. Glamping is the best of both worlds, a hybrid of camping and many of the amenities that can be found at a hotel. Normandy Farms in Foxborough has a luxury glamping resort that’s actually been voted one of the top campgrounds in the world! With yurts, cabins, campsites, and RV spots, just about anyone will love staying here and enjoying the luxury and amenities.

Are there any beaches I can go camping at in Massachusetts?

Some of the best beaches where you go camping in Massachusetts include:

 

For even more beach camping locations, check out our beach camping guide in Massachusetts.

What are the most unique campgrounds in Massachusetts?

Two of the most unique campgrounds in Massachusetts include:

  • Otter River State Forest
  • Bourne Scenic Park

 

You don’t have to stay at any ol’ campground in the Bay State as there are several interesting options like staying in a yurt at Otter River State Forest. The park itself is great for swimming, hiking, and exploring and then you can comfortably sleep the night away in a yurt. Another unique campground sits along the Cape Cod Canal at Bourne Scenic Park. Here you can choose to stay at a campsite or in a rustic cabin or lodge. Along with scenic views, there are plenty of amenities for all to enjoy!

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