Camping is all about location, and Massachusetts is full of places to pitch a tent that are absolutely breathtaking. However, there’s nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of waves, and waking up with the tang of salt air in your nose. If this sounds like this would float your boat, then you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a short but oh so sweet list of some of the best places for beach camping in Massachusetts. So grab your camping gear, your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a front row seat to the sand and surf.

1. Horseneck Beach State Reservation, Westport
Flickr/Phillip Capper
Horseneck Beach State Reservation, 5 John Reed Rd, Westport, MA 02790, USA
Tim Pierce/Flickr
A reservation at beautiful Horseneck Beach State may be the most popular oceanside camping spot in the state. It offers over 100 campsites with running water, picnic areas, showers, toilet facilities and fire pits. There’s even a playground for the little ones. Camping here means that you’re only moments from the surf at Horseneck Beach. Even at the campsites that are furthest from the beach, the sound of the waves can still be heard. This spot also gets dark enough to see the Milky Way, which is a real treat if you’re visiting from an urban area. Reservations are highly recommended because of the reservation's popularity.
2. Scusset Beach State Reservation, Sandwich
Andre Faucher/Google Map
Scusset Beach State Reservation, 20 Scusset Beach Rd, Sagamore Beach, MA 02562, USA
Flickr/David Limon
A 1.5-mile stretch along the Cape Cod Canal is the perfect beach camping site for families. There are 98 RV sites with water and hook-ups, as well as 5 tent-only sites with a picnic area and grilling stations. Anglers can cast off from the beach’s 3,000-foot stone jetty, and there are plenty of spots to jog or walk along the car-free service road that winds beside the canal. The beach is sandy and usually doesn’t have strong waves, so kids can splash around. Nearby, the 14,000-acre Myles Standish State Forest offers even more swimming, hiking and biking opportunities.
3. Race Point Beach, Provincetown
Flickr/m01229

Related Stories

Go Glamping At These 5 Campgrounds In Massachusetts With Yurts For An Unforgettable Adventure

Go Glamping At These 5 Campgrounds In Massachusetts With Yurts For An Unforgettable Adventure

 A Waterpark Campground In Massachusetts, Pine Acres Family Resort Belongs On Your Summer Bucket List

A Waterpark Campground In Massachusetts, Pine Acres Family Resort Belongs On Your Summer Bucket List

 The River Campground In Massachusetts Where You Can Also Have A Tubing Adventure

The River Campground In Massachusetts Where You Can Also Have A Tubing Adventure
Race Point Beach, Provincetown, MA 02657, USA
Flickr/Don Edwards
Next up on this list of the best places to go camping in Massachusetts is this spot, which is about as far-flung as it gets and makes it the perfect place to really escape to the serenity of nature. You’ll get miles of gorgeous shoreline to explore, plus the opportunity to catch some local seals catching rays out on the sand. The prices to set up camp here are typically very nominal, making it a great place if you are on a budget, and you can stay a maximum of 21 days. Once here, you'll find that Race Point Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal spots in the state. One thing of special note: this spot accepts self-contained, off-road vehicles only.
4. Sandy Neck, West Barnstable
Flickr/Jack French
Sandy Neck Road, Sandy Neck Rd, Massachusetts, USA
Flickr/MOTT
This spot is one of only two places on Cape Cod where beach camping is allowed. The beach is almost seven miles long and includes over 4,000 acres of scenic dunes, maritime forest and shimmering marsh. You can spend the day swimming, beach combing or hiking the miles of trails around the beach. When nighttime rolls around, you'll experience some of the most beautiful sunsets in the state of Massachusetts. While here, you can also start a warm, roaring fire right on the sand. Camping rates are per night and different for residents and non-residents.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation, Salisbury
6SN7/Flickr
Salisbury Beach State Reservation, 1 Beach Rd, Salisbury, MA 01952, USA
Flickr/Lori L. Stalteri
This campsite offers 3.8 miles of beautiful coast and over 480 campsites to choose from. There’s really no bad place to pitch your tent, though the campsites just behind the dunes are the most popular and scenic. If you want to head into the town of Salisbury to resupply or check out the local nightlife, there are plenty of places to eat and explore. The reservation is open to campers generally between the months of April and November.

Have you ever been to any of these beachy camping spots? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re just looking to spend a day on the coast, check out these 8 amazing hidden Massachusetts beach towns.

If you’re still in the mood for more Massachusetts adventures, take a look at this video about the 10 best places to travel in Massachusetts:

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Adventures in Massachusetts

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | April 12, 2023

Where else can we go camping in Massachusetts?

  • Shawme-Crowell State Forest in Sandwich is set on 700 wooded acres and features 15 miles of bike and walking trails.
  • Myles Standish State Forest in South Carver has well-appointed campsite amenities plus equestrian, biking, and hiking trails and lots of places to swim and fish.
  • The Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area in Boston offers overnight camping on a handful of the 34 islands here and lots of water recreational opportunities.

Read on to learn more about the many other exciting places to go camping in Massachusetts.

Where can we find bike trails in Massachusetts?

  • The Charles River Bike Path (also called the Paul Dudley White Bike Path) in Boston extends 13.6 miles along both sides of the Charles River.
  • The  Fresh Pond Reservation Trail in Cambridge is a popular spot for biking as well as hiking, walking, and birdwatching.
  • The Shining Sea Bikeway on Cape Cod features beaches, salt marshes, and horse trails along the way.

Read on to learn more about the many other beautiful bike trails in Massachusetts.

Where can we find seafood restaurants in Massachusetts?

  • Dube's Seafood in Salem is known for their amazing fried seafood menu items.
  • Bob Lobster in Newbery serves standard and unique lobster-themed dishes and also has clambakes.
  • Neptune Oyster in Boston is the place to go for the best Atlantic oysters and more.

Read on to learn more about the many other outstanding seafood restaurants in Massachusetts.

Related Articles

Explore Massachusetts