Camping is a wonderful activity for the whole family. It lets you escape into a different world, live simply, cook outdoors, and sleep in the woods. Camping is great fun for kids and adults alike, and it is a special opportunity for a shared experience with your friends and family.

Car camping is very popular for good reasons. It is just so convenient to load up your car with all the necessities and head to the campground. All are welcome to participate, from young children to grandma and even the family dog. The cost is moderate (state parks charge about $20 in 2023), and the amount of equipment needed is modest. If you sleep in your car instead of a tent, it is even more affordable.

RV camping is very popular because it lets you travel with many amenities. RVs come in all different shapes and sizes. Some can be towed; others are self-propelled, like a truck. Many campgrounds provide instant hookups for electricity, water, and even TV. Just drive up, plug in, and enjoy!

Backpacking combines hiking or biking with camping. Because you carry all your gear, it requires specialised equipment that is small and light-weight. The beauty is that you can hike to any amazing location and then camp out right there.

Glamping is a new idea that got popular during the pandemic. It is for people who like the experience of camping but would like more amenities. This can cover the basics like a proper bed, electricity, good food, maybe even air conditioning, and a TV. Glamping sites generally provide permanent tents or cabins with many amenities. Some glamping resorts now even offer experiences with all the luxury trappings of a five-star hotel.

Handicaped Accessible camping facilities vary among campgrounds. Most state campgrounds have accessible restrooms and parking, and many have accessible camp sites and beach wheelchairs. Please check specific campgrounds for more information. 

In Massachusetts, camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds or state parks. Please note that reservations are required. Click here to find out more. 

Public Campgrounds in the Boston Area

Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Westport, Cape Cod (2 hours from Boston)

Swim and camp at one of the most popular beaches in Massachusetts. Stretches for 2 miles along the the Western end of Buzzard's Bay.
Facilities: Boat ramp, Dishwashing station, Dumpsters, Picnic areas, Playground, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping
Activities: Camping, Swimming, Fishing, Sailing, Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Biking, Basketball, Bird watching
Accessibility: Beach mat provided, Beach wheelchairs available, Accessible camping, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible trails
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, Beach hours, Sunday - Saturday:, 8:00 am-8:00 pm
Price: Free
Address: 5 John Reed Road, Westport, MA 02791

Wellfleet Hollow State Campground

Quiet and quaint, this campground offers an excellent opportunity for tent camping and exploring lower cape cod. the location is great for day trips to ocean beaches, area nature trails and the cape cod rail trail.

Hours: This facility is for registered campers only.
Price: Free
Address: 180 Old Kings Highway, Wellfleet, MA 02667

Camp Nihan Education Center

Camp nihan is the perfect place for your next group camping experience. there's plenty of opportunities to learn about the local habitat. explore a variety of nature and wildlife across 65 acres.
Facilities: Cabins, Bunk beds, Tables, Pellet stove, Refrigerator, Limited electricity, Group tent campsites, Portable toilets, No showers or running water
Activities: Hiking Fishing Educational programs Camping
Accessibility: Clarke Cabin
Hours: September - June, Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July - August, Open Friday and Saturday
Price: Free
Address: 131 Walnut St., Saugus, MA 01906

Shawme-Crowell State Forest

This 700-acre pitch pine and scrub oak forest is located on the western end of cape cod, and offers more than 15 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. camping is a favorite activity from early summer to the fall.
Facilities: Basketball courts, Grills, Playground, Pavilion, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer / R.V. Dumping, Nature Center, Weddings
Activities: Camping Hiking Horseback riding
Accessibility: Camping Parking Restrooms
Hours: Dawn to dusk, Campground office, Sunday - Saturday:, 8:00 am-10:00 pm
Price: Free
Address: 42 Main St., Sandwich, MA 02563

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Salisbury (1.25 hours from Boston)

Salisbury beach is a popular beach at the entrance of the Merrimack river. Known also for its expansive amusement park nearby.
Facilities: Boardwalk, Picnic area, Boat ramp, Grilling, Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, Scenic viewing areas, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Trailer/R.V. hookup, Weddings
Activities: Boating (motorized), Boating (non-motorized), Educational programs, Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Horseback riding, Swimming
Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible educational programs, Accessible restrooms, Accessible nature center Beach mat, Beach wheelchairs available
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
Address: State Reservation Road , Salisbury, MA 01952

Scusset Beach State Reservation
Sagamore Cape Cod (40 minutes from Boston)

Beach located at the southwest corner of the cape cod bay. Stretches for 1.5 miles on the Cape Cod canal. You can take a walk along the jetty to watch ships pass through the cape canal.
Facilities: Lifeguard, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Nature Center, , Trailer / R.V. Water and Electric Hookups
Activities: Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Educational programs, Hunting
Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible educational programs, Accessible fishing, Accessible trail, Accessible picnic areas Accessible restrooms Boardwalk and beach mat Beach wheelchairs available
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Price: Free
Address: 20 Scusset Beach Road, Sagamore, MA 02562

Harold Parker State Forest
Andover (1 hour from Boston)

Large state park covering over 3,000 acres and 11 ponds. Berry Pond is a designated swimming area within the forest, complete with a sandy beach
Facilities: Pavilion, Picnic areas, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, Horseback riding, Mountain biking, Biking, Ice skating, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Boating (non-motorized),f Swimming
Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible picnicking, Accessible restrooms, Accessible trail, Beach wheelchairs available
Price: Free
Address: 305 Middleton Road, North Andover, MA 01845

Wompatuck State Park

spans 3,526 acres of forest, streams and ponds. offering an over 250 site campground, 12 miles of non-motorized roads and 40 miles of forest trails, the park is a great place to get into nature.
Facilities: Boat launch, Paved bike paths, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Trailer/R.V. hookup, Visitors Center
Activities: Biking Camping Cross-country skiing Educational programs Hiking Horseback riding Hunting Mountain biking Boating (non-motorized) Snowmobiling
Accessibility: Accessible camping Site E009 and Site Y003 are accessible Includes level, packed-surface campsite, pedestal grill, accessible picnic table Accessible restrooms Accessible trails Wompatuck trail, 1.25 miles
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Price: Free
Address: 204 Union St., Hingham, MA 02043

Massasoit State Park

Head out on foot or by bike on 's trails. this is an especially nice park to visit in the fall, when you can see the contrast of scarlet cranberry bogs and pine trees. there are also plenty of ponds in which to fish.
Facilities: Boat ramp, Playground, Trailer/R.V. dumping - CLOSED to aid in the prevention of spreading COVID-19, Trailer/R.V. hookup
Activities: Camping Biking Boating (non-motorized) Canoeing and kayaking Cross-country skiing Fishing Hiking Hunting Mountain biking
Accessibility: Accessible bath house Accessible beach Accessible camping Accessible playground Beach wheelchair available
Hours: Park hours are sunrise to sunset.
Price: Free
Address: 1361 Middleboro Ave., East Taunton, MA 02718

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Waquoit bay has 2,700 acres of open waters, barrier beaches, marshlands, and uplands. the reserve is representative of typical shallow bay environment. enjoy discovering the bay, by land or water.
Facilities: Educational programs, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Scenic views, Visitor center
Activities: Camping Hunting Fishing Canoeing and kayaking
Accessibility: Restrooms
Hours: Visitor Center, Call for hours
Price: Free
Address: 131 Waquoit, East Falmouth, MA 02536

Myles Standish State Forest
Carver (1.1 hours from Boston)

One of the largest state forests in Massachusetts, covering over 12,000 acres. Offers a wide range of recreational activities and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Facilities: Boat ramp, Grills, Pavilion, Picnic areas, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping, Visitors center, Weddings
Activities: Biking, Boating (non-motorized), Camping, Canoeing and kayaking, Cross-country skiing, Educational programs, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback riding, Hunting, Sailing, Snowmobiling, Swimming
Accessibility: Accessible camping, Accessible fishing with beach mat at Fearing Pond, Accessible restrooms, Beach wheelchairs available (please note that College Pond restrooms are not accessible)
Price: Free
Address: 194 Cranberry Rd., Carver, MA 02330

Nickerson State Park
Brewster (1.1 hours from Boston)

A picturesque and popular state park with over 1,900 acres, featuring a mix of forests, ponds, and rolling terrain, making it a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Facilities: Amphitheater, Bike paths, Boat ramp, Playground, Restrooms, Showers, Trailer/R.V. dumping - registered campers only,
Activities: Boating (non-motorized), Boating (motorized), Basketball, Cross-country skiing, Camping, Hiking, Horseback riding, Swimming, Canoeing and kayaking, Mountain biking, Biking, Fishing, Educational programs
Accessibility: Accessible camping, Beach wheelchair available, Cape Cod Rail Trail access, Seasonal adaptive recreational programming
Price: Free
Address: 3488 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631

Boston Harbor Islands
Boston Harbor

Explore 13 islands of Boston harbor, 3 of which are publicly accessible by ferry. There are many beaches and other historic sites p0n the islands. Access by public ferry from Rowe's Wharf, Long wharf or EDIC Wharf in South Boston
Facilities: Grills, Group/private event use, Pavilion, Picnic area, Playground, Restrooms - on Georges, Peddocks and Spectacle Islands ONLY, Visitors center
Activities: Hiking, Boating (non-motorized), Canoeing and kayaking, Swimming, Fishing, Educational programs
Accessibility: Accessible trail on Spectacle Island, Beach wheelchair available on Spectacle Island
Price: Free
Address: Boston Harbor Islands, Boston, MA 02110