Every year, millions of Americans pack up their cars and head to the great outdoors for a truly rustic vacation at a camp ground. In this hectic age of constantly being connected to your phone or laptop, what better way to relax than to go somewhere where you can’t even find an outlet? Camping provides an excellent opportunity for family bonding and will help you unwind and unplug to enjoy everything that Mother Nature has to offer. Here are some of the best campgrounds in Massachusetts and surrounding areas for you and your family.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation

West Point, MA

508-636-8817

This Massachusetts campground has 100 campsites and offers flush toilets, showers, running water, picnic tables, fireplaces, a playground and dumping station. Conveniently located along Horseneck Beach, you can enjoy forests and beach only a few miles apart! Horseneck Beach State Reservation is also close to Provincetown, which will offer your family plenty of eclectic shops and restaurants.

Myles Standish State Forest

S. Carver, MA

508-866-2526

With everything from boating to hiking, Myles Standish State Forest offers something for everyone in the family. With over 100 campsites, you can choose to spend your time in the sprawling forest or along one of the park’s 16 ponds. Looking for something to do? The Forest offers 15 miles of biking trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails and 13 miles of hiking trails! You’ll never be bored. Other amenities include flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fireplaces and a dumping station.

Nickerson State Park

Brewster, MA

508-896-3491

Don’t except any beaches or sand dunes at Nickerson State Park; once you enter this campground in Massachusetts you’re almost immediately surrounded by woods and fresh-water ponds. But don’t get discouraged. The Park still offers plenty to do. You can swim, kayak, canoe or fish in the ponds, and hike or bike along an eight mile trail that connects with the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The Park also offers special seasonal events that your family can participate in while staying at one of their 403 campsites. Other amenities include flush toilets, rest rooms, showers, picnic tables, fire places and a dumping station.

Lost River Valley Campground

North Woodstock, NH

603-745-8321

Want a tranquil environment that’s still within distance of tourist attractions? Check out the Lost River Valley Campground. Nestled by National Forest on three sides and surrounded by the Lost River and Walker Brook, these 125 campsites offer a peaceful escape into nature. However, they’re still close enough to many family attractions, including the Lost River Gorge, Clark’s Trading Post and Loon Mountain. Amenities include electric service, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, store, laundromat, ATM, firewood, ice, gas and dumping stations.

Pine Hollow Campground

Laconia, NH

603-366-2222

With affordable rates and a breathtaking landscape in the White Mountains, Pine Hollow Campground is a great option for families traveling on a budget. Rates start at $32.00 per night for tenting, and the campground offers a ton of activities for families. Within walking distance you can experience scenic train rides, biking and hiking trails, a go-kart track, boat rentals and a number of shopping and restaurant choices. The campground features a laundromat, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and firewood for sale.

Little River State Park

Waterbury, VT

802-244-7103

One of the most popular state parks in central Vermont, Little River State Park is favored for its great boating spots, camping spots and its location. You can explore the park by hiking one of their many trails, boating in the Waterbury Reservoir or visiting their nature museum. You can also explore nearby attractions; Little River State Park is within driving distance of the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory and the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and is only 30 miles away from Burlington. Restrooms, showers, beaches, play areas, ball field and boat rentals.

For more campgrounds in Massachusetts and New England, click on the next page!

Rocky Neck State Park

East Lyme, CT

860-739-1339

Interested in camping along a beach? Rocky Neck State Park’s 160 campsites have spots available in both open and wooded settings. Set along a pristine beach area, the park is a great option for families looking for a beach getaway with camping involved. With its train viewing stations, diverse trail systems and salt marsh viewing, every member of the family will be entertained. Looking to do something adventurous? Try crabbing, salt-water fishing or bird watching. Amenities include bathrooms, concession stands, a public pavilion and picnic tables.

Check out these campgrounds in Massachusetts too!

Adams

Mount Greylock State Reservation

Hike in only.

413-743-1591

mass.gov

At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. The camping site is accessible via two hiking trails, so keep that in mind. Great for teenage campers. Reservations required.

Boston

Boston Harbor Islands

Each island holds 10 to 12 sites.

617-223-8666

bostonharborislands.org

The camping islands are Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks and Lovell’s Island.  All campsites include tables and grills. Every island has a carry in, carry out policy. 

Bourne

Bay View Campground

260 MacArthur Blvd.

508-759-7610

bayviewcampground.com

The Bay view Campground  includes three swimming pools, an ice cream parlor, coffee shop, restrooms and planned activities and entertainment. It is near many beaches and the famous Cape Cod Canal.

Brewster

Sweetwater Forest

676 Harwich Rd.

508-896-3773

sweetwaterforest.com

Get ready to have some fun at this campground! In the heart of Cape Cod, this campsite has six playgrounds, an internet café, free dish TV, 18 hole mini golf course and a fishing dock with canoe rentals.

Shady Knoll

1709 Main St. Route 6A

508-896-3001

shadyknoll.com

Perfect for beginner campers or parents campting with young children. This Massachusetts campground has restrooms, free wireless internet, a playground and a game room. Cape Cod Bay and two ponds are less than a mile away.

Eastham

Atlantic Oaks Campground

3700 State Route 6

508-255-1437

atlanticoaks.com

Atlantic Oaks Campground is close to many bike paths and beaches. Take a trip to historical Eastham windmill or the Swift Daley House Museum.

Falmouth

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

No ferry service – need your own boat.

waquoitbayreserve.org

For those seeking a fun adventure, you’ll enjoy this remote camping site. Visit for the day or stay overnight, if you have boat access. Portable stoves, grills, and pets are allowed on the island.

Sippewissett Campground

836 Palmer Ave.

508-548-2542

sippewissett.com

Each campsite has picnic tables and fire pits. Take the free shuttle to the ferry or any of the nearby beaches.  If you forget anything at home, don’t worry! You can rent bikes, beach items, BBQ supplies and even camping gear.

Cape Cod Camp Resort and Cabins

176 Thomas B Landers Rd.

508-548-1458

capecampresort.com

You’ll find RV, cabin, cottage and tent camping here. Swim, fish or boat at the lake. Rent a paddleboat and rowboat or take a turn going down the waterslide. There are private bathrooms, as well as free wifi.

Foxboro

Normandy Farms Campground

72 West. St.

866-673-2767

normandyfarms.com

If you’re looking for luxury camping, this is the place for you. It has an indoor pool, sauna, a double Jacuzzi, as well as two outdoor pools. There is also a fitness center, playgrounds, bike parks, disc golf, nature trails and a dog park for your furry family members.

Mashpee

John’s Pond Campground

1 Otis Trailer Village

508-477-0444

johnspondcampground.com

John’s Pond Campground offers swimming, boating, and fishing, as well as a private beach on the lake. Each site has tables and you can have fun roasting marshmallows at your camping site’s fire pit.

For more campgrounds in Massachusetts, click on the next page.  

North Truro

Adventure Bound Camping Resort

46 Highland Rd.

508-487-1847

abcamping.com

For those who love to camp at night and sightsee during the day. Enjoy the many beaches or visit the many attractions that are close by such as Cape Cod Mall, John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, or go on a whale watch.

Oakham

Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

203 Bechan Rd.

508-882-9509

pineacresresort.com

Family camping has never been so fun! This camping resort has an open air theater, wiffleball field, arcade, mini golf course and a spa for parents. They have planned activities, as well as paddleboat, canoe, rowboat, and kayak rentals.

Plainfield

Peppermint Park Camping Resort

169 Grant St.

413-634-5385

peppermintpark.net

Each campsite is spacious and close to hiking, biking, swimming and fishing. There are sports fields, pools, playgrounds, as well as restrooms and showers.

Salisbury

Black Bear Campground

54 Main St.

978-462-3183

blackbearcamping.com

Every campsite has a fire pit and picnic tables. There are playgrounds, swimming pools, restrooms and free wifi.

Pines Camping Area

28 CCC Rd.

978-465-0013

pinescampingarea.com

Every campsite has picnic tables and fire pits. There is a pool, bathhouse, and game room for kids to play in. The campground is close to many beaches as well as shopping and restaurants.

Sandwich

Peters Pond

185 Contuit Rd.

508-477-1775

sunrvresorts.com

Peters Pond Campground has an arcade, swimming pool, playground, inflatable structure on the lake, sport areas, convenience store and an internet lounge.

South Wellfleet

Paines Campground

180 Old Kings Highway

508-349-3007

campingcapecod.com

All campsites are fully shaded and have picnic table and fire pit.

Wales

Oak Haven Family Campground

22 Main St.

413-245-7148

oakhavencampground.com

Your family will have a blast at Oak Haven Family Campground. Oak Haven has fun activities planned on the weekends, a children’s playground, video arcade, baseball field, swimming pool and a grocery store.

Wellfleet

Maurice’s Campground

80 Rt. 6 Unit 1

508-349-2029

mauricescampground.com

Maurice’s Campground has restrooms, hot showers, a bicycle trail and is close to beaches.

West Townsend

Pearl Hill State Park

New Fitchburg Rd.

978 597 8802

mass.gov

Enjoy the outdoors with your family at this campsite. Pearl Hill State Park has a new bathhouse, five acres of pond to swim and miles of hiking.

Before heading to one of these campsites in Massachusetts, we highly recommend you make a reservation far in advance as many of these sites fill up early. Keep in mind that holiday weekends can be very crowded and often are booked a year in advance.

Have you visited one of these campgrounds in New England? Share your experience in the comment section below!