Massachusetts - Campgrounds

Among the choices of Massachusetts lodgings and accommodations are public and private campgrounds. Massachusetts campgrounds are operated at many of the dozens of state forests and state parks throughout the state, including the Boston Harbor islands and on Cape Cod. Many private campgrounds also operate throughout the state, along the coast, in the Berkshire Mountains, and through the historic regions near Plymouth and Salem. A stay at an MA campground is a wonderful and inexpensive outdoor-oriented vacation for children and families, and people who love the beach, fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking.

Beartown State Forest
69 Bluehill Road
Monterey, MA  01245
Phone: 413-528-0904

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Beartown State Forest is open in all seasons. During the warm months Benedict Pond attracts swimmers, boaters and fishermen. A network of trails on 12,000 acres offers visitors a chance to see animals, brooks, beaver ponds, forests, and fall foliage. Open in winter for cross-country sking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Hiking on the 1.5-mile Benedict Pond Loop Trail in any season. Year-round camping available.
Hours: Sunrise until sunset. Parking is $5 per vehicle, May through mid-October. Unguarded swimming is available at designated area only. Pets on leash are permitted. Non-motorized boating at Benedict Pond day-use area. All Terrain Vehicles are permitted from May 1 through November. Snowmobiling is available, with parking at Benedict Pond day-use area.

Chester-Blandford State Forest
Route 20
Chester, MA
Phone: 413-354-6347

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Chester-Blandford State Forest offers a rustic park experience and spectacular Sanderson Brook Falls. Boulder Park features an easy interpretive trail and pavilion. Hike up an easy grade for a mile to see the cascade at Sanderson Brook Falls; hike the Newman Marsh Memorial Trail to the top of Observation Hill. Forest is open year-round, sunrise to sunset. Access is free. Limited number RV sites. Carry-in, carry-out all trash. Be aware of bears. Pets permitted on a leash. Motorized off-road vehicles prohibited. Swimming prohibite at Sanderson Brook Falls. Recreational uses: fishing, hiking, horseback riding trails, hunting (restrictions), mountain biking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, walking trails.

Clarksburg State Park
1199 Middle Road
Clarksburg, MA
Phone: 413-664-8345

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Clarksburg State Park offers 368 acres of unspoiled hardwood forest with views of the Hoosac Range, Mount Greylock, and the Green Mountains. Mauserts Pond has a day-use area with picnicking and a pavilion. The pond is surrounded by 9.5 miles of foot trails. Forty-five wooded campsites are located near the lake. Open: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. Facilities open Memorial Day through Columbus Day, with a $5 parking fee. Camping season is from mid-May to mid-October. Campsites and comfort station are available. Unguarded swimming is available at Mauserts Pond. Pets are permitted on leash. Boat Launch is available for non-motorized boats. Prohibited: Motorized off-road vehicles.

D.A.R. State Forest
Route 112
Goshen, MA
Phone: 413-268-7098

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This public forest includes Upper and Lower Highland Lakes, with a swimming beach, picnic area, and group picnic pavilion. There are 15 miles of mixed-use trails through the forest. The campground offers 51 wooded campsites with showers and a private beach. Wheelchair accessible campsites available. Summer activities include: paddling, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Winter activities are ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
Open: year-round, sunrise until sunset. A $5 fee per vehicle from Memorial Day through mid-September. Camping from mid-May through mid-October. Off-season camping October through April. All facilities accessible to handicapped. Guarded Swimming is available at the day-use area. Unguarded swimming is available at campers-only beach. Pets are permitted except on the sandy beach area. Non-motorized boating is available. Snowmobiling is available, conditions permitting. Parking at day-use area parking lot off Route 112.

Erving State Forest
Route 2A
Erving, MA
Phone: 978-544-3939

Forest has swimming, canoeing, fishing, motor boating, and picnic areas. There are hiking and cross-country ski trails. Public campgrounds and scheduled programs are offered for visitors.

Granville State Forest
323 West Hartland Road
Granville, MA  01034
Phone: 413-357-6611

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This extensive rolling terrain was once the hunting and fishing ground of the Tunxis tribe, later becoming open farmland and pastures; now it is reverting into a northern hardwood-conifer forest. Enjoy a walk along the Hubbard River as it cascades through natural rock formations forming pools and waterfalls, dropping a rapid 450 feet in 2.5 miles. Recreation at Granville includes a wooded camping area with toilet and shower facilities. Other popular activities include bird watching, wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and mountain biking. Swimming is prohibited.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset. Access is free. Camping season is late May through mid-October. Sites available for RVs up to 35 feet long. No hook-ups or trailer waste station are available. Wheelchair-accessible sites are available. Pets are permitted on a leash. Motorized off-road vehicles, alcoholic beverages, picnicking and swimming are pronibited.

Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest
Route 8A
Hawley, MA  01339
Phone: 413-339-5504

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This 7,882-acre northern hardwood and spruce-fir forest offers 35 miles of mixed-use trails, six miles of hiking trails and one mile interpretive trail around Hallockville Pond. Discover an abundance of historic sites including cellar holes from the abandoned village of South Hawley; a fieldstone beehive charcoal kiln; and remains of mill complex. Open: year-round, sunrise to sunset. Access is free. Interior roads are in poor condition. Carry-in, carry-out all your belongings and trash. Snowmobiling: is available on 35 miles of trails, conditions permitting. Parking is available at King Corner garage on Route 8A. Prohibited: All-terrain vehicles and alcoholic beverages.

Mohawk Trail State Forest
175 Mohawk Trail / Route 2
Charlemont, MA  01339
Phone: 413-339-5504

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More than 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, deep gorges and tall old-growth trees support a diversity of plant and animal life. Fifty-six wooded campsites are available seasonally, and six overnight log cabins are available year-round.Discover miles of rivers and streams for excellent trout fishing, a swimming area, and a day-use picnic area. Open: Year-round, sunrise to sunset. A $5 fee per vehicle charged from May through mid-October. Camping season is mid-April through mid-October. Cabins are available year-round. Recreational vehicles are permitted on designated sites. Off-season camping is available. Pets are permitted on tent sites only, on leash. Motorized off-road vehicles prohibited.

Monroe State Forest
Tilda Hill Road
Monroe, MA
Phone: 413-339-5504

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This park is ideal for fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The park is known for its scenic beauty. A public campground is available.

Mount Greylock State Reservation
Rockwell Road
Lanesborough, MA
Phone: 413-499-4262

Set on 12,500 acres, this park offers a visitor's center, programs, hiking, cross-country ski trails, and a public campground. Mt. Greylock is the highest peak in the state – inspirational.

Mount Washington State Forest
East Street
Mount Washington, MA
Phone: 413-528-0330

This forest features fishing and picnic areas, and cross-country and hiking trails. There is a public campground. Bash Bish Falls part of the forest.

October Mountain State Forest
Woodland Road
Lee, MA
Phone: 413-243-1778

The largest state forest in Massachusetts is more than 16,000 acres. It offers visitors canoeing, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and a public campground with wheelchair accessible sites.

Pittsfield State Forest
Cascade Street
Pittsfield, MA
Phone: 413-442-8992

A wheelchair-accessible trail highlights this 10,000-acre forest featuring swimming, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Programs are scheduled year-round. Two public campgrounds/picnic areas are available.

Savoy Mountain State Forest
Central Shraft Road
Florida, MA
Phone: 413-663-8469

Visitors to this forest can enjoy a variety of activities, including swimming, canoeing, motor boating, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing. A public campground in an apple orchard is available.

Tolland State Forest
Route 8
East Otis, MA
Phone: 413-269-6002

This 4,893-acre state forest offers camping, fishing, motor boating (with boat ramp), swimming, hiking, and cross-country ski trails. In season hunting is permitted.

Windsor State Forest
River Road
Windsor, MA
Phone: 413-663-8469

Visitors to this forest will enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing are available, in addition to a public campground. Hunters and snowmobilers are welcome.

Nickerson State Park
Route 6A
Brewster, MA  02631
Phone: 508-896-3491

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Travel to the upper campgrounds in Nickerson State Park, you may think that you have been transported to the Berkshire Hills or the piney woods of the Carolinas. Nowhere are the sand dunes and salt marshes usually associated with Cape Cod. Instead, you are surrounded by woods that slope down to the banks of eight crystal clear fresh water ponds, known as kettle ponds.
Nickerson's 1,900 acres offer 420 campsites, yurt camping, an amphitheater, eight miles of roads, hiking trails, an eight-mile bike path that connects to the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail, and ponds stocked year-round with trout. Cape Cod Bay is within walking or bicycling distance. You can swim and canoe at Flax Pond; birdwatch or catch-and-release fish at Higgins Pond; or join the interpretive and recreational programs offered by park staff.
Park amenities include: beaches, camping, fishing, picnicking, restrooms, bike paths, nonmotorized boating, boat ramp, yurt camping, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding trails, mountain biking, showers, cross-country skiing, swimming, trailer and RV dumping, walking trails.

Scusset Beach in Scusset Beach State Reservation
Scusset Beach Road
Sandwich, MA  02563
Phone: 508-888-0859

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Scusset Beach is located on Cape Cod Bay at the east end of the Cape Cod Canal. It is a popular swimming and camping area. The 98 site camping area is popular with trailer campers. For salt water anglers, the area offers a popular fish pier, a breakwater, and 1.5 miles of frontage along the canal. A picnic area and bicycling along the canal are also available. The reservation is also a popular spot for watching the variety of boats and ships passing through the canal.

Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Route 130
Sandwich, MA  02563
Phone: 508-888-0351

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This quiet year-round campground at the beginning of Cape Cod has more than 285 sites in a wooded setting. More than 15 miles of roads and trails provide hiking and equestrian access to more than 700 acres of pitch pine and scrub oak landscape. Parking access to the beach at Scusset State Reservation is provided in camping fee. The regular camping season is from mid-April through mid-October. Amenities include restrooms, camping, hiking, hunting (with restrictions), interpretive programs, picnicking, showers, cross-country skiing, swimming, trailer and RV dumping, walking trails. Off-season camping is available Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Federated Women's Club State Forest
West Street
Petersham, MA
Phone: 508-939-8962

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This park features camping, fishing areas, hiking, and cross-country skiing trails. Part of the forest is a 140-acre wildlife sanctuary. A public campground is available.

Lake Dennison Recreation Area (Beach and Campground)
219 Balwinville State Road (Route 202)
Winchendon, MA
Phone: 508-939-8962

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More than 4,000 acres offers visitors swimming, canoeing, and fishing areas. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing are available. There is a public campground.

Otter River State Forest
86 Winchendon Road
Baldwinville, MA
Phone: 508-939-8962

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This 12,000-acre forest features programs for visitors, in addition to fishing, swimming, and picnic areas. There are hiking and cross-country ski trails. A public campground is available.

Tully Lake Campground
25 Doane Hill Road
Royalston, MA  01368
Phone: 978-840-4446
Fax: 978-840-0022

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Set along the shores of a 200-acre lake, the Tully Lake Campground is a walk-in, tent-only campground offering modern conveniences and superb recreational opportunities in a wilderness-like setting. Paddle around Tully Lake in a canoe or kayak, hike the shoreline footpaths or the 18-mile Tully Trail, mountain bike on nearby trails, or take a day trip to scenic waterfalls and overlooks. Amenities include a modern bathhouse with hot water, toilets and showers, ice and firewood for sale onsite, volleyball, horseshoes, and canoe and kayak rentals.

Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-223-8666

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This state park is part of the 34-island Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. The islands can be reached via a 45-minute ferry ride from downtown Boston. Islands offer shell and slate beaches. Lovells Island has a swimming beach. Bumpkin Island has slate and shell beaches.

Harold Parker State Forest
1951 Turnpike St., Route 114
North Andover, MA  01845
Phone: 508-686-3391

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Harold Parker State Forest, 20 miles north of Boston, comprises 3,000 acres of hardwood forest. Swimming at Berry Pond,which has a sand beach, a new wash house, changing rooms, and flush toilets. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Lifeguards are on duty 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Grills and picnic tables are available.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Beach Road, Route 1A
Salisbury, MA  01952
Phone: 508-462-4481

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Salisbury Beach is one of the state's most popular ocean beaches, stretching 3.8 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. This 521-acre park offers swimming, boating, fishing, and camping, and is very popular with trailer campers. Facilities include a 484-site campground with renovated bathhouses, an extensive day-use parking lot, three new comfort stations for beach users with boardwalks over the dunes, and a new playground and pavilion area. The facility also has two boat ramps on the Merrimack River at the campground's southern edge. In fall and winter, harbor seals often sun themselves on the jetty.
The campground office hours are 8 a.m.–10 p.m. The camping season is from early May to mid-October. Off-season camping is available from mid-October to late November for Thursday, Friday and Saturday night stays. There is a $2 per night surcharge for camping fees at Salisbury Beach. the $2 surcharge will be added to the day-use fee for cars and buses.

Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Route 88 South
Westport, MA  02790
Phone: 508-636-8816

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Located at the western end of Buzzards Bay, the sandy, southwest-facing, 2-mile long beach is breezy all year round, providing excellent wind surfing and a dependable respite from sweltering inland temperatures every summer. The combination of ocean beach and estuary habitat makes Horseneck one of the premier birding locations in New England. Behind the dunes near Gooseberry Neck is a 100-site campground.
The regular camping season is mid-May through mid-October. Swimming is permitted only at designated beaches. Pets are not allowed at swimming areas. Recreational uses: beaches, camping, picnicking, restrooms, boating (all types), boat ramp, fishing, historic site, picnicking, showers, swimming, trailer / R.V. dumping.

Massasoit State Park
Middleboro Avenue
Taunton, MA
Phone: 508-822-7405

This 1,500 acre park features canoeing and boating areas, swimming and fishing. Hiking and cross-country ski trails are also available. There are picnic areas as well as a public campsite.

Miles Standish State Forest
Long Pond Road
Carver, MA
Phone: 508-866-2580

Forest features 14,651 acres of camping, hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing, canoeing, swimmiing, and fishing areas.

Wompatuck State Park
Off Route 128
Hingham, MA
Phone: 617-749-7160

This state park cross-country, hiking and bike trails. Fishing areas and swimming are also available. There is a public campground with picnic and rest facilities.