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Find the Best Tent Camping Sites in Massachusetts

Most people think of camping as a weekend getaway in the woods or a 2-3 night vacation to a state park. However, there is a whole other category of camping that comprises people who prefer not to sleep in a tent but rather in a bed under the stars. Tent camping is a growing trend, and it means you can get away from your home and car for a few days and experience the simple and pure pleasures of nature and relaxation.

If you’ve never camped in the great outdoors, you might be wondering if you really know what you’re doing. But if you’ve ever camped, you know that it’s an amazing way to spend your free time—and that having that time to yourself is truly priceless.

Tent camping in Massachusetts is something that many people don’t think about doing, but if you want to try it, look no further.

Tent camping in Massachusetts is a great way to get yourself into the outdoors while saving money. There are many places with great tent camping weather in Massachusetts, but if you’re looking to stay in one place for a while, there are plenty of options in the Boston area. It’s all about finding the right spot for you.

For many, camping is a day trip from their rest stops. However, if you’re a serious camper, your journey is a lot more personal. You get to know your campground, enjoy the environment, and get a full night of sleep under the stars. In Massachusetts, you get all of this and more since many of the state’s campgrounds allow tents. Not only that, tent camping in Massachusetts is not just a great way to test your outdoor skills; it’s also a great way to meet new people and make lasting memories that will last a lifetime.

Things to Know About Tent Camping in Massachusetts

A tent camping trip in Massachusetts is the type of experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Most of us have the dream of camping in the woods, but it’s not always possible to escape. Here are some of the things you should know about tent camping in Massachusetts:

Massachusetts is a great place to do any kind of outdoor activity— even camping! There are over 700 state parks and recreational areas, including 180 beaches and 91 freshwater ponds, so you’re sure to find a place near you.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) strives to preserve and promote the state’s natural resources, from forests to wildlife refuges to coastal waters. That’s why they offer over 300 recreational campsites, from tenting to cabins, at a variety of locations across the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts offers a wide range of places to camp, including the Berkshires, Cape Cod, the Islands, and national parks. You can even sleep under a forest canopy and by a waterfall! No matter where you camp, you’ll have a unique experience.
Thousands of miles of forest land surround Massachusetts, and most of it is open to camping. However, some of the state’s forest land is remote and not easily accessible. Fortunately, some of the best places to camp in Massachusetts are open year-round.
There are two types of campsites in Massachusetts. Dispersed camping is for those who simply want to camp in the woods without any hookups. Asynchronous camping is for those who wish to stay at a campsite with water and electricity but don’t need to use any of the amenities.
Tent camping in Massachusetts is weather-dependent, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you go.

Tent camping is a great way to camp if you don’t have a lot of gear or space to store it. Whether your goal is to enjoy a relaxing weekend away or you want to establish a permanent camp, Massachusetts’ stunning geography and history provide a wide array of options for tent camping.

The Top Places to Camp in Massachusetts

  1. 1

    Campground

    Normandy Farms Campground

    What People Are Saying

    We stayed over the weekend on site 58 the beaver point primitive site.

    Overall Rating: 
    4.7/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    1035

    Location

    Foxborough, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    42.040577, -71.2809869
  2. 2

    Campground

    Spacious Skies Minute Man (formerly Boston Minuteman Campground)

    What People Are Saying

    "The sites are decent size for our two tents."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.4/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    427

    Location

    Littleton, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    42.5499514, -71.536847
  3. 3

    Campground

    Sutton Falls Camping Area

    What People Are Saying

    "The waterfront tent camping areas are very cozy."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.3/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    166

    Location

    Sutton, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    42.1097856, -71.7817856
  4. 4

    Campground

    Lorraine Park Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Very good Camping place"

    Overall Rating: 
    4.7/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    120

    Location

    Andover, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    42.6104185, -71.0910188
  5. 5

    Campground

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    What People Are Saying

    "Definitely check this place out for tent camping, rv's, or travel trailers."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.2/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    279

    Location

    Gloucester, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    42.6401624, -70.7019138
  6. 6

    Campground

    Tully Lake Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Best campground within a reasonable driving distance of Boston."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.8/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    104

    Location

    Royalston, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    42.6497808, -72.2093854
  7. 7

    Campground

    Horseneck Beach State Reservation Campground

    What People Are Saying

    "Nice time but super windy in a tent though. Bring good tent anchors!"

    Overall Rating: 
    4.6/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    234

    Location

    Westport, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    41.5019835, -71.0395383
  8. 8

    Campground

    Shawme Crowell Campground Entrance

    What People Are Saying

    "We love Shawme Crowell and have tent camped here several times."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.7/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    35

    Location

    Sandwich, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    41.7627095, -70.5181697
  9. 9

    Campground

    Wells State Park

    What People Are Saying

    "Nice park really liked all the rv campsites. A lot of tent camping and ..."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.6/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    537

    Location

    Sturbridge, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    42.1469915, -72.0607124
  10. 10

    Campground

    Shawme-Crowell State Forest

    What People Are Saying

    "One of the best camping spots on the cape."

    Overall Rating: 
    4.6/5 stars

    Reviews on Google

    390

    Location

    Sandwich, MA, United States

    Latitude / Longitude

    41.753092, -70.513106
  11. Important Camping Gear for Massachusetts

    Tent camping in Massachusetts is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and with so many state forests offering dispersed camping, it is easy to find a place with no one in sight. However, with the right preparation, you can make your trip that much more enjoyable by learning what to expect at each campsite.

    Before you go into the woods, you have to know exactly what you’re going into.

    What kind of weather is there going to be?
    How long will you be there?
    Does it have a bathroom nearby?
    How often will you be going out for food and water?

    Also, you need to bring important camping gear.

    Camping gear for every tent camper…

    A tent, a sleeping bag, a few clothes, and a pair of hiking boots – these are all you need to start camping for a few nights. Those are the essentials, but as camping gear is always getting more advanced, there are new discoveries being made every year. Aside from a tent repair kit, there are products such as camping hammocks that you might want to add to your camping gear.

    It’s important to remember that, even in the summer, you can get lost in the woods without a compass, so always bring your GPS with you on your outdoor excursions. Other than that, you’ll want to bring plenty of water and snacks to avoid skipping meals, so bring at least one water bottle for each day of your trip, plus extra water just in case.

    Best Blanket for Camping
    Best 2 Burner Stove for Camping

Planning Your Camping Trip

Best Time of Year to Tent Camp in Massachusetts

As we enter the summer months, many of us will turn to the incredible outdoors for our camping fix. For those on a budget, camping can be a wonderful way to get out of town and enjoy some of the greatest views in the state. If you want to get away from the city and into nature, tent camping offers a unique way to explore Massachusetts at a low cost and without the worries of a home to return to.

Massachusetts is home to over 1,000 state parks and can be a great place to camp! However, when is the best time to go tent camping?

Camping in Massachusetts is a wonderful experience for anyone looking to get away from it all. At times, getting away from it all can be overwhelming, though. What are the best times of the year to go camping? The answer to this question may make or break your experience. While there are always great times to camp, certain seasons are better than others.

When deciding where to tent camp this summer, it is also important to consider the best season to go. There’s no bad weather in Massachusetts, so you shouldn’t camp for no good reason. The best time of year to camp in Massachusetts is when temperatures are in the 60’s when the weather is dry and when there is plenty of sunshine.

Usually, it would start from May to October, but only Thursdays through Sundays. Other excellent state parks for trailer camping at Scusset Beach State Reservation in Sandwich and Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Salisbury.

Average Temperatures By Month in Massachusetts

Month Avg Low °F Avg High °F
January 16.6°F 34.6°F
February 18.8°F 37.5°F
March 26°F 44.7°F
April 35.9°F 55.9°F
May 45.4°F 66.4°F
June 55°F 75.2°F
July 60.5°F 80.2°F
August 59.2°F 79.1°F
September 51.7°F 71.9°F
October 40.7°F 60.8°F
November 32.7°F 50.5°F
December 22.9°F 39.6°F

Learn More Camping Tips for Beginners

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