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Nicknamed the Bay State for its bounty of coastal beaches, inlets, and waterways, including the famous Boston Harbor, Massachusetts has long been a popular tourist destination. From Cape Cod and the Atlantic Coast to the Berkshire Mountains in the west, the commonwealth’s diverse natural beauty provides outdoor recreation opportunities year-round, from hiking, boating, and fishing to cross-country and downhill skiing. The city of Boston is unparalleled for its historical landmarks, art, and architecture. Concord and Lexington, Plymouth, and Salem are just a few other richly historical towns in the state that are well worth a visit.RVers have a variety of camping options to use as a base to tour the cities, or to simply get away from it all at the beach or in a forest. Massachusetts’ 24 state parks have sites that can accommodate RVs, although options are limited for those over 30 feet long. Partial hookups are sometimes available, though most campgrounds are rustic and highlight the natural surroundings or historical sites.
It’s not uncommon to see states charge nonresidents $5 to $10 more per night for a campsite than residents. In Massachusetts, however, the price difference is more than double, making the cost for out-of-state RVers more comparable to private RV parks. While the campgrounds are a much better deal for residents (or someone renting an RV with Massachusetts plates), it’s still worth considering the price and location of a state park campground compared to alternative accommodations in the area you’re looking to visit.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com/ or call 877-422-6762.
Reservations can be made from 6 months to 1 day in advance. A 2-night minimum is required for most campsites.
Campsite sizes
Most campgrounds can fit RVs up to 30 feet, but less than half have sites that accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.
Sites are searchable and bookable by RV length in the reservation system.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible campsites are available at some campgrounds, and are searchable and bookable online. Contact the park directly for more information on specific accessibility needs and alternative accommodation options, like cabins.
Hookups
Electric and/or water hookups are available at only a handful of campgrounds, and a surcharge applies for them (see pricing below). Sites with hookups are searchable and bookable through the reservation system.
Connectivity
WiFi is not offered. If connectivity is a priority, contact the park directly to ask about WiFi and cell service.
Maximum stay
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the maximum stay is 14 cumulative days in any one campground.
Additional facilities
Campgrounds are rustic. Most sites include a picnic table and grill, and campgrounds have flush or vault toilets. Additional facilities may include showers, a dump station, a playground, sports fields, interpretive programs, marked trails, and access to water recreation.
Cost
Camping costs are significantly higher for out-of-state visitors. Coastal campgrounds are $22 for state residents, $70 for nonresidents. Inland campgrounds are $17 and $55, respectively. (Note that vehicle entrance fees are also expensive—from $20 to $40 for nonresidents—however, this is included in the camping fee.)
Additional Fees:
Hookups surcharge: $6 for electric, $4 for water
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $8.65
Cancellation or change fee: $10
Cancellations on the day of arrival also forfeit the first night’s fee, and must be made by calling the park directly.
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they are kept on a leash. No more than 4 pets per campsite permitted. A rabies vaccination certificate must be shown at the time of check-in. And of course, campers should always clean up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 1 or 2 vehicles, 4 people or 2 adults and the children in their care.
- Check-in time: 1 p.m. Check-out time: 11 a.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Prohibited.
- Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories
- Drone use: Check with the specific park for regulations
Featured Campgrounds
Given the prices for out-of-state visitors, these parks were selected for their ideal locations. There are few comparable alternatives for RV camping, and a hotel can cost significantly more in these prime destinations.
Scusset Beach State Reservation
20 Scusset Beach Road, Sagamore, MA 02562
More developed than most Massachusetts state park campgrounds, Scusset Beach State Reservation provides a comfortable, easily accessible base to tour Cape Cod. The campground is situated at the edge of Cape Cod Bay and the Cape Cod Canal, just a short walk from a beautiful beach and surrounded by a nature preserve with walking trails. The campground has over 90 sites that can accommodate RVs, all with electric and water hookups. The sites are in the open, with little shade, but are well spaced apart and level with concrete parking pads. This is a beautiful beach campground in an ideal location. Cape Cod, Plymouth, other historical sites and beaches, and shops and restaurants are all within easy driving distance from the park.
Wompatuck State Park
204 Union Street, Hingham, MA 02043
Wompatuck State Park delivers a peaceful camping experience close to downtown Boston, the beach, and other attractions. The campground is nestled in the middle of a forest, with sites spread out among the trees for shade and privacy. Over 240 sites are available, half with electric and water hookups. RVs up to 30 feet can fit, and a handful of sites fit rigs up to 40 feet. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring, and access to bathrooms, showers, and a dump station. Fresh spring water is available from spigots near the campground. The park features 12 miles of paved trails and a large reservoir for fishing and beautiful water views. Its decent cell service and location just a half hour drive from downtown Boston, or a 15-minute drive to ferry and train lines, make Wompatuck State Park an ideal spot to venture into the city from your RV.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
State Reservation Road, Salisbury, MA 01952
Salisbury State Reservation has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the New England coast. The park encompasses almost four miles of Atlantic Ocean beach and dunes stretching north to the New Hampshire border, plus the protected Merrimack River estuary’s salt marshes and diverse wildlife. The park’s campground is situated between the river and the ocean, providing spectacular views and easy access to nature trails and the beach. Ocean swimming and river kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are all popular activities here.
The campground has more than 400 RV sites, nearly all with electric and water hookups. About half of the sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long. Facilities include well-maintained restrooms, showers, a dump station, a ranger station, a nature center, and playgrounds. The campground is laid out in a big, open grid, so the sites are close together and there is little shade. Still, campers come year after year to enjoy the beach and natural surroundings. Even for the out-of-state visitor price, this prime location can be an economical deal compared to beachfront hotels or vacation rentals in the same area.
Massachusetts state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Beartown State Forest
Clarksburg State Park
DAR State Forest
Erving State Forest
Granville State Forest
Harold Parker State Forest
Horseneck Beach State Reservation
Lake Dennison Recreation Area
Massasoit State Park
Mohawk Trail State Forest
Myles Standish State Forest
Nickerson State Park
October Mountain State Forest
Otter River State Forest
Pearl Hill State Park
Pittsfield State Forest
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Savoy Mountain State Forest
Scusset Beach State Reservation
Shawme-Crowell State Forest
Tolland State Forest
Wells State Park
Willard Brook State Forest
Wompatuck State Park
For more information on Massachusetts state park campgrounds, visit mass.gov/visit-massachusetts-state-parks.
