Five Campgrounds Now Accepting Reservations in Massachusetts

Entrance to Wompatuck State Park / Photo credit Tessa Yannone

Never has camping seemed more enticing. After nearly four months stuck inside our homes, even the least adventurous of us all want a change in scenery—and sacrifice running water, a real toilet, and a gas stovetop seem like necessary measures to take to get there. After the pandemic shutdown closed all campgrounds until July 1, state parks in Massachusetts began accepting new reservations on June 22. Fortunately, if you’re still looking to set up camp somewhere this summer, we rounded up five places in Massachusetts still taking reservations, as well as some things you need to know before you pitch your tent.

The following campgrounds will not be available for camping during the 2020 season:

• Beartown State Forest
• Boston Harbor Islands State Park
• Federated Women’s Club State Forest
• Mt. Greylock State Reservation
• Mt. Washington State Forest
• Waquoit Bay – Washburn Island
• Willard Brook State Forest

The following site types will not be available for the 2020 season:

• Group campsites
• Yurts
• Cabins
• Safari Field at Scusset Beach
• Pavilions
• Picnic Areas
• Meeting Rooms

For more updated information on campsites and state parks in Massachusetts visit: mass.gov/camping and mass.gov/info

These campgrounds are still accepting new reservations as of June 22: 

Massoit State Park 

Located about an hour south of Boston in East Taunton, Massoit State Park sits on Lake Rico. It’s touted as a good place to camp in the fall because of the cranberry bogs and pine trees, but take advantage of the ponds and lake for fishing, canoeing, and boating. The extensive network of trails also makes it a great place for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Campsites include tent only sites ($17/night), plus standard and standard electric sites for RVs and campers. The first tent-only site is available starting July 12. Pets are allowed. For more information and to book: reserveamerica.com. 

Horseneck Beach State Reservation 

Hop in the car on a Thursday before the Cape traffic hits and head an hour and a half south of Boston to Horseneck State Reservation on Buzzard’s Bay. This campground is popular, but there are still reservations available late August and into September—which might not be a bad time to visit when the crowds diminish. Camping starts at $22/night for Massachusetts residents. There are accessible beaches from the campsite, but no pets are allowed from April 1-September 15.  For more information and to book: reserveamerica.com. 

Clarksburg State Park 

For those looking for a wilderness adventure, complete with the chance to see a black bear, head nearly three hours west to Clarksburg State Park directly south of the Vermont border and the Green Mountains. Campsites start at $17/night for residents, and the 368 acres of woodlands offer a variety of activities including hiking, swimming, and fishing. For more information and to book: reserveamerica.com.

Wompatuck State Park 

You’ve probably been to this massive park, which covers areas of Hingham, Scituate, and Cohasset, to hike or mountain bike on its extensive network of trails—and maybe even gotten lost a time or two—but this summer, make it home for a stay at its large network of campsites. With its 250 campsites, 12 miles of non-motorized roads, and 40 miles of forest trails, social distancing has never been easier—or more fun. This campsite might have the most availability due to its size, with sites starting at $17/night. Pets are permitted. For more information and to book: reserveamerica.com.

Winter Island Park 

Avoid the crowds of people who gather in Salem during October, and opt to experience the witch city during the summer from your camp site at Winter Island Park. The campgrounds sit right on the beach and tent sites start at $15/night. There’s public beach access, views of the historic Fort Pickering Lighthouse, as well as a Salem Tour Trolley stop, so you can head into town for a night. This park has quite a bit of availability for the summer and is only a 45-minute drive from Boston. For more information and to book: reserveamerica.com.