Top 5 Family Campgrounds Near Boston

As a full-time traveling family, a lot of the campgrounds on our list are geared towards families. However, there aren’t a lot of campgrounds near Boston so the fact these 5 are family oriented is more coincidence than anything. It is worth noting that I did not include any state parks as those don’t usually cater to families and are more geared to minimalistic camping. No Massachusetts state parks have full hookups which is another reason I didn’t include them.  While I usually love that kind of camping, I wouldn’t consider them top 5 when talking about the best of the best in the area for RVer’s.

Here are my top 5 campgrounds near Boston, Massachusetts:

  1. Normandy Farms- Foxborough
  2. Yogi Bears Jellystone Park, Cranberry Acres- Carver
  3. Boston/ Cape Cod KOA- Middleboro
  4. Pinewood Lodge Campground- Plymouth
  5. Spacious Skies Minuteman- Littleton 

Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort

Normandy Farms is one of the top camping resorts not only in the country but also the world. The grounds are meticulously maintained, and they have activities for the entire family. With two playgrounds, four pools, RC track, 18-hole disc golf course, and a full activities calendar, you never have to leave the resort. 

Image from Normandy Farms Website

If you do decide to leave, Boston is only 45 minutes away by car. You can also drive 10 minutes to the Foxboro Commuter Rail station. The commuter rail is located just outside of Patriots Place/ Gillette Stadium. There are many dining and shopping options there making it its own destination. You can also visit the Patriots Hall of Fame while you’re there.

The rates are a little hard to follow on their site but if you do a mock booking, you’ll see what you can expect to pay. For a week in a full hookup site, it’s going to cost north of $800. It’s definitely one of the most expensive places on this list but it’s also the best. If you check out the reviews on RV Life, you’ll see that many people agree the rates are high but also fair for the amount of amenities they offer. 

If you’re looking to book a stay there, you’ll have to book it early. When I say early, I mean like about a year early if you’re looking to go during their peak season. They book early and fast so keep that in mind when planning your trip to Boston.  

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres

This is another resort style campground that offers many amenities for families and kids to enjoy. From a water park to laser tag, mini golf, and a new game called “Gellyball” (think airsoft or paintball but much softer so younger kids can enjoy) there are plenty of activities to keep the whole family busy. 

Image from Yogi Bear Jellystone Campground’s Website

Jellystone is another resort that you don’t have to leave to find entertainment. However, since we’re talking about being close to Boston, you can drive 20 minutes to either the Kingston or Middleboro commuter rail stations. If you wanted to drive directly into the city, it would take you about an hour. Plymouth is about 15 minutes away where you can find lots to do, see, and eat especially during the summer season. 

Rates at Jellystone are pretty similar to what you’d find at Normandy Farms. You can expect to pay $100 or more per night. It does depend on the time of year you visit and for the length of time you stay. Keep in mind, a lot of their water activities don’t open till after Memorial Day and are usually weekends only until the middle of the summer. However, because you’re close to Boston, Plymouth, and Cape Cod you will have plenty of options to keep you busy. 

Boston/ Cape Cod Holiday

We typically love KOA’s for the simple fact that we always know what to expect from them. Of course, there are exceptions, but for the most part you can expect friendly staff, large full hook up sites, and plenty of activities for kids. In our experience the campgrounds are always well maintained, and they offer amenities like firewood delivery and trash pick-up. The Boston/ Cape Cod KOA is one of our favorite KOA’s that we’ve been to so far for these reasons.

Our site in a recent stay at Boston/ Cape Cod KOA Holiday. This one is a little tight, some are a little more spacious.

It is in Middleboro, Massachusetts and Boston can be accessed from the commuter rail which is a 10-minute drive from the campground. You can also drive to Boston which would take you about an hour depending on traffic. Because this campground is south of Boston like the others I’ve mentioned so far, Plymouth, MA is only 20 minutes away and the bridges to Cape Cod are only 30 minutes away. This is a perfect location for exploring all three destinations. 

The campground features a playground, pool, jumping pillow, and a lot of other outdoor recreation activities. On weekends in the summer their activities calendar in filled with things for kids of all ages to participate in. One our favorites is the outdoor movie on the lawn. 

The rates at the Boston/ Cape Cod KOA are steep as well. Depending on site type and day of the week, you can pay anywhere from $75/night to over $100/ night. We typically book a site in the highlands section. It’s in a secluded area in the back of the campground away from the amenities, but it provides a quiet experience, especially at night when sitting by the fire. 

Pinewood Lodge Campground

Pinewood Lodge is probably my favorite campground in Massachusetts. It too is located south of Boston and close to Plymouth and Cape Cod. The sites here are very spacious and the tall pines that cover the campground are beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. 

Our site in a recent stay at Pinewood Lodge Campground. Nice, spacious site with a beautiful fire pit (left).

While activities for children aren’t as plentiful as the others I have mentioned, there is still plenty to do. There are two playgrounds, a beach on a pond/lake to swim and fish in, as well as volleyball, basketball and horseshoes. During the peak season they also have a busy activities schedule for adults and children. 

From here you can take the commuter rail from Kingston which is about 15 minutes away. You can also drive north on Route 3 which will take you about an hour depending on traffic. Plymouth Harbor is a quick 10-minute drive and the bridges to Cape Cod are about 20 minutes away. 

Rates here start at $55/night for no hookups up to $75/night for full hookups. Of all the campgrounds I’ve mentioned so far, this is by far the least expensive. However, they have less amenities than the other’s. There are a very small number of full hookup sites available for non seasonals so be sure to book early if you are visiting during the peak season.

Spacious Skies Minuteman

This is the only campground on this list that is north of Boston. Spacious Skies, like KOA’s is a franchise with a reputation for pristine campgrounds and lots of amenities. Of course there are one offs with Spacious Skies as well. Minuteman is set in a forested setting with mostly spacious and private sites providing a relaxing atmosphere.

 

Image of site taken from Spacious Skies Minuteman’s website.

For amenities they offer a pool, playground, arcade, and other outdoor recreation. They too have a jammed packed activities schedules on the weekends throughout their entire season which ends at the end of November.

To get to Boston, you can take the commuter rail from Ayer, MA only 5 minutes away. If you want to drive it will take about an hour depending on traffic. Notice I keep saying that throughout this blog. That is because Boston traffic is, tough, depending on the time of day you’re traveling. 

What’s great about their season ending in November is that you can drive 45 minutes to an hour to get to Salem, MA for their Halloween celebration. Yes, the same Salem as the infamous Salem Witch Trials. 

Rates here will vary on season and length of stay. However, you can expect to pay $80/night or more during their peak season. That makes this campground middle of the road when compared to the others on this list. 

Recap

Boston and the surrounding areas are filled with things to do and see. If you’re into history, this is the place for you. If you’re into food, this is the place for you. If you love sports, this is the place for you. With so much to do and see, you’ll need a nice place to lay your head at night so you can recharge and see more the next day. 

These five campgrounds are great options for you and you families to stay while you explore the area. If you need a day to relax in the campground, you’ll be able to relax while the kids go play in the playgrounds or in the pool.  

Keep in mind that during the peak season, all these places fill fast, so be sure to make your Boston plans early before they sell out. 

I hope you all enjoyed this post. If you did, please give it a like below and subscribe to blog so you can be alerted to new post. Also, feel free to leave a comment if you have any others you would add to this list. 

Thank you all for reading. God bless and stay safe!

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