Beach camping in Massachusetts with fishing

The Bay State is bigger than Boston, with peaceful beaches, historic parks, and state forests.

100% (51 reviews)
100% (51 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Massachusetts

3 top beach campgrounds in Massachusetts with fishing

100%
(107)

Bakers Island Light Campsite

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Beverly, MA
Bakers Island Light Station is located on Bakers Island in Salem Sound, a 60-acre island with a large summer colony. The lighthouse stands at 59 feet tall and continues to guide ships in and out of Salem Harbor with an alternating 20-second white-red light. The 10-acre light station, which includes six historic structures such as two keepers houses, an oil house, and a lantern room (now operating as a gift shop), is located in the northwest quadrant of the island and was formally owned and operated by the US Coast Guard. The rest of the island is in private ownership including the Bakers Island Wharf. The deed to historic Bakers Island Light Station was transferred on August 27, 2014, from the United States government to the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage). Learn more about this land: Rated #1 Hipcamp site in Massachusetts by Outdoor Magazine in 2020! Enjoy the sights and sounds of off-the-grid coastal living at the Bakers Island Light Station Campsite. Set up your tent on a raised platform and take in the beauty of Salem Sound. Meet the summer lighthouse keepers, stroll through island trails, and unwind...just three miles off the coast of Salem! Getting to camp: PLEASE READ - the only way to get to Bakers Island Light Campsite is by boat. You have three options: 1) Use your own kayaks and paddle out to our beach (this is recommended for advanced kayakers only). 2) Take our landing craft, Naumkeag, out to the island for $70 per person. (Boat departs from Blaney Street dock on Friday at noon and picks you up from the Island on Sunday at noon). FREE overnight parking is available there. 3) Take your own boat, and rent a mooring for $59 a night (you will need your own dinghy to get ashore). Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that operates and maintains the 10-acre light station at Bakers Island, with the mission of public access and preservation.  IMPORTANT: The $60 per night fee covers 4 people per site. The absolute capacity for each site is 4 people, and you must provide us the name of each guest prior to arrival. TRANSPORTATION: Bakers Island Light Station is a remote island located in Salem Sound. There are a few ways to get there, including taking the Essex Heritage landing craft (additional fee per person) from Salem, renting a mooring at the light station for your own boat, or kayaking. ALL CAMPERS MUST ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION AFTER BOOKING. DETAILS WILL BE SENT FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING.
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Beach camping in Massachusetts with fishing guide

Overview

New England’s quintessential state, Massachusetts is chock-full of outdoor opportunities. Whether you go camping close to Boston or explore RV campgrounds in the state's west, you can't go wrong at a Massachusetts campground. Try an RV resort to experience the best of Cape Cod, or if you prefer freshwater to saltwater, rent a tent campsite at a state park to unwind. History buffs will want to spend some time south of Boston to hike around Plymouth and other historic towns.

Where to go

Cape Cod

Beaches along Cape Cod come in all sizes and styles, from the romantic to the family-friendly. Family camping thrives in the area. Drive your RV to Scusset Beach State Reservation on the southwest edge of Cape Cod Bay. If glamping is more your speed, head to Falmouth, Martha's Vineyard, or Nantucket for a getaway along the Atlantic Ocean.

Plymouth

Stop in Wompatuck State Park en route to the Pilgrim Memorial State Park. The latter is a must-stop for United States history enthusiasts, while campsites in Myles Standish State Forest offer everything. Tent and RV campgrounds come with access to hiking trails, as well as opportunities to ride horses, bike, and sail. In the snowy months, you can even snowmobile or cross-country ski.

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

North of Boston, Salisbury Beach State Reservation sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Merrimack River. RV parks come with electric and water hookups, while the gorgeous purple sand beaches of Plum Island are just a stone’s throw away.

Inland Massachusetts

The coast gets all the credit, but Massachusetts is more than its beaches. Inland, you’ll find the Quabbin Reservoir, which boasts beautiful views and trails. Head further west, and you’ll encounter Peru State Forest or Granville State Forest, where surrounding campsites are a hiker’s dream.

When to go

When it comes to New England camping, it’s a safe bet to seek out the summer weather. However, popular places like Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard are often crowded in the summertime. So if you prefer seclusion to the sun, book your rental in the shoulder-seasons. You may not be able to swim, but there’s never a bad time of the year to gaze at the ocean.

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