The best camping near Harold Parker State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Harold Parker adventure.

88% (8 reviews)

Discover the natural allure of Harold Parker State Forest's trails and tranquil ponds.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Harold Parker State Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Harold Parker State Forest

Morning sunrises light up the open evergreen woods.

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Harold Parker Campground

84 sites · RVs, Tents In Harold Parker State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Harold Parker State Forest

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Toi Moi Gloucester

1 site · RV6 acres · Gloucester, MA

Our property is over 5.5 acres, with a working saw mill, a barn, a wine bar and art studio, an airbnb, and our home. We are located within a few minutes of Rt. 128 giving you easy access to everything Cape Ann has to offer, without any street noise or neighbors. At the site you will find: 30A 120V hookup 20A 120V hookup The RV Tuckaway simply offers a quiet, peaceful and private place to park and enough space on the gravel pad to put out chairs and hang out. We can supply a Gloucester trash bag (big enough for a couple standard kitchen bags of trash) for $15 and dispose of it for you. We will provide a small, standard recycling bin free of charge, as long as the recycling refuse is contained to the bin. There are so many things to do here, it's impossible to give a comprehensive list, however we'll try to give you a quick shot at our favorites: Beaches: Wingaersheek Beach, Singing Beach, Good Harbor Athletic/Outdoors: Cape Ann SUP, Canoe/Kayak on Walker Creek, Essex River Restaurants: Talise, Short & Main, Feather & Wedge Shops: Pastaio, Helen's Bottle Shop Bakeries: Honeycomb, Bonny Breads, Sandpiper Art/Museum: Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, Rocky Neck Art Colony, CAM If there's something specific you're curious about, just ask us!

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Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

SPRING '24 NOTE: The late snow and heavy traffic have played havoc with the access road. Please do NOT book the site from our driveway if you don't have 4WD. Best to check first with your host to ensure the access road is passable to your type of vehicle. (back to our regularly scheduled camp description...) Camp alongside the tree lined bank of the Souhegan River. Fall to sleep to the sound of river flowing over the rocks up stream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp above the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine and shag bark hickory and listen to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we can better keep our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the downstream end of the property and is completely private. You'll see nothing from your site but trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like dogs, this is the site you want. It's far easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in canoes or kayaks. In the dry season, this is a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since the rapids upstream become unpassable in late July and August. Now that TENTRR has gone bankrupt, Site 2 is available year round. If NH gets clobbered by snow, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road.

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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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Rinconcito Wildcat

1 site · Tent2 acres · Littleton, MA

Campsites are situated in the wooded area on our property land that integrates into hundreds of acres of conservation land with hiking trails that are also great for XC skiing, kettle ponds, and wetlands. The property is surrounded on 3 sides by conservation land with trails, 45 minutes - 1 hour from Boston and 10 minute drive to groceries, stores and restaurants. The house is right off a country road with our property and conservation land both across the street and behind our house. The area is in the heart of New England and is beautiful at all times of year. Minutes from Rte 495 and 2, we are along a popular bike route, 10 minutes from Carlson Orchards and the bistro/cafe Harvard General Store.

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SnugLife Camping

2 sites · Lodging, Tents52 acres · Wilton, NH

Keith & I are happy to share our 52-acre slice of paradise with campers and fellow dog-enthusiasts. Come enjoy the Souhegan River, the woods and the myriad activities that southern NH has to offer. We're only 65 miles from Boston, but feel like you've left the world behind... Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @snuglifecamping - because... The snuggle is real...

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F.a.C Campout

13 sites · Tents30 acres · Exeter, NH

A shared space for the animals and the artist. We are working on becoming sustainable into the future where we can gather to work on our art in a loving natural and healthy environment. We welcome you to come relax and rejuvinate on this sacred ground. We ask you respectfully carry in carry out any trash. The farm can accommodate and accept your empty recyclables and compostable material (meat is NOT an allowed compost item). 3 bay commercial sink w/hot cold water access(n/a winter).Our family practices kindness and encourages community. #NFA ⚡

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Hood Camp

1 site · Tent1 acre · Kingston, NH

The pond accessed down steep steps . Zeus the big German Shepherd neighbor's dog will be present.. He's a big baby and sweetheart and very smart. . I can be present, or leave you completely alone . You will be amongst huge pine trees. Very private on a dead end road with waterfront on Half Moon pond.. Dock, kayak, and an electric trolling boat bass boat along with various floats, and fishing poles available. 1 campsite for 2 tents, max 6 persons within 50 minutes to Boston. 35 minutes to Hampton Beach... 90 minutes to White Mtns... Out the back door is walking access to miles and hours of trails through the woods of Kingston Town Forest and adjacent Conservation Land.. Fire pit and wood, on site along with picnic table, chairs , . Perfect for car campers.

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Peaceful Convenience

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Bolton, MA

Come experience New England, embrace the silence, enjoy this 2.5 Acres property Abutting over 100 acres of protected wetlands with access to a private Home; bathroom, screened in porch, use of kitchen for coffee etc. all to enjoy. A babbling brook, hammock trees, peaceful, and serene. The surrounding area is a right to farm community with local beautiful farms within five minutes in every direction property is on a known bike route (2 bikes available for use) The town host a wonderful winery local coffee shop and hiking trails (map book on site) multiple area conservation lands. Bolton is known for its apple farms in the fall for picking and spring time blossoms. August through September harvest (my favorite) plenty of pick your own everything! We have great historic towns surrounding us like concord, Harvard and Hudson voted best small town in America, so much history, dinning etc. cross country skiing. Convenient location to Boston. If looking for an stress free escape the home also offers 2 guest rooms available for rent within a meditative shared space. Fire pit outdoors, fireplace in doors.

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(94)

Camp in the woods

4 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Fremont, NH

Grandfather once lived on the property of a popular local restaurant owner original well and foundation still on site right on conservation trails with plenty of hiking biking and wildlifeLearn more about this land:3 acres private with hundreds of acres of hiking or biking abutting conservation land and 20 minutes from Hampton beach located 5 min from rt 101 and 125 new England dragway is 10 minutes away entrance can be muddy no low car access you need to walk in 500' or have AWD small building on property for fall hunting

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(5)

Apex Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · South Hampton, NH

A farm in the woods! Peaceful 3.5 acres of fields, woods, trails. Hunting, walking, biking or horse back riding. Right next to a state forest where great blue herons nest. The powwow river where kayakers and paddle boarders coast down to Lake Gardner is right down the road. Close to beach and mountains and only minutes from historic downtown Newburyport and Amebsury, MA. 10 minutes from 495 and 95.

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Patti's Beaver Pond

1 site · RV1 acre · Lincoln, MA

We are in a suburban area (Lincoln, MA) which is next to Concord and Lexington. This is a historical area with Lexington Battle Green, historical houses and civil war reenactments. We are close to Walden Pond and many hiking and bike trails. We are also close to the communter train to Boston and surrounds. Email if you need additional info about how to get into other towns.

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(6)

Estate of Mind

13 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Whitinsville, MA

We are a collaborative creative coliving community restoring a historic estate. The property has 20 acres of forest and 5 acres of buildings, lawns, parking, gardens, etc. The forest is split by a small stream, with a few trails including some that lead to adjacent public forest. Our onsite activities tend to focus on art projects, musical events, crafty and creative endeavors, etc. We often have group dinners, open to the public on at least Sundays.

The best camping near Harold Parker State Forest guide

Overview

About

Lookin’ to ditch Beantown but don’t have much time? Well, Harold Parker State Forest just twenty miles north covers 3,000 acres of white pine forest to go off adventuring in. Fun activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing–motor propelled boats are a no-no however. Not ready to head back to the city yet? Then stay over at the nearby campground just two miles down the road. The sites themselves are wicked spread out and offer a prime-time forest camping experience. And it gets better! Each is equipped with a grill and picnic table for you and your whole crew to enjoy.

Notable campgrounds

The Lorraine Park Campground offers a classic camping experience with 89 sites suitable for tents and RVs alike.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak summer months.
Check for cancellations regularly to snag a last-minute reservation.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability.
Explore nearby camping options if the park is fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Harold Parker State Forest is from May to October when the park is fully accessible and activities like swimming and boating can be enjoyed. Winter offers a quiet, snowy retreat for cross-country skiing and ice skating.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for New England's variable conditions.
Parking fees apply from mid-May to October; have cash on hand for the $5 resident or $20 non-resident fee.
Accessible facilities are available, including camping sites and restrooms.
Remember to pack out all trash and respect the no-alcohol policy.
Wildlife is abundant, so keep a safe distance and store food securely.