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Parker River National Wildlife Refuge

The best camping in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, MA

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Stories from the community

Joseph

November 2025

24 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Inn On The Horse Farm

Great experience. Met the host right when I arrived. Very convenient location to Concord and all of the Thoreau sites. I was left alone (which I always like when camping), and the site had a nice view off the back for stargazing at night. Would use it again if I am in the area.

Sandrine

November 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Quiet rural organic property

Julie is a perfect host. She was welcoming and resourceful. We love her space and it's proximity to Boston

Eric

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Boulder Brook

It’s a very professional campground! I loved being so close to the River and the surrounding nature was beautiful. It was great even in the fall but I’d love to go in the summer and enjoy the water features.

emma

November 2025

19 ft Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Harveys Hill

Fantastic pitch next to the cantina on top of the hill. Amazing views, wild turkeys roaming and little fishing pond. Cider apple donuts for sale on site down the track. Cantina has toilets, kitchen (no stove) and water. Wash room with hot showers at the house down the hill. Brilliant place to stay.

Jessenia

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Quiet rural organic property

Very nice quiet area to stop and Julie was nice and welcoming.

Marlo

October 2025

1 night at Inn On The Horse Farm

I absolutely loved this country setting and historic 1800’s cottage. It’s basically a whole house to yourself. You will want for nothing. Just bring yourself, clothes & food. There are pots, pans, dishes, utensils and everything you need for a relaxing stay. I sat in the kitchen most of the time, to watch the beautiful horse right outside the sliding glass door. Moonfield I believe his name is. I walked around the property and took in all the charm of this place. It’s decorated appropriately and suits this cottage perfectly. The queen bed was the most comfortable sleep Ive had in a long time. Joan responded to any questions I had with lighting speed. This was the perfect getaway and I can’t wait to book again in the future.

Leah

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wildcat

Kaedra was very kind and we enjoyed the site. The ground was soft and we had a lovely fire. Added bonus that it backs up onto a beautiful preserve and is walkable from the site. We would definitely stay again!

Erika

October 2025

3 nights at Inn On The Horse Farm

Had a pleasant three night stay. Clean and well equipped. Felt very safe and comfortable as a single female traveler.

MAURA L

October 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Grateful Acres by York Beach!

Brianna and her family are great hosts! They were very responsive and respectful. The spot has everything you need - electric, water, a hammock, solo stove, etc. It was perfect for my weekend meeting up with old friends in Ogunquit. I very much enjoyed my stay and will definitely be back! Thanks!

Nicolas

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at F.a.C Campout

Cheryl is a great host and the property is lovely. Such a cool place to visit. 100% recommend

Rosemary

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Wildcat

The campsite is connected to an awesome trail, I was super late and Kaedra was very courteous. Really lovely spot especially for this time of year

Debra

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

1 night at Quiet rural organic property

Nice and quiet. We had a good night's sleep. Julie is nice.

Thalia

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Inn On The Horse Farm

Nice tucked away house with a horse on property. The owner was very accommodating and despite having multiple rooms in the same house we were still able to have our privacy. Dog friendly and self check-in process.

YIFEI

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear + Bird Homestead

Second time visiting and as always friendly and clean! Had a great camp out in late fall weather

Antonella

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Boulder Brook

A simple campground that offered little conveniences that added up to a great stay. My group arrived right before check in to pick site 4, which has a mini parking lot and is right next to the stream, and close to the outhouse. You can hear the highway, but it’s distant and quiet at night. Beautiful property and pathways; the site did have small tree/plant stumps that were easy to trip on so just watch your step.

Chris

October 2025

21 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Grateful Acres by York Beach!

Beautiful property, great hosts, look forward to staying again.

Ellen

October 2025

28 ft Class C

With kids

1 night at Inn On The Horse Farm

Lovely spot! Easy to find, and the host is readily available by phone. Enjoyed the beautiful little pasture behind the parking spot with white-tailed deer, as well as the running path (Bruce Freeman Rail Trail) nearby for a morning jog through the forest boasting gorgeous fall colors. Plus, took the kids across the street before bedtime to play on the elementary school playground - perfectly accessible, yet felt very private. Would definitely recommend/would stay again.

Andy

October 2025

23 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Grateful Acres by York Beach!

Electricity, water, a level site, and a picnic spot. All we needed for this trip.

Leigh

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Bear + Bird Homestead

I had a lovely relaxing evening at this site! I like camping at remote sites but I can get creeped out if there's no one else around for miles. This was the perfect amount of privacy for me. You can see some houses and lights through the trees a bit but you won't see another person if you don't want to. The site is spacious with all the essentials. The owners were great. I live nearby and hope to return soon!

natalie

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Boulder Brook

Boulder Brook was the best campsite we could have stayed at! My group and I arrived just at check in so were able to check out all the sites quickly before choosing our own and all of them would have been perfect! The land is so well maintained and sites are far enough apart where I couldn’t hear any of the other groups at all. The outhouse was maintained perfectly and everything about the campsite was beautiful, clean, and welcoming. We walked around the property using the map shown at the campsite and it was all so beautiful and was such a gem. I will definitely be staying here in the future. Thank you Peter!

Top-rated campgrounds

Clover Hill Farm ☘️

98%

(22)

11mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.

Bakers Island Light Campsite

100%

(115)

15mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 3 sites · Tents · Salem, 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 ft 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 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 U.S. government to the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage). 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 $50 a night (you will need your own dinghy to get ashore). ALL CAMPERS MUST ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION AFTER BOOKING. DETAILS WILL BE SENT FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING. 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. 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.

Quiet rural organic property

97%

(45)

15mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · RV · East Kingston, NH

Learn more about this land: Only suitable for campers and RV's with their own toilet facilities. Site is level gravel driveway with use of backyard fire pit and table. Only one camper unit per night allowed in quiet rural neighborhood on small organic property.  Seasonal organic vegetables, fruit and farm-fresh eggs available. Electric is 20 amp, so please check your air conditioner requirements.  Can accommodate up to 30 ft unit. Pets welcome. 15 minutes from Kingston Lake State Park, 30 minutes from Hampton Beach State Park.

F.a.C Campout

95%

(234)

16mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 11 sites · Tents · 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). Please arrive before dark to guarantee reservation as meet and greet required as well as to be shown area. Our family practices kindness and encourages community. #NFA ⚡

Camp Hood.

98%

(25)

17mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent · Kingston, NH

Camp amongst huge pine trees on dead end road with waterfront on Half Moon pond.. Fire pit, camp wood nearby for sale, picnic table , multiple chairs , gas grill with side burner, electrical cable for you. AND MY DOG ARCHIE WILL BE AROUND. MIXED LABISH BREED. VERY CHILL DOG. NO LEASH. .. My house/batroom available 24/7 ..Shower NOT available.. . I have a floating dock so it wobbles, Kayak, canoe, and an electric trolling two per bass boat along with various floats, and fishing poles/tackle available. No license needed. AND EXCEPT FOR THE HOURS OF SUNSET, join if ya want, you will have acces to my stipped down 20 ft pontoon boat with electric trolling motor. Take it out and park it in the middle of the pond, swim ladder included. 50 minutes to Boston. 35 minutes to Hampton Beach /Portsmouth NH... 90 miles to White mtns

Bear + Bird Homestead

99%

(39)

21mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent · Brentwood, NH

Welcome to our home! We're glad to have you. Private, Exeter River camping with floating dock Primitive bucket toilet in privacy tent Hot/Cold Outdoor shower Well behaved dogs/leashed dogs are welcome 2 Min to Lindy's Country Store, 6 Min to Market Basket (and shopping plaza)/Epping Restaurants 15 minutes to downtown Exeter 20 minutes from Pawtuckaway State Park Over 300 acres of town forest hiking trails directly across the street.

Camp in the woods

96%

(111)

23mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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

Harveys Hill

100%

(41)

25mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Epping, NH

Harvey’s Hill is a private hilltop campsite with 360° sky views, unbeatable stargazing, and access to our rustic Cantina featuring bathrooms, warm running water, and a basic kitchen. Just 10 minutes off the highway in Epping, NH, it’s the perfect stopover or peaceful escape. Harvey's Hill has been a beloved part of Epping for generations. In the summer, you might see small planes taking off from the hilltop airstrip or locals walking their dogs up to catch the sunset. In the fall, my aunt Erica makes donuts down in the Milk Room, and in the winter, the hill fills with sledders racing down its snowy slope. Many celebrations have taken place here over the years, including weddings, reunions, and picnics. The Cantina is a new addition to the top of the hill. It includes three bathrooms, a kitchen, and electricity. While simple and minimalist, these amenities make the site more comfortable, and we hope they enhance your stay.

Appleseed Flower Farm at York Beach

94%

(26)

28mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · York, ME

Surround yourself in the natural beauty of a working flower farm in Maine in this quiet, secluded location that's close to area beaches, lighthouses, and more. Located about an acre behind our family home (which you can see from the spot), the camp site is within steps of our barn, which has both running water and electrical hookups (20amps) for campers to use. An open field next door plays host to numerous deer and turkeys, and the flower fields feature a rotating lineup of beautiful blooms (depending on the time of the season.) We are located off a busy street where cars drive a little too fast — if you have a dog that needs to be walked daily, we would recommend stopping by the beach or one of the many nearby walking trails instead of venturing down the road. Max length of vehicles is 30 feet -- we've found that any longer and the turns are too tight. 10 mins to grocery store (Hannaford) and gas stations 12 mins to local beaches (Long Sands and Short Sands) 15 mins to Portsmouth, NH 20 mins to Nubble Lighthouse 25 mins to Ogunquit, ME 35 mins to Kennebunkport, ME 45 mins to Portland, ME This is a working flower flower farm and on occasion there will need to be someone working in the field near to the campsite, often during the very early hours of the morning (5am during the spring and summer, later in the fall.) That said, we don't use tractors or any heavy machinery and we will always make our best effort to communicate this ahead of time. Lastly, for the summer of 2025 we have a longterm camper and his dog located further back on the property behind the barn. The rest of this listing remains unchanged, but we just wanted to make people aware!

Boulder Brook

98%

(169)

30mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 6 sites · Tents · Candia, NH

Secluded in the wilderness, Boulder Brook Hipcamp has private tent sites right next to a babbling brook. The access road is a nice gravel .6 mile long road that is not maintained in the Winter. There is firewood for sale via Venmo right in the parking area, $6 per bundle. There is also a nice outhouse. There are 4 first come, first serve sites with tent platforms and fire pits. There is quick access to the Rockingham Recreational Trail, which is ideal for walking, mountain biking, and exploring. There is also a great swimming hole nearby called Chivers Pond. The campsites are located on the back corner of the Chivers Farm property and seasonal farm goods will be available for campers to purchase coming in 2025.

Riverside Camp at Brandmoore

97%

(95)

33mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · Rollinsford, NH

This is a very historic area with the Salmon Falls River being big enough for gundalows to travel to bring goods upriver in the 19th century. Story has it that cows were brought to New England on this land!Learn more about this land:Set up your tent in a flat, grassy area near the Salmon Falls River. In the barnyard of our dairy farm while being very peaceful and clean. You may hear the cows in the morning!There is a covered 'sawmill building' with a picnic table for you to enjoy.

Grateful Acres by York Beach!

92%

(19)

33mi from Parker River National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cape Neddick, ME

Whether you're looking for a home base for a beach or hiking adventure, or a peaceful getaway, Grateful Acres is truly a heaven we want to share with you! Our beautiful spot for your camper or tent is located minutes from Short and Long Sands beaches, Mt. A, and 8 minutes to Ogunquit, you’ll have access to all Maine’s southern seacoast has to offer. Build a campfire. Read a book. Soak in salt of the ocean. Or embark and explore top rated restaurants, beaches, museums, parks, and outdoor adventures!

The best camping in Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, MA guide

Overview

About

A Parker River National Wildlife Refuge camping experience is a dream come true for those who have a passion for wildlife observation and photography. Located in a pristine environment, this refuge offers unparalleled views and encounters with nature's finest. From the majestic flight of birds to the stealthy movements of foxes, every moment here is a potential snapshot waiting to be captured. The refuge is not just a haven for photographers but also for those who love to immerse themselves in nature. With a mix of boardwalks, natural trails, and both paved and unpaved roads, campers have a plethora of choices for hiking, walking, or jogging. These paths are more than just routes; they are gateways to observing elusive wildlife like the barred owls, which might be challenging to spot from a vehicle. For those visiting during the bustling summer months, walking can be an excellent way to explore the refuge, especially when vehicle access might be limited. And while the refuge is a sanctuary for many species, it's essential to remember that dog walking is not permitted, ensuring the wildlife remains undisturbed. Camping near Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're setting up a tent to the soothing sounds of nature or embarking on a trail in hopes of spotting a rare bird, the refuge promises an unforgettable experience. So, why wait? Plan your next camping trip near Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and dive deep into the wonders of nature.

When to go

The best times to visit Parker River National Wildlife Refuge are during the spring and fall migrations, offering a spectacle of avian diversity. Summer provides warm weather for beach activities, while winter is ideal for spotting owls. Avoid peak times in summer to escape closures due to high visitor volume.

Know before you go

Check the refuge's operating hours, open from sunrise to sunset, and visitor center hours from 9am to 4pm.
Be aware of seasonal beach closures to protect the threatened piping plovers.
Remember, pets are not allowed, ensuring the safety of the refuge's wildlife.
Accessibility is prioritized, with several wheelchair-accessible trails and overlooks available.
Entry fees apply: $5 per car or $2 for bikers and walkers, with various passes accepted.

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