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Harold Parker State Forest

The best camping in Harold Parker State Forest, MA

94% (9)

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

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Stories from the community

Anna

2 weeks ago

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Turtle Path Camping Site

Emily and her husband were very kind and accommodating. They have a lovely property and, while tricky to back into, it was a great place to be for a week. The woods behind the house are nice and there are many trails nearby to hike and explore. Quiet, pleasant , and beautiful area all around.

Jessica

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Peaceful Convenience

It was a perfect spot to stop off and refuel after a week on the road in our van. Thank you for having us Danielle!

Oxana

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Vintage camper, waterfront &firepit

It’s a beautiful place to get away from the city, recommended.

Kim

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Pine Brook Retreat

Perfect peaceful spot to relax and shut down. We didn't really need anything but we knew April was there if we did. There are a lot of little things April leaves in the cabin in case you forget anything which is appreciated. It is decorated so cute with little lights inside which I appreciated at night. The spot is gorgeous with the sound and sights of a brook and trees. What more could you ask for? Sitting by the fire watching the moon rise and sipping coffee with the sun rise was so enjoyable. We didn't bring our dogs but will in the future. A great spot for them. You are in nature and have total peace but with the security of knowing April is right there if needed and hiking and stores are close by if you need them. Highly recommend this spot.

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.

Siobhan

October 2025

Weekend Trip to SnugLife Camping

Jody and Keith’s site was beautiful. The stove in the tent kept it cozy throughout the autumn night. They provided a garden cart to transport our things which was helpful. The air mattress was as comfortable as an air mattress can be. Jody and Keith recommended that we bring lights, since we were arriving after sunset, but we foolishly overestimated the power of our phone flashlights. So definitely bring a few lanterns. I would definitely stay again. It was beautiful by the river.

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

Mariah

October 2025

1 night at Pine Brook Retreat

Cutest little cabin nestled in a well loved place. The area built out for camping was so lovely and everything in the cabin was well thought out. We were unfortunately there during a burn ban but there was a lovely propane fire we were able to use and it was perfect. Listening to the creek while drinking my morning coffee was so so perfect.

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.

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!

Julio

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Does not suck😋 camp!!

Excellent host, he was very helpful. We used the pontoon all day with my 13-year-old son and his buddies. We were actually pretty successful at fishing with live bait. We got some decent sized bass and a couple of bluegill sunfish, which we ate that night in tacos. The area for the tents is comfortable and the host let us use his bathroom. He also has a big grill and perfect setup for a fire. He was very responsive and had great advice on local activities and fishing. We’ll happily go back.

Nikki

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to SnugLife Camping

Cozy site, met Keith who was very welcoming and helpful. Peaceful, private, had a great time! Site was clean upon arrival. Felt safe as a solo female camper!

Top public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Harold Parker State Forest

When there's few people around and skies are clear, who needs a tent? Campsite #75.

94%

(9)

Harold Parker Campground

84 sites · Tents, RVs · in Harold Parker State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds

Bakers Island Light Campsite

100%

(115)

16mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 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.

Clover Hill Farm ☘️

98%

(22)

18mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 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.

Patti's Beaver Pond

100%

(11)

18mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 1 site · RV · 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.

Quiet rural organic property

97%

(44)

20mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 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.

Does not suck😋 camp!!

98%

(25)

20mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 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

Ponderings at White Pond

98%

(53)

21mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 1 site · Lodging · Concord Ma, MA

Once written about by Henry David Thoreau in Walden. He called it one of the "emerald eyes of the world" . A magical place yet so close to Boston.Learn more about this land:This winter we are offering up our cottage with an additional winterized tent for studio or additional guests. You need to walk about 100 yards down a gravel path to get to our secluded home. It is heated with two pellet stoves. One in the bedroom wing, the other in the livingroom/kitchen. Skating, ice fishing, and crosscountry skiing right outside your door when the weather is right. Peace and calm when the weather is harsh. The house is fully stocked with cooking. linens, and a bathroom. During the summer, glamping in our greenhouse-tent for peace and tranquility. It is under a canopy of trees with a cool pond breeze prevailing. The bed and linens are first rate for a very comfortable stay. There are shelves, potable water and a desk within. It is heated in the cool temps and fan cooled in the warmer days. There is a canoe and paddleboard available to borrow. The main house is attached by decks, the bathroom is shared with the main house and there is a kitchen for you to use. The 40 acre pond is 65 feet deep. It is a kettle pond which is spring fed with no river inlets to pollute it. Access is a little tricky with 100 yard hike from the parking area down a steep slope. The pond is stocked with bass and trout for great fishing. The birds are amazing. Henry David Thoreau wrote about White Pond in his book, Walden as the "emerald eyes of the world." This is a place that magic happens.

Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground

94%

(86)

24mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 100 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Littleton, MA

Escape the bustle without sacrificing convenience at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Nestled in historic Littleton’s pine forests, our campground offers a peaceful retreat steps away from iconic National Historic Parks and Walden Pond. Choose wooded or open sites for your RV or tent, enjoy modern amenities like our heated pool and rec hall, and let the kids and pups run free in the playground and dog runs. Need a break from cooking? Our camp store has you covered, plus local restaurants deliver! Cozy cabins are also available. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of nature and city access – book your stay today! Relax in the heart of history at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Our campground’s tranquil, wooded setting near legendary Walden Pond and National Historic Parks offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Whether you’re in an RV, tent, or one of our cozy cabins, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable adventure: picnic tables, fire rings, full hookups, plus a heated pool, playground, rec hall, and even dog runs for your furry companions. Need a break from camp cooking? Our well-stocked camp store has essentials, and nearby restaurants offer takeout and delivery options for those lazy campground evenings. Explore the rich history of the region, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, or take a quick trip into Boston – the choice is yours! Spacious Skies Minute Man provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban access. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of both worlds! Our prime location and fantastic amenities mean sites fill up quickly. Book your getaway today and create memories that will last a lifetime at Spacious Skies Minute Man.

Wildcat

99%

(48)

24mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 1 site · Tent · 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 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. We have goats, chickens, and lambs that guests can say hi to. Please note: Guests may camp only on the terrace unless otherwise approved. There is a woodpile next to the parking - we regret thqt we cannot share this with guests but it’s our winter heat source!

Inn On The Horse Farm

91%

(17)

24mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging · Sudbury, MA

Guest have nine acres to wander around with old stone walls, towering majestic trees of all kinds and a Pond. There are two horses in the pastures, an Arabian Stallion and a Quarterhorse Mare. The walking trail goes all around the nine acres, past the horses in their pastures, past the pond where you can sit and enjoy the views.

Bear + Bird Homestead

99%

(39)

24mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 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.

F.a.C Campout

95%

(234)

24mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 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 in the woods

96%

(111)

26mi from Harold Parker State Forest · 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

The best camping in Harold Parker State Forest, MA 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.

94%

9 ratings · 2 reviews

July 2016

Harold Parker Campground

We stayed there last summer & made it our base camp for Salem. If we ever get back to Mass. we'll be there again. A surprisingly "wild" camping experience central to the Boston & The Northeast section of Mass. Get a spot on the pond. We were right across from the bathroom, which has showers & flush toilets. There are no hookups (no electricity). They do take reservations which I would recommend in the summer.

Cynthia K.

9 years on Hipcamp

September 2015

Harold Parker Campground

Harold Parker State Campground is the perfect distance from Boston for small one- or two-day escapes. I recently packed my pannier and headed up for a sunday evening stay. The ride from Boston is a pleasant two hour trip up through some small towns and rural roads, and has bike lanes most of the way. On a Sunday evening in the Fall the park is mostly empty, which means you get the bright and open camp grounds all to yourself! I had a blast exploring the trails through the state park on my cyclecross bike, and watching sunset over Fresh Lake. This is definitely me default quick getaway from the city!