The best camping in Bradley Palmer State Park, MA

·

Discover the scenic trails and historic charm of Bradley Palmer State Park.  

The best camping in Bradley Palmer State Park, MA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Bakers Island Light Campsite

1. Bakers Island Light Campsite

100%
(115)
9.7mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 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.
Toilets
Picnic table
from 
$60
 / night
Camp.

4. Camp Hood.

98%
(25)
21mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 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
Campfires
Toilets
Showers
from 
$80
 / night
Ponderings at White Pond

9. Ponderings at White Pond

98%
(53)
29mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$165
 / night
Harveys Hill

10. Harveys Hill

100%
(41)
30mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Wildcat

13. Wildcat

99%
(48)
33mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 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!
Campfires
Toilets
Potable water
from 
$35
 / night
Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground

14. Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground

94%
(86)
33mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$92
 / night
GLAMPING!!!!!! Tent available if you decide to camp outside.

15. Vintage camper, waterfront &firepit

94%
(110)
36mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Canton, MA
Get outside and bring the dog! Glamping tiny house style. Vintage RV with attached enclosed room. Your own waterfront beach with campfire pit.  Dogs welcome! Very close to neighbors in a quite secluded neighborhood, 10 miles from Boston. Experience the natural beauty of Massachusetts just a few miles outside of Boston, Blue Hills Reservation stretches over 7,000 acres with 125 miles of trails to explore through forests and wetlands, up hills and more.   Peace and serenity 19 miles from downtown Boston MA.   Bring the dog for swimming. Kayak and canoe in the back yard at the waters edge. Marshmallows and firewood included. Linens included. Space in backyard to pitch an extra tent for guests.  Parking on lot in front of camper. Hiking trails around the lake.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$125
 / night
Appleseed Flower Farm at York Beach

17. Appleseed Flower Farm at York Beach

94%
(26)
36mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 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!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Peaceful Convenience

18. Peaceful Convenience

100%
(53)
37mi from Bradley Palmer State Park · 2 sites · Lodging · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bradley Palmer State Park adventure.

Camper favorites near Bradley Palmer State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Calendar icon
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
Van icon
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Star icon
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.

Stories from the community

Other options near Bradley Palmer State Park

The best camping in Bradley Palmer State Park, MA guide

Overview

About

Camping near Bradley Palmer State Park offers an eclectic blend of history, nature, and outdoor activities that will captivate any camper's heart. The park itself is a treasure trove of experiences, starting with its iconic mansion, the Willowdale Estate. Once the hub for Harvard reunions and governmental gatherings, the stone-built mansion now serves as a venue for public events like historical tours and holiday celebrations. It's a fascinating glimpse into the past, right in the middle of nature. But let's talk trails, shall we? Bradley Palmer State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're into walking, hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, the park's trails have got you covered. The Bay Circuit Trail and the Discover Hamilton Trail intersect here, offering varied terrains for all levels of adventurers. And if you're visiting in the fall, don't be surprised to see horses trotting along; the park is a popular spot for equestrian activities, including organized fox hunts from neighboring farms. A Bradley Palmer State Park camping experience also opens up opportunities for other activities. Fancy a day of canoeing or fishing? The park has facilities for both. There's even a handicapped-accessible wading pool, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a splash. And let's not forget the picnicking spots, perfect for a laid-back meal amidst nature. In essence, camping near Bradley Palmer State Park offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it an ideal destination for campers looking to explore history, nature, and a whole lot of outdoor fun.

When to go

The best time to visit Bradley Palmer State Park is from late spring to early fall, when the park's flora is in full bloom and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Peak bloom typically occurs in mid-June, offering a spectacular display. Winters can be cold, but offer serene snow-covered landscapes for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's hours before planning your visit; it's open from sunrise to sunset.
  • A daily parking fee applies from May 14 through October 30, with different rates for MA residents and non-residents.
  • Accessible trails and beach wheelchairs are available, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park.
  • Remember that hunting is permitted in designated areas, so always stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Facilities include restrooms, picnic areas, and a spray deck, enhancing your park experience.

Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.