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!

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.