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Everything you need to know about camping at Massachusetts state parks this season
The season runs from April to November.
Campers will again sleep under the stars at Massachusetts state parks when the 2026 season begins this week.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) offers camping at more than 30 parks across the state, and the season begins on April 9.
In 2025, DCR accepted nearly 65,000 camping reservations statewide.
“Camping at a DCR park is a cherished tradition for families and friends from all over – many of whom return to the same campground year after year, and in some cases for decades,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle, in a statement. “Spending time together outdoors strengthens relationships, creates lasting memories, and helps foster the vital connection between people and nature, along with a shared responsibility to care for these special places.”
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Ahead, get information about booking, cost, types of accommodations, park rules, bringing pets, and more.
The 2026 DCR camping schedule
The 2026 schedule runs from April to November.
Camping kicks off at Horseneck Beach Reservation in Westport and Scusset Beach Reservation in Sagamore on April 9. Though most camping ends in October, a handful of campgrounds stay open through November.
Some parks, such as Granville State Forest in Granville and Washburn Island on Cape Cod, allow camping only on weekends. Parks such as Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover and Salisbury Beach State Reservation will reduce camping days during the fall months.
How to book your campsite
Reservations for DCR camping can be made up to four months in advance. Walk-in camping is not allowed, but guests can make same-day reservations until 2 p.m. Reservations can be made online at Mass DCR Camping Reserve America or by calling (877) 422-6762.
Types of accommodations
Camping accommodations range from tent sites to R.V. spots with electric and water hook ups to seasonal cabins and yurts. Those seeking accessible camping can choose from 20 campgrounds with accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and flat surfaces for camping.
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Since last season, new yurts have been added at Clarksburg State Park in Clarksburg and Nickerson State Park in Brewster. Yurts, which are circular domed structures covered by canvas, can accommodate four to six people and have bunk beds, tables and chairs, skylights, and screened windows. Electricity is limited, and there are no restrooms inside but there’s a restroom nearby. Yurts can be reserved at 10 locations.
Cabins can accommodate three to 12 people, have a pellet or wood-burning stove, bunk beds, tables and chairs, picnic tables, and fire pits. As with the yurts, electricity is limited and there are no restrooms inside but there’s a restroom nearby. Cabins can be reserved at three locations.
For island camping, guests can reserve spots on Peddocks Island, part of the Boston Harbor Islands, or Washburn Island in Waquoit Bay on the south coast of Cape Cod. The former can be reached by ferry and the latter is accessible by private boat only.
Campers can find a DCR campsite by visiting DCR’s camping webpage.
The cost of camping this season
The cost of camping this season varies depending on the accommodations and whether campers live in Massachusetts or out of state.
Inland campgrounds cost $17 for in-state residents and $54 for out-of-state residents, while coastal campgrounds cost $22 to $24 for in-state residents and $70 for out-of-state residents. Meanwhile, cabins cost between $50 and $90 for in-state residents and $130 to $230 for out-of-state residents, and yurts cost $35 to $90 for in-state residents and $120 to $230 for out-of-state residents. Costs for group camping, primitive camping, and limited service camping can be found here.
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Campers cancelling on the day of arrival will be charged a $10 cancellation fee and lose the first night’s camping fee. Reserved campsites will be held until 8 a.m. on the day after the scheduled arrival date.
Campground rules
There are several campground rules in place at DCR parks. At most campgrounds, there’s a two-tent limit or a one tent and one R.V. limit to the campsite. Each campsite allows four adults or two adults with children. Check-in is from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and check out is before 11 a.m.
DCR does not allow visitors to the campgrounds. The “no visitor” policy was enacted in 2020, according to a DCR spokesperson, so that park staff knows exactly who is in the park, can better plan for emergencies, and have the proper amount of staff needed to clean bathrooms, campsites, and other park areas. However, campers can meet up with visitors in the day use area of the park.
No alcohol is allowed at the campsites, firewood must be purchased on site, and quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Information about bringing pets
Campers bringing dogs must have physical proof of a valid rabies vaccination during check in or entry may be denied. Four pets are allowed per campsite and they must be leashed. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or yurts or on those sites, on the beach, or in restrooms or other state buildings.
Parks closing early, with limited parking
There are some special circumstances campers should be aware of for certain campgrounds this season. Campers should note that the final night of camping at Savoy Mountain State Forest in Florida is on July 30 because the campground will close July 31 to accommodate a bathhouse construction project.
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Those planning on camping on Washburn Island on Cape Cod should note that there’s no on-site parking at the reserve or White’s Landing (the town lot). Therefore, campers are responsible for securing their own parking arrangements.
Finally, campers should note that adjustments may be made to the camping schedule at Mount Greylock State Reservation in Lanesborough due to infrastructure improvements. People who have questions about camping at that site should contact [email protected].
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