Camping Tips for a Summer Adventure

June 27th, 2:16pm June 30th, 1:28pm

Children & Families

Summer is here and it’s time to venture outside and make the most of the great outdoors. If you’re ready to leave behind the comforts and conveniences of home for a few days and explore the wilderness, camping is a fun activity the entire family can enjoy.

Massachusetts is home to at least 29 unique campgrounds with different open and close dates during the summer. Certain locations offer online reservations and can be made as late as one day prior to your arrival. Anyone 18 years old and over can make a reservation with a valid photo ID.

Types of Campgrounds

Depending on the needs of your group, there are different campground options to choose from.

Some specific cabin and tent camping sites are wheelchair accessible.
Sites also vary in price range.
If you’re looking for a more extreme trip, try some of Massachusetts’ car-free and primitive campgrounds, such as the Mount Washington State Forest.

Camping Activities

There is a lot more to camping than roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire. Explore the recreational activities available at Massachusetts parks for great outdoor fun and adventure.

There are numerous hiking trails that run through the mountains and forests of Massachusetts. There’s most likely one near any campsite you choose.
Try fishing for your dinner at nearby lakes and ponds. Remember, any sort of fishing in Massachusetts requires a permit, which can be obtained online.
Canoeing and kayaking is a great way to explore the scenes of Massachusetts from another viewpoint. Plenty of trails, rivers, and reservations offer kayak and canoe rentals.

Camping Safety Tips

Before loading up the car for your camping trip, here are a few safety tips to make your adventure more enjoyable:

Prevent wildfires by using extreme caution when building a campfire. Never leave a fire unattended and always keep a bucket of water nearby.
Avoid wild animals. Some wild animals carry diseases that are dangerous, such as rabies. Make sure your family pets are vaccinated and know what to do if you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
Do not hike, swim, or do any physical activity alone. Children should be closely supervised. Be sure to bring protective gear such as helmets, sturdy shoes, and life jackets to prevent injury.
Store perishable foods in a cooler with ice. Blocks of ice last longer than crushed ice. Remember that dairy and meats will spoil if they are not stored properly.
Consult the Center for Disease Control’s camping checklist before heading out into the wilderness.
Follow the Massachusetts campground guidelines to know what is prohibited at specific sites.

Camping can be a great getaway adventure. Summer won’t last forever, so grab your family and friends, pack up your gear, and start exploring all that Massachusetts has to offer.

Join the conversation: Tweet a picture of your favorite Massachusetts camping spot to @massgov .