Family Camping Activities for All Ages: Games, Hiking, and Campfire Fun
Explore family camping activities that bring all ages together, from outdoor games and scenic hikes to memorable campfire fun that creates lasting memories.
For Massachusetts residents seeking an authentic and memorable coastal camping experience, Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester stands as a long-standing and beloved destination. Established in 1949, this family-owned and operated campground offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cape Ann, with its rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and pristine beaches. It's a place where the fresh ocean air invigorates your senses, and the serene environment provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure.
Cape Ann Camp Site distinguishes itself by being built around nature, not over it. This philosophy translates into over 200 unique sites, many of which are nestled among mature woodlands and offer views of the Annisquam River or the bay. Whether you're pulling in with a large RV or prefer the simplicity of a tent, you'll find a spacious and often private spot designed to make you feel connected to the environment. The thoughtful layout and the spacing between sites contribute to a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, allowing campers to truly unwind.
Beyond the physical setting, visitors consistently praise the exceptional management and staff. Their helpfulness, responsiveness, and genuine hospitality contribute significantly to the positive camping experience. From providing excellent facilities like clean showers and well-stocked camp stores to offering tips on local attractions, the team at Cape Ann Camp Site goes the extra mile. While the roads leading to some campsites can be twisty, hilly, and somewhat bumpy, the destination – a quiet, family-oriented campground with great amenities and an unbeatable location for exploring Cape Ann – is well worth the journey. This article will delve into the specifics that make Cape Ann Camp Site a premier choice for locals, including its prime location, the comprehensive services it offers, and its unique features and highlights.
Cape Ann Camp Site is ideally located at 80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA. This address places it directly on Cape Ann, a picturesque peninsula on the North Shore of Massachusetts. For residents across Massachusetts, particularly those in the greater Boston area, this campground offers a relatively short and convenient drive, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without extensive travel.
Gloucester, known as "America's Oldest Seaport" and the "Whale Watch Capital of the World," provides a vibrant and historically rich backdrop for the campground. The site's location offers easy access to a wealth of local attractions and natural wonders. It's just one mile from the beautiful Wingaersheek Beach, renowned for its white sands and family-friendly low tide, and only four miles from Good Harbor Beach. Beyond the beaches, the campground is strategically positioned for exploring the charming town of Rockport (about 8 miles away) with its art galleries and Motif No. 1, and even historic Salem (about 13 miles away). Boston is approximately an hour away by train, offering another accessible day trip option.
While the roads leading to the campground and some campsites are described as "twisty, turning, hilly, and somewhat tight," especially for larger RVs, this is characteristic of the scenic, coastal New England terrain. Visitors driving larger rigs should be prepared for some careful navigation. However, once at the site, the advantage of being in the heart of Cape Ann's beauty, with stunning views overlooking the Annisquam River or the bay, far outweighs the minor driving challenges. The camp's central location truly makes it a gateway to experiencing the best of Massachusetts' North Shore.
Address: 80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Phone: (978) 283-8683
Mobile Phone: +1 978-283-8683
Email: info@capeanncampsite.com
For reservations and the most up-to-date information, it is highly recommended to visit their official website, capeanncampsite.com.
For Massachusetts residents, Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester is an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing destination for a myriad of reasons, solidifying its place as a top choice for a local outdoor escape. Its prime location on the beautiful Cape Ann peninsula offers unparalleled access to some of the state's most stunning coastal landscapes, charming towns, and rich historical sites, all within a manageable driving distance from major population centers like Boston. This accessibility means less time on the road and more time enjoying your vacation, making it perfect for quick weekend getaways or extended family holidays.
What truly makes Cape Ann Camp Site stand out for locals is its unique blend of rustic charm and essential modern conveniences. Unlike many campgrounds, it was designed to integrate with nature, providing spacious, often private sites carved into the natural wooded terrain, many with captivating views of the water. This commitment to a natural setting, coupled with amenities like full hookup RV sites, clean bathhouses with hot showers, excellent Wi-Fi, and convenient camp stores, ensures a comfortable and authentic camping experience for all preferences, from seasoned RVers to first-time tent campers. The dog-friendly policy is an added bonus for those who wish to bring their beloved pets along.
Furthermore, the consistently praised management and staff contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere. Their helpfulness and dedication to guest satisfaction ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay, reinforcing the campground's reputation as a quiet, family-oriented haven. Beyond the campground's boundaries, the immediate proximity to Wingaersheek Beach, Good Harbor Beach, and the vibrant communities of Gloucester and Rockport means that endless opportunities for swimming, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, shopping, and dining are just minutes away. In essence, Cape Ann Camp Site offers Massachusetts locals an ideal combination of natural beauty, convenient access, quality amenities, and friendly service, making it a perfect retreat to create cherished memories right in their own backyard.
Onsite services
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Good for kids
On-site parking
Paid parking lot
Dogs allowed
Twisty, turning, hilly roads lead to this campground. Be prepared to go up more hills to your campsite. The roads to your campsite are bumpy to hilly and somewhat tight. The campsites are spacious with plenty of room for your RV and vehicle. They are somewhat private too with good spacing between. Most sites are some sun and might shade. W/E/S available asking with many tent sites. No cable, but very good Wi-Fi and cell service. This campground is very quiet. Dogs are allowed.
The management and staff were on top in things and very helpful at all times. Nice campground with beautiful fire pits up against natural granite rocks. Facilities (showers, restrooms, camp store, free wifi) were great. Location is great if you are visiting Cape Ann or the northshore of MA. Quiet family oriented campground with the security to back it up.
Short bike ride from Wingaersheek, nice water view for sunrises on the far side of the campsites. Coin op showers, check out at 11. Take a/leave a book shelf at the office. Lots of large rocks made into great fire pits and 2 picnic tables at most tent sites.
The ladies in the office were great. Never seen a staff person in our 3 day stay. When we arrived are campsite had not been cleaned up or mowed . Grass in spots was 8 to 10 inches high. The garbage dumpsters were full and overflowing with garbage on the ground. No laundry facility. Showers were rustic and bathrooms dirty. No paper towels or hand soap in bathrooms.
Really enjoyed our 4 night stay here. Lots are nicely treed and, since it is off-season for most campers, we didn't have many neighbours. Staff was great and very helpful and were willing to lend us an adaptor we needed for our electrical supply. It was far enough away we needed an extension. They have dishwashing stations which was a nice convenience. Some reviewers complained about the showers etc...but they suited us nicely. A little rustic perhaps but the water was warm and the pressure fine. If you need a 'Resort' type experience, Cape Ann may not be for you, but it suited us nicely and we would not hesitate in staying here again.