Massachusetts is one of the most historically relevant states in our nation, meaning plenty of historical landmarks. There are also a variety of other important Massachusetts landmarks, including one-of-a-kind natural landscapes, authentic old naval vessels, the homes of esteemed authors, and so much more. The most famous landmark in Massachusetts is Plymouth Rock.
Top Landmarks in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Landmarks
Plymouth Rock
Located in the town of Plymouth, Plymouth Rock is pretty much as iconic and important as U.S. landmarks come. This is known as the site where the Pilgrims first disembarked the Mayflower on their 1620 journey to the New World—though it’s not the first time these lands were settled, of course, as they were already inhabited by Native Americans.
This is a classic field trip destination for local students, and a worthy stop for an adult itinerary through the state as well.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
There are lots of fun things to do in Plymouth. In particular, we recommend the Plimoth Patuxet Museums.
There are a few great campgrounds near the town of Plymouth. We recommend the following options:
The Mount — Edith Warton’s Home
You likely know her as an author, but as it turns out, Edith Warton was something of an architect, too. You see, she designed and built The Mount, her stunning and iconic turn-of-the-century home, back in 1902. She also laid out the property’s beautiful grounds, considering it her “first real home” since she had such a hands-on part in its creation.
Today, the property has been transformed into a public museum and cultural center, where visitors can stroll through the gardens or enjoy a guided tour introducing you to the house itself, the grounds, or even the ghosts that are said to live here.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum is not too far away and is well worth visiting, as is the Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Mansion and Museum.
Wondering where to park your RV during your visit to the Lenox area? The two campgrounds below are excellent picks:
Minute Man National Historical Park
Commemorating the all-important battle that opened the entire American Revolutionary War, Minute Man National Historical Park is an amazing place. It covers just under 1,000 acres of land near the famous Massachusetts towns of Lexington, Lincoln, and Concord.
Within the park are a number of more specific “sites” of important historical and cultural events, such as Concord’s North Bridge, which is where militia fired back on British forces for the first time on April 9th of 1775. (In other words, this is the site of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Shot Heard Round the World.”)
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While in the area, make time to see Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House and the Concord Museum.
RV parks around Minute Man National Historical Park are limited, but you should still be able to find someplace to camp. Try the following on for size:
House of Seven Gables
While there are so many fascinating landmarks in Salem to put on your list, not the least of them is the House of Seven Gables. This is a stunning colonial mansion dating all the way back to 1668 and memorialized by Nathaniel Hawthorne—who, yes, briefly lived in the landmark listed above—in 1851. The house was constructed by a merchant and ship-owner named John Turner and stayed in his family for three generations.
Today, it’s a non-profit museum open to the public offering educational guided tours.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Other fantastic things to do in Salem include the Peabody Essex Museum and The Witch House at Salem.
Fortunately, there are some campgrounds around Salem, so finding a place to park your rig while you explore shouldn’t be a problem. Here are our top picks:
Old State House
The longest-standing building in Boston, and indeed one of the oldest public buildings in the United States as a whole, the Old State House was the seat first of the Massachusetts Colonial Government and later as the state government. Then, for a period during the 1800s, it served as Boston’s City Hall.
These days, the Old State House is a museum open to the public, where visitors can learn more about this structure’s storied history by visiting in person. The Old State House is run as a museum by the National Park Service in conjunction with the Bostonian Society, which also operates several other public Boston-area historical landmarks.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While in Boston, make sure to see the sights. We love the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, and the Boston Common.
Unfortunately, there really isn’t any RV camping in Boston, so you will need to drive outside of the city to find a place to park your rig. Below are the two closest options:
USS Constitution
Otherwise known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is a legendary old American naval vessel. It is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate, and the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel that’s still afloat. Launched all the way back in 1797, this ship is indeed a piece of living, floating history, and her name was selected by none other than George Washington himself.
Currently, the USS Constitution Museum welcomes visitors and offers them a unique perspective on naval history impossible to get any other way.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
This Massachusetts landmark is also located in Boston, so you’ll have plenty to do nearby. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum are both excellent picks.
The two campgrounds mentioned above are the closest RV camping options. If you’re a member of the U.S. Military, you might also consider the Hanscom AFB FamCamp for an affordable, nearby campsite.
Old South Meeting Hall
One of the oldest church buildings in the United States, Old South Meeting Hall was originally constructed back in 1729. It is perhaps most famous for becoming the meeting site of the Boston Tea Party in December of 1773.
At the time it was the largest building in Boston, and more than 5,000 colonists gathered there to discuss what should be done about the unfair Tea Act passed in May of that same year.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Seeing as this is another of the Massachusetts landmarks located in Boston, you’ll be able to see the attractions listed above as well as the Boston Museum of Science and the New England Aquarium.
We’ve mentioned the majority of the RV parks near Boston. One other option is the Harold Parker State Forest Campground, which offers a nice retreat into the wilderness with hookups and a dump station.
Veterans War Memorial
Nestled into a place of honor at Mount Greylock State Reservation, which protects and preserves the highest point in the state of Massachusetts, the Veterans War Memorial was first proposed in 1918, though approval for the tower wouldn’t be passed by the state’s legislature until 1930. When it was constructed between 1931–1932, it cost around $200,000, or almost $3.5 million in today’s dollars.
This everlasting lighthouse was originally meant to memorialize the veterans who fought in World War I, but continues to be a light to the families and loved ones of all the people who’ve fought in American armed conflict.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum is nearby and the MASS MoCA is not too far away, so you’ll have lots to see during your visit.
While Greylock State Recreation Area does offer onsite tent camping, it cannot accommodate RVs. Therefore, you will have to look at offsite campgrounds. Fortunately, there are a few to choose from:
- Historic Valley Campground
- Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground (dry camping only)
- Mt. Greylock Campsite Park
Race Point Lighthouse
Located in the quaint city of Provincetown at the extreme end of the Massachusetts “boot,” Race Point Lighthouse is still an active beacon, though it was originally constructed back in the early 1800s. The 45-foot structure you can visit today is actually the second lighthouse to be built on these grounds; the first one, built in 1816, was replaced in 1876.
In order to reach the lighthouse—and keeper’s quarters, which are actually available for overnight accommodations—you’ll either need to hike in or engage the four-wheel drive on your vehicle. But those who make the trek will be rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not to mention the beautiful view.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While there, be sure to explore the beautiful Cape Cod National Seashore and all it has to offer.
You can dry camp on Race Point Beach! The cost is $75 for a week of camping, so it is very affordable. That said, there are absolutely no amenities, and your rig must meet some very specific criteria in order to camp there.
If dry camping on Race Point Beach does not work for you, consider one of the following:
Brant Point Lighthouse
Another famous historic Massachusetts landmark, Brant Point Lighthouse is located on the rugged but beautiful island of Nantucket and was first established back in 1746. With a height of just 26 feet, it’s the shortest lighthouse in New England, but no less important to the sailors who have historically used it for navigation and guidance.
Although visitors can’t enter or climb the lighthouse, this important U.S. landmark is still available to view from below and makes an excellent photo op.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
While in Nantucket, make sure to visit the Nantucket Whaling Museum and check out the other lighthouses and beaches on the island.
As far as campgrounds near Brant Point lighthouse go, you have a few options that would work well:
Planning an RV Trip to Massachusetts
As you can tell, there are tons of great Massachusetts landmarks to explore. Luckily, we’ve got you covered on all the info and equipment you need to explore them! For one thing, you can find RV rentals all over the state through our platform, and we also have guides on urban adventures available in Boston and Cambridge, as well as a whole Massachusetts bucket list full of ideas!
