Road Trips Starting from Boston, MA
Best National Parks Near Boston, MA
There are no national parks near Boston, or in the entire state of Massachusetts, for that matter. In fact, there is only one national park in all of the New England states, but those who don't mind a longer drive will be impressed with its scenic landscape when they arrive.
Acadia National Park, the oldest state park east of the Mississippi River, lies about 280 miles northeast of Boston, MA, in Bar Harbor, ME. This panoramic forest encompasses nearly 50,000 acres of Atlantic coastline and outlying islands and includes a variety of geographical features, including lakes, forests, pink granite mountains and ocean shoreline. Visitors to the park can hike or bike along miles of trails that wind throughout the forest and along the shoreline, go fishing or boating on one of its many lakes or in the ocean, take a stroll along the beach and much more. As you make your way through the park, you might catch a glimpse of some of the 40 species of mammals that call Acadia home. With 338 bird species encountered, Acadia National Park is also considered one of the best bird-watching sites in the United States. For those who wish to extend their adventure, this park offers three campgrounds with sites that can accommodate RVs.
Popular State Parks Near Boston, MA
The Harold Parker State Forest is only 21 miles outside of the Boston city limits in Andover, MA. This park is over 3,300 acres and has a wide variety of features, like ponds, hills, swampland and rock beds. When you visit the park, you can fish, swim or boat in one of the many ponds, hike, ride a bike or try cross-country skiing on the trails. While exploring, keep an eye out for some of the animals that live in the park. If you want to stay overnight, there are RV-friendly campsites at Lorraine Park Campground.
The Wompatuck State Park is 25 miles south of Boston in Hingham, MA. With over 3,256 acres of streams, ponds and forest, plenty of things keep you busy when you visit, like hiking, horseback riding or bicycling along the 40 miles of forest trails, or boating across a pond. You can also enjoy snowmobiling and cross-country skiing inside the park when the snow arrives. Animal enthusiasts will enjoy trying to spot all the native animal species that call Wompatuck State Park home. If you want to turn your visit into a weekend getaway, there's an on-site campground with 260 sites, some of which can accommodate RVs.
The Myles Standish State Forest lies about 50 miles south of Boston in Plymouth, MA. Wander or bike along 13 miles of hiking trails that take you through a pine and oak forest. The park also features equestrian trails and camping opportunities, giving you more time to enjoy nature. In one of the many ponds, take a swim or jump in a kayak or canoe for an aquatic adventure. Fish from one of the ponds or just enjoy spotting wildlife, like white-tailed deer, gray foxes and wild turkeys.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Boston, MA
As these sites are in city areas, you're advised to leave your RV at your campsite and consider public transportation or driving a smaller vehicle.
The Boston African American National Historic Site, located on the north slope of Beacon Hill in the heart of downtown Boston, is a memorial for the role that early Bostonians played in the Abolition Movement. After viewing the landmark, you can continue to explore Beacon Hill and learn more about the lives of African Americans during the Civil War. There are 24 historical sites in all, so you may want to take a guided tour with a park ranger so that you don't miss any of the details.
The Boston National Historical Park is a 43-acre park that contains eight significant sites in the country's fight for independence. You can view most of the monuments from the Freedom Trail. This two-and-a-half-mile trail winds its way throughout downtown Boston and is paved with red bricks to keep visitors on the right path. Some sights you will see include the Old State House, the Paul Revere House and Faneuil Hall. Some sites along the trail have an entry fee, so you'll want to check their websites to determine how much your visit will cost.
The John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site is located in Brookline, MA, which is roughly four miles west of Boston. This home was the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy. Although the Kennedys only lived there from 1914 to 1920, the family repurchased the home after JFK's assassination in 1963. At that time, President Kennedy's mother redecorated the home to look the way it did when he lived there. This house became a historical landmark in 1967. The site is only open seasonally, but you can arrange a guided tour by appointment Monday through Friday during the off-season.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Boston / Cape Cod KOA Holiday is about 41 miles south of downtown Boston via I-93 and MA-24 in Middleborough, MA. There are over 250 campsites that can accommodate vehicles up to 80 feet long and feature full hookups, 30- and 50-amp electricity, free Wi-Fi and a cable TV connection. Visitors to this pet-friendly campground can also enjoy amenities like a basketball court, a jumping pillow, an outdoor movie theater, volleyball courts, a seasonal swimming pool, a coin-operated laundromat and a dog park.
Cape Cod Maple Park Campground & RV Park is 58 miles south of the city via MA-24 and I-495 in East Wareham, MA. This RV park is situated on a large lake where you can go swimming and boating. They even offer boat rentals on-site so that visitors can enjoy the water. The park also features batting cages, a basketball court, a beach volleyball court and a game room. This huge campground has 600 sites that can accommodate RVs. Each site has full hookups, 30- to 50-amp electric and strong cell phone reception.
Atlantic Oaks RV Resort is a 94-mile drive from downtown Boston in Eastham, MA. You can get there via MA-3 south and US-6 east. Since it's out on the hook, you can get to the ocean in just a few minutes, heading east or west from the campground, and it's only a five-minute drive to the Nauset Lighthouse. They have 100 RV sites with full hookups, 30- to 50-amp electric and a cable TV connection. You'll also be able to stay connected during your visit with strong cell service and free Wi-Fi. Campground amenities include a laundromat, free hot showers and a dog park. There's also a camp store on site.
RV Dump Stations Near Boston, MA
There are a number of choices for RV dump stations near Boston. M&L Boston Fuel & Wash is 13 miles from downtown Boston via I-93 North. While you're there, you can get your RV professionally washed and fill it with fresh water. They also have a diesel fuel station, so you can fill up your tank if your vehicle uses that type of fuel.
Beach Rose RV Park is 47 miles from downtown Boston via I-95 North in Salisbury, MA. It's also close to Highway 1 and I-495, making it very accessible. While you're there, you can fill your RV with potable and rinse water and pick up some propane. The dump station is free to use if you stay at the park, but the general public can also use it for a fee.
Salisbury Beach State Reservation is also around 44 miles from the city, just off I-95 North. The dump station is free to use, but the parking fee for the reservation is $14 for Massachusetts residents and $40 for non-residents. Since you have to pay to park there, you may as well stay and enjoy the park. It's right along the coast, so you'll find ample opportunities to swim, boat, or fish in the Atlantic.
