Harold Parker State Forest RV & Campground Guide
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Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, MA is more than 3,300 acres of ponds, swamps, hills, and rocky terrain. The park has 35 miles of trails and 11 ponds. And of course, though all of it runs the Central Hardwood Hemlock White Pine trees that make up the forest. The ponds sprinkled throughout the park were the work of the Civilian Conservation Corp, who spend several years damming small streams in the area.
Weather in the park can get quite cold in winter, dropping down into the teens. It does not, however, get very hot, topping out in the low 80s in summer. It rains about 1-1 ½ weeks total each month.
Spring 27-69 F
Summer 56-83 F
Fall 34-75 F
Winter 17-42 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Harold Parker State Forest
Harold Parker State Forest has 89 campsites with electrical hookups and a dump station. If you do choose to camp and rent an RV for your adventures, consider renting with RVshare. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team to make sure you get the perfect vehicle for your travel plans.
There are other campgrounds nearby you can try as well:
Tuxbury Pond RV Resort
Tuxbury Pond Resort is, as the name implies, along the shores of beautiful Tuxbury Pond. Take a dip in the water, relax and sunbathe on shore, or visit one of the wineries, apple orchards, or farms in the area.Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: no
Other amenities: showers, laundry, fishing, self-service RV wash
Black Bear Campground
Black Bear Campground is three miles from the beach, and near a commuter train that will take you into Boston.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wi-Fi: yes
Pet friendly: n/a
Other amenities: horseshoes, volleyball, pools, playground
What to Do at
Harold Parker State Forest
Inside Harold Parker State Forest
Outdoor activities abound at Harold Parker State Forest. Since it’s home to many trees, there are also many birds and other woodland creatures around. Here are some activities you can do at the park:
Hiking: The Yellow Diamond Trail takes you to and around Salem Pond. Or hike the SKUG Reservation Trail, where you’ll pass an old quarry and soapstone mill - Jenkins Mill. Several hiking trails are also suitable for cross-country skiing in winter.
Biking: The area is also popular with cyclists, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult tracks.
Fishing: You can fish in several of the ponds, and some also allow the use of non-motorized boats. There’s even an annual fishing tournament each September in the forest.
Swimming: Swimming is allowed at Berry Pond, and it can be quite popular in summer.
How to Get to
Harold Parker State Forest
From Boston: Take I-93 N to MA-125 N/Ballardvale St in Wilmington. Take exit 41 from I-93 N. Merge onto MA-125 N/Ballardvale St, Continue to follow MA-125 N. Turn right onto Wildwood Rd. Turn right onto Wethersfield Dr. Turn right onto Salem St. Continue onto Middleton Rd. Turn left onto Harold Parker Rd
Entering Harold Parker State Forest
Like most state parks there is a fee to enter Harold Parker State Forest
Harold Parker State Forest Residents : $5.0
Harold Parker State Forest Non-Residents : $10.0
There’s no better way to create memories with those you love than by heading out on an adventure in an RV. Renting your RV or motorhome with RVshare makes things simple and stress-free. Whether you choose to rent an RV near your home and make the trek, or fly to Massachusetts and rent an RV for camping, you’re sure to have a trip you won’t soon forget! We would love to see pictures of your travels - be sure to send us photos of your trip to [email protected] and tag us on social media. Your memories could be featured on our blog, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page!
Frequently Asked Questions About Harold Parker State Forest
Harold Parker State Forest has the most to offer in the summer when you can swim, kayak and hike. Motorized boats aren't allowed on the lake, making it the perfect peaceful environment to fish and relax.
This state park is known for its wild turkeys, opossums, red squirrels, raccoons, white-tailed deer, skunks and weasels. As you're hiking, you may also spot coyotes, cottontail rabbits, brown bats, chipmunks or pileated woodpeckers.
Harold Parker State Forest is home to the Lorraine Park Campground, which has 89 camping sites. These spots are available for trailers, tents and RVs. There's also an on-site dump station, a pavilion and ample picnicking areas.
Feel free to bring your animal companions to explore all that Harold Parker State Forest has to offer. Be sure to keep your pet on a leash when you're on the trails or in the campground.
This park has several accessible camping spots, picnicking areas, restrooms and trails. The accessible trail around Berry Pond promises gorgeous views. Visitors may even rent beach wheelchairs that can bring you right up to the shoreline.