New England encompasses a total of six states of the north-eastern part of the United States. namely Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. To the west of New England you have New York. To the north and northeast you have Canada’s Quebec and New Brunswick provinces. The east and southeast and south provide the great coastlines and beaches that are synonymous with New England that make fantastic beach locations for beach camping enthusiasts. The excerpt below taken from the New Hampshire State Parks website looks at just some of these beach locations in it’s quest to point it’s readers in the direction of the top beach camping locations in New England;

BEST BEACH CAMPING IN CONNECTICUT

Hammonasset Beach State Park

Boasting 900 acres, Hammonasset is 2 miles of sandy beach with mild ocean temperatures (we’ve enjoyed the sea there well into September) and a light surf. All in all, it’s perfect for swimming, hiking, and surf fishing. The array of 550-plus well-maintained campsites makes for an inexpensive beach vacation when the big resort hotels are overflowing. 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison. 203-245-2785; ct.gov/deep

BEST BEACH CAMPING IN MAINE

Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds at Acadia National Park

Maine’s Mount Desert Island offers two park campgrounds. The popular Blackwoods, located 5 miles south of Bar Harbor on Route 3, has 306 sites conveniently located on the east side of the island. Seawall, located 4 miles south of Southwest Harbor, has 214 tent sites nestled in the woods; plus, the campground is only a 10-minute walk to the tidal pools. Both are close to hiking, boating, and mountain biking opportunities. Blackwoods: Route 3, Bar Harbor, ME. Seawall: 668 Seawall Road, Southwest Harbor, ME. 877-444-6777; nps.gov

Hermit Island Campground

Located on a 255-acre peninsula overlooking Casco Bay, Hermit Island has 270 campsites, some with ocean views. To the north are several beaches, hiking trails, and a small marina and wharf. Enjoy sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and forests before toasting marshmallows under the stars. When reserving, note that campsites fall into four categories depending on proximity to the ocean, views, and beach access. If you’re not keen on tent camping, three cabins are available to rent. 6 Hermit Island Road, Phippsburg, ME. 207-443-2101; hermitisland.com

Searsport Shores Ocean Camping

“Tired of the congestion of southern Maine? Looking for a Maine campground vacation that accommodates both RV camping and tent camping in separate shaded camping sites?” The website says it all. Located on the shores of Penobscot Bay, between bustling Bar Harbor and charming Camden, Searsport Shores offers a quarter-mile of private beach with a 100-yard tide. Some of the 125 campsites even have ocean views. 216 W. Main St. (Rte. 1), Searsport, ME. 207-548-6059; campocean.com

 

BEST BEACH CAMPING IN MASSACHUSETTS

Boston Harbor Islands

It’s hard to find a more memorable beach camping spot in New England. Where else can you pitch a tent and sleep under the stars so close to a major metropolitan city? Camping is allowed on certain islands (including Lovells, Peddocks, Grape, and Bumpkin) during the summer months, but sites are limited — and popular! Make your reservation early, then enjoy the beaches, wildlife, tide pools, and spectacular city views. Multiple ferries depart from Boston, Hingham, and Hull, MA. 617-223-8666; bostonharborislands.org

Paine’s Campground

To show your family a Cape Cod without traffic jams, muscle through the gridlock all the way out to South Wellfleet and stay at Paine’s Campground. For more than 45 years, the Paine family has been offering guests the best of both worlds: tidy wooded sites within spitting distance of freshwater kettle ponds and the salty beaches of the Cape Cod National Seashore. 180 Old County Road, South Wellfleet, MA. 508-349-3007; campingcapecod.com

Best Beach Camping in New England

Salisbury Beach in Massachusetts | Best Beach Camping in New England

Salisbury Beach State Reservation

To keep things orderly, the 484 campsites — each with picnic table and barbecue grill — are arranged along lettered streets. The campground doesn’t sit right on the water, but it’s within walking distance of Salisbury Beach, a 4-mile stretch of dunes and white sand beach, with plenty of room to spread out. Beach Road (Rte. 1A), Salisbury, MA. 877-422-6762;

Bourne Scenic Park

Families have been coming to this woodsy enclave for idylls on the Cape Cod Canal in the shadow of the Bourne Bridge for more than 50 years. Two in-ground pools offer freshwater swimming, and saltwater beaches are only a short bike ride away. Catch dinner by fishing off the rocks. 370 Scenic Hwy., Bourne, MA. 508-759-7873;

BEST BEACH CAMPING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Hampton Beach State Park

Seasonal RV camping at Hampton Beach State Park offers oceanfront facilities situated along miles of sandy beach. In fact, the 28 sites make up the only RV park on the New Hampshire coast. Located at the mouth of the Hampton River and close to attractions like sandy beaches, whale watching, and saltwater fishing, Hampton Beach is a popular summer camping destination. Note: Campers must be able to hook up to water, sewer, and electricity — tents or pop-ups are not allowed. 160 Ocean Blvd., Hampton, NH. 603-926-8990; nhstateparks.org

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