Cape Ann Camp Site

- 80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930

Introduction / Overview

For Massachusetts residents seeking the quintessential coastal New England camping experience without straying far from the comforts and attractions of the North Shore, look no further than Cape Ann Camp Site in historic Gloucester, Massachusetts. Established in 1949 and family-owned and operated for generations, this destination offers a truly authentic and charming retreat. Situated on a beautiful, wooded hillside overlooking salt water inlets and the Annisquam River, the campground is a cherished haven that has been thoughtfully carved from nature, not built over it, allowing for a unique and rustic feel.

The site welcomes all types of campers, from those with large RVs requiring full hookups to those pitching a simple tent under the shade of mature woodland. It provides an ideal base for exploring the rich maritime history, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural centers of Cape Ann and beyond. Visitors consistently praise the dedicated, friendly staff, who are noted for being accommodating, kind, and willing to help guests learn about and navigate the local area. The commitment to maintaining a clean and well-kept environment, especially in the facilities, underscores the camp's focus on providing a quality, family-oriented experience, a detail frequently highlighted by local users looking for a reliable and enjoyable getaway.

Location and Accessibility

Cape Ann Camp Site boasts an enviable position at 80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA. Gloucester itself is a historic and scenic fishing village, roughly 30 miles northeast of Boston, making the campground a remarkably convenient escape for residents of the Greater Boston area and Central Massachusetts. Its prime location on Cape Ann places it squarely at the heart of one of the state's most popular vacation destinations.

Accessibility to the region's main attractions is a major selling point. The campground is nestled close to major routes, yet maintains a sense of peaceful seclusion. Significantly, it is only about one mile from the renowned Wingaersheek Beach, famous for its white sand and tidal flats—an ideal spot for families. Good Harbor Beach, another gorgeous local beach known for swimming and surfing, is also just a short four-mile drive away. For those who wish to venture into the city without the hassle of driving, the MBTA Commuter Rail station is only about 2.5 miles from the campsite, offering a convenient, hour-long ride directly into Boston.

While the campground itself is nestled in a natural setting, providing an immediate sense of getting away, it’s important for visitors to plan transportation for excursions, as the immediate vicinity and local attractions, including the beaches, often require driving and have specific (and sometimes costly) parking requirements, particularly during the peak summer season. The staff's willingness to help campers navigate these local nuances, such as finding necessary local shops or explaining beach parking, further enhances the accessibility of the overall Cape Ann experience for local users.

Services Offered

The family-run campground provides a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay, whether you are in a tent or a big rig RV:

• Variety of Sites: The camp offers over 200 unique, wooded sites, accommodating tents, tent cabins, and RVs of all sizes, with options for seclusion or water views overlooking the Annisquam River.
• Full Hookups Available: Many RV sites are equipped with 30-amp or 50-amp electric service, water, and sewer connections.
• Clean Restroom and Shower Facilities: The site features six well-maintained toilet and shower buildings located throughout the park. The showers are noted to be coin-operated ($0.25 for 5 minutes of hot water) and feature good water pressure.
• Camp Store/Convenience Store: A small on-site shop is stocked with essential camping necessities, including food items, ice, firewood, towels, and typical gift shop memorabilia, allowing campers to purchase necessities without having to leave the site immediately.
• Firewood and Fire Pits: Every wooded site comes with a ready-made picnic table and a distinctive rock-built fireplace or fire pit, a feature highly appreciated by campers for ambiance and cooking.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi service is available on all hookup sites and some non-hookup sites, and cell phone service is generally available, a modern convenience for travelers.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes pets, provided they are kept on a leash, attended to, and owners adhere to necessary clean-up policies.
• Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available for RVs.

Features / Highlights

Cape Ann Camp Site’s distinct features truly set it apart as a premier New England camping destination:

• Oceanfront Proximity: The campground is situated on a hillside overlooking a salt water inlet, with some sites offering lovely water views. It is just one mile from the spectacular Wingaersheek Beach.
• Natural Granite Rock Fire Pits: A unique and highly praised feature of the campsites are the sturdy, natural granite rock fire pits, which offer a rustic aesthetic and an enhanced camping experience compared to standard metal rings.
• Exceptional Staff Hospitality: Customer reviews consistently highlight the staff as amazing, kind, accommodating, and helpful with local information, ensuring a welcoming and hassle-free stay.
• Wooded and Unique Sites: Unlike modern, grid-like campgrounds, Cape Ann Camp Site's lots are cut from 80 acres of mature woodland, resulting in unique, secluded tenting spots and beautifully treed lots for a more private, natural feel.
• Historical Destination: Located in Gloucester, the camp provides easy access to historic attractions in both Gloucester and Rockport, along with opportunities for whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and exploring antique shops.
• Ideal Family Environment: The site is described as quiet and family-oriented, with a visible and friendly security presence ensuring a safe and relaxing atmosphere.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or details on local attractions, Massachusetts residents may contact Cape Ann Camp Site directly:

Address: 80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA

Phone: (978) 283-8683

Mobile Phone: +1 978-283-8683 (Same number for general contact)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Cape Ann Camp Site is perfectly suited for Massachusetts locals because it provides an accessible, high-value, and authentic coastal escape that captures the best of the North Shore. For residents of Eastern and Central Massachusetts, it represents a minimal-effort journey to a maximum-reward destination. Instead of facing the heavy traffic and crowds of more distant vacation spots, locals can quickly reach a serene, wooded campground that offers a genuine disconnect from city life.

The campground's family-owned history ensures a personal touch and a commitment to customer care—qualities that resonate deeply with repeat local visitors. Being situated so close to the world-class beaches of Gloucester and the charming atmosphere of Rockport means that campers can enjoy a diverse vacation without spending excessive amounts on area hotels or rentals. Whether a family is looking for a weekend of swimming and exploring the tides at Wingaersheek Beach, or a couple seeks a quiet, wooded base for a whale-watching excursion or a day trip to historic Salem, Cape Ann Camp Site offers the optimal combination of rustic natural beauty, convenient amenities, and unmatched proximity to the historical and scenic jewels of Cape Ann.

Cape Ann Camp Site

80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA