Pines Camping Area, Salisbury, MA

For residents of Massachusetts, particularly those in the Greater Boston area, the North Shore, and points central, the appeal of a quick, convenient escape to the coast is undeniable. Pines Camping Area in Salisbury, MA, represents the perfect local basecamp for exploring the famed seaside attractions of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire border region. It offers a welcome respite from the high-density development often found near major beaches, distinguishing itself as a truly "wooded campground" in a location where most other RV parks near the coast are open fields.

Pines Camping Area prides itself on being a simple, family-type campground that emphasizes the natural beauty and quiet ways of nature. While its management style has been noted by some visitors as being less outwardly enthusiastic, the campground consistently earns high marks for its essential qualities: a private, secluded setting, clean amenities, and a strategic location that is almost impossible to beat for beach access. It's the ideal spot for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, providing a peaceful, shaded sanctuary after a long day enjoying the lively atmosphere of the beach boardwalks. With over 160 campsites, it accommodates a wide range of camping styles, from no-hookup tents to full-service luxury RVs up to 45 feet in length.

### Location and Accessibility

The strategic location of Pines Camping Area is arguably its biggest draw for local Massachusetts users. The campground is situated at 28 Sand Hill Rd in Salisbury, MA, placing it conveniently close to major coastal attractions while still feeling private and forested.

Geographically, the park is exceptionally well-positioned:

It is located just 1.5 miles west of Salisbury Beach, an easy, short drive that provides access to the state reservation’s fine swimming shores, amusement center, and fishing jetties. Critically for residents of Massachusetts looking to explore further north, the campground is also within a swift, ten-minute drive of the renowned Hampton Beach in New Hampshire, famous for its boardwalk, entertainment, and vibrant summer atmosphere. This dual-beach access is a major time-saver for anyone vacationing in the area.

The campground’s setting is a secluded, wooded area, just 500 yards off US Route 1A, making highway access simple and direct for travelers arriving from I-95 or other state routes. Furthermore, several campsites face the marshland, providing campers with a tranquil view of the Merrimack River and the historic Newburyport area, including a picturesque sightline toward Plum Island and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. This easy access to both bustling beach culture and quiet natural preserves makes it a highly attractive destination for Massachusetts families seeking diverse recreational activities. For those planning a day trip, the historic city of Salem and downtown Boston are both roughly an hour's drive away, and the park’s proximity to commuter rail lines simplifies this travel for those who prefer to avoid city driving.

### Services Offered

Pines Camping Area focuses on providing the foundational amenities necessary for a comfortable and classic camping experience, accommodating both seasoned RVers and traditional tent campers from Massachusetts and beyond.

Diverse Campsites: The park features over 160 sites, including secluded Tent Only sites, Water and Electric (W/E) sites, and Full Hookup sites (W/E/S) with 20/30/50 amp electric services, accommodating RVs up to 45 feet long.
Essential Site Features: Every campsite, regardless of type, is equipped with a picnic table and a fire-ring, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tradition of outdoor cooking and evening campfires.
Sanitary Facilities: Campers have access to three bath houses with flush toilets and hot showers (coin-operated at 25 cents for 3.5 minutes).
Laundry and Camp Store: Laundry facilities are available, providing a vital convenience for longer stays. A small General Store/Office offers basic camping supplies, ice, and firewood for sale.
RV Support: The campground offers a dumping station for gray and black water, and propane is available for purchase on-site. The staff is known for being helpful, including for on-site propane refills, which is a great convenience for RV users.
Security: The park utilizes an evening security presence and a security gate with a required deposit for a key-fob access card, enhancing camper safety and privacy.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available as a hotspot near the office area. Mobile phone service tends to be reliable across major carriers.

### Features and Highlights

The true value of Pines Camping Area lies in its combination of recreational features, which ensure there is something for every member of the family to enjoy, perfectly complementing the nearby coastal attractions.

Swimming Pool and Play Area: A major highlight is the swimming pool, providing a refreshing alternative to the ocean and a popular amenity for children. A dedicated playground and a ball field are also available for younger campers.
Wooded and Secluded Sites: Unlike many coastal campgrounds, Pines maintains a beautiful, wooded setting. Campers appreciate the shade, the privacy between sites, and the authentic 'camping in the trees' feeling this environment provides.
Recreational Courts: The park offers a basketball court and horseshoe pits, encouraging physical activity and friendly competition among guests.
Planned Activities: During the peak season, the campground organizes planned activities, catering to families and fostering a friendly community atmosphere. The campground is also known for its strong seasonal community, which adds to the welcoming, neighborhood vibe.
Proximity to Nature: The marshland views overlooking the Merrimack River and Plum Island provide beautiful scenery and excellent opportunities for bird watching. The nearby Parker River National Wildlife Refuge offers additional natural exploration.
Immediate Beach Access: Being just minutes from Salisbury Beach and Hampton Beach means campers can easily spend their days swimming, sunbathing, fishing, or enjoying the lively boardwalk, returning to their quiet, forested site by evening.

### Contact Information

Pines Camping Area is easily reachable to confirm reservations and get the latest information on rates and availability.

Address: 28 Sand Hill Rd, Salisbury, MA 01952, USA

Phone: (978) 465-0013

### Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Massachusetts, Pines Camping Area is more than just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent—it is a valuable, nearby gateway to the quintessential New England coast. Its suitability for locals stems from its unique combination of natural seclusion and unrivaled convenience. It is one of the few places in the area that offers a genuinely wooded and private camping experience while being incredibly close to two of New England’s most popular ocean beaches.

This means a Massachusetts family can leave their city or suburb in the morning and be set up by the afternoon, ready to spend their evening relaxing by a campfire in the pines, and their day exploring the vibrant arcades of Hampton Beach or the historic fishing wharves of Newburyport. The affordability, range of amenities (like the pool and playground), and the easy drive from population centers across the state make Pines Camping Area the go-to spot for a convenient, family-friendly, and consistently enjoyable coastal Massachusetts camping tradition.