Cape Ann Camp Site

For Massachusetts locals seeking a quintessential coastal camping experience, Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester, MA, stands out as a charming and well-regarded destination. Established in 1949 and family-owned, this campground is celebrated for its integration with nature, offering over 200 unique sites nestled on a wooded hillside overlooking salt water inlets. It's a place where the sounds of the ocean are never far, and the rich maritime history of Gloucester provides a captivating backdrop for your outdoor adventure.

Cape Ann Camp Site prides itself on being a quiet, family-oriented campground, providing a secure environment for guests to relax and explore. Reviews consistently highlight the helpfulness of the management and staff, ensuring a pleasant stay. Unlike many more generic campgrounds, Cape Ann Camp Site embraces its natural surroundings, with many sites featuring stunning fire pits built directly into natural granite rocks, adding a unique aesthetic to your campfire evenings. This blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and dedicated service makes it a highly appealing choice for Massachusetts residents looking for a memorable getaway.

Beyond the tranquility of the campground, its location offers unparalleled access to the vibrant attractions of Cape Ann and the wider North Shore. From pristine sandy beaches to historic fishing villages, whale watching tours, and charming shops, there's an abundance of activities just a short distance away. Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing your RV, Cape Ann Camp Site provides a welcoming base for exploring this iconic region of Massachusetts, offering a blend of relaxation and adventure that caters to all ages.

Location and Accessibility

Cape Ann Camp Site is ideally located at 80 Atlantic Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA. This strategic address places it on a wooded hillside overlooking scenic salt water inlets, providing a picturesque setting for campers.

The campground’s location is a significant advantage for Massachusetts locals due to its excellent accessibility and proximity to key attractions. It’s situated on Cape Ann, a historic and beautiful peninsula known for its rugged coastline, charming towns, and vibrant arts scene.

Accessibility from major roadways is straightforward, making it an easy drive from Boston and other points in Eastern Massachusetts. Once you arrive in Gloucester, Atlantic Street is well-marked.

One of the most notable aspects of its location is its close proximity to Wingaersheek Beach, a renowned white-sand beach. Campers can enjoy a short bike ride or drive to this beautiful stretch of coastline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring tide pools.

Furthermore, Cape Ann Camp Site is just about 4 miles from downtown Gloucester, which is known as America's Oldest Seaport. Here, visitors can explore historic sites, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, browse art galleries, or embark on a thrilling whale watching tour (Gloucester is the "Whale Watch Capital of the World"). The charming town of Rockport, with its famous Motif No. 1 and quaint shops, is also easily accessible, approximately 8 miles away. Even Salem, with its rich history, is a manageable 13-mile drive, and Boston is about an hour away by train, offering endless urban exploration opportunities. The campground’s location truly provides the best of both secluded natural beauty and convenient access to the cultural and recreational highlights of the North Shore.

Services Offered

• RV Sites with Hookups: Cape Ann Camp Site offers various RV sites, including those with full hookups (electric, water, and sewer) and sites with just electric and water (30 Amp or 50 Amp service). These sites are designed to accommodate a range of RV sizes.
• Tent Sites: The campground provides numerous tent-only sites, many of which are wooded and offer a more traditional camping experience. Some tent sites have direct access to the creek and feature two picnic tables.
• Unique Fire Pits: Many sites, especially those "up against natural granite rocks," boast unique, ready-made fireplaces integrated into the natural landscape, enhancing the camping ambiance.
• Modern Restrooms & Showers: The campground provides well-maintained facilities, with six toilet and shower buildings. Showers are coin-operated, ensuring hot water and good pressure. Dishwashing stations and water pumps for drinking water are also available near the bathrooms.
• Camp Store: A small, well-stocked camp store is on-site, offering essential camping supplies, ice, firewood, and reportedly "tasty ice cream." Prices are noted as reasonable.
• Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available on all sites with hookups and some non-hookup sites, allowing campers to stay connected.
• Picnic Tables: Every site comes equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gatherings.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available for RV waste, although its specific location within the campground isn't detailed, it is a standard amenity for RV campgrounds.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing dogs (up to date on vaccinations) on a leash outside vehicles. They must be picked up after and not left unattended at the campsite.
• "Take a/Leave a Book" Shelf: A thoughtful amenity at the office for campers to exchange books.

Features / Highlights

• Natural Granite Fire Pits: A distinctive feature, many campsites boast impressive fire pits built into natural granite rock formations, providing both functionality and a beautiful, rugged aesthetic for campfires.
• Proximity to Wingaersheek Beach: Just a short bike ride away, this beautiful white-sand beach is a major highlight, offering excellent swimming, tide pooling, and sunbathing opportunities.
• Water Views: Some campsites, particularly on the "far side," offer lovely water views, providing scenic sunrises and a calming coastal ambiance.
• Family-Oriented & Quiet: The campground is noted for its quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with security measures in place to enforce quiet hours (10 pm to 7 am), aiming for a peaceful environment.
• Helpful and Friendly Staff: Consistently praised in reviews, the management and staff are known for being very helpful, accommodating, and "on top of things."
• Direct Creek Access: Some tent sites offer direct access to a creek, which is popular for tubing, adding a fun water activity right from your site.
• Clean Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and other facilities are frequently highlighted by campers as being well-maintained and clean, a crucial aspect of a comfortable camping experience.
• Exploration of Cape Ann: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the entirety of Cape Ann, including historic Gloucester (America's Fishing Port, Whale Watch Capital), charming Rockport, and other North Shore attractions like whale watching, deep-sea fishing, harbor tours, antiquing, and dining.
• Wooded Sites: The majority of the 200+ sites are unique and set in 80 acres of mature woodland, providing shade and a natural, private feel, even for larger RV sites.

Promotions or Special Offers

Cape Ann Camp Site, while not typically advertising complex "promotions" in the conventional sense, offers value through its transparent pricing structure, inclusion of key amenities, and desirable location. As a well-established, family-owned campground, its appeal often lies in its consistent quality and unique features rather than discounted rates.

• Tiered Pricing: Daily camping rates are structured based on the type of site and hookup availability. For instance, wooded sites with no hookups might be around $45 per night for up to 2 people, while full hookup RV sites (30 or 50 Amp) can range from $70-$80 per night for up to 2 people. This allows campers to choose a price point that fits their needs.
• Additional Person Charges: Be aware of charges for additional guests beyond the base occupancy of 2 people. These typically include $2 for children (up to 16), $5 for teens (17-20) and seniors (65+), and $10 for additional adults. This ensures fair pricing based on usage.
• Minimum Stay Requirements: While not explicitly detailed, campgrounds in popular tourist areas often have minimum stay requirements, especially on weekends or during peak season/holiday periods. It is always best to inquire about this when booking.
• Cancellation Policy: The campground has a clear cancellation policy requiring 14 days' notice for a 90% refund of the deposit. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before arrival may result in losing the entire deposit. This policy is standard for ensuring fair management of reservations.
• No Guarantees on Specific Site Numbers: Unless booking for an entire season, specific site numbers are not guaranteed, though requests can be made. The campground reserves the right to change site numbers based on equipment to optimize space. Booking multiple sites together is encouraged if you want to be near other parties.
• Free Wi-Fi: The inclusion of free Wi-Fi on most sites is a significant added value, allowing campers to stay connected without extra charges.

For the most current and accurate information on rates, availability, and specific policies, including any potential seasonal deals or restrictions, it is always recommended to visit the official Cape Ann Camp Site website or contact them directly by phone.

Contact Information

Cape Ann Camp SiteAddress: 80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USAPhone: (978) 283-8683

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, specific amenities, or details on area attractions, the best way to get accurate and up-to-date information is by contacting the friendly staff directly via phone.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Massachusetts locals, Cape Ann Camp Site offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing camping experience, perfectly blending natural tranquility with unparalleled access to one of the state's most iconic coastal regions. Its location in Gloucester, a short and manageable drive from much of Eastern Massachusetts, makes it an ideal spot for a convenient weekend escape or a longer family vacation without the need for extensive travel.

The campground's commitment to being a "quiet family-oriented" environment, coupled with the presence of natural granite fire pits and the option for water views, provides a unique and authentic outdoor setting that locals will appreciate. The excellent facilities, including clean restrooms, hot showers, and free Wi-Fi, ensure a comfortable stay. The helpful and friendly staff further enhance the overall positive experience, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.

Crucially, Cape Ann Camp Site serves as an exceptional base for exploring the rich offerings of the North Shore. Being just a "short bike ride from Wingaersheek Beach" means immediate access to one of Massachusetts' most beautiful beaches. Furthermore, the proximity to downtown Gloucester for whale watching, dining, and historical exploration, and easy drives to Rockport and even Salem, means that local campers can fully immerse themselves in the diverse attractions of their home state. For Massachusetts residents seeking a well-managed, scenic, and activity-rich camping adventure by the sea, Cape Ann Camp Site is an outstanding choice that promises lasting memories.

Cape Ann Camp Site

80 Atlantic St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA