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Boston Area's Best Pet-Friendly Camping Spots

It's hard to go camping without pets. Finding someone to babysit is only half of the problem. Missing a part of the family is the main reason why people who camp like to take their pets with them. Luckily, campgrounds near Boston understand this and make accommodations for pets. However, it is always important to check ahead as policies can change.

Appalachian Mountain Club's Ponkapoag Camp
Blue Hills Reservation
Canton, MA 02368
(781) 961-7007
www.ponkapoagcamp.org

It is hard to find the AMC Ponkapoag Camp pet policy on the website. However, it is dog-friendly. The camp allows one dog per rental and has a preference for friendly dogs. Owners are expected to clean up after their animals and follow the leash laws within the park. This is a great place to bring a leash-trained pooch thanks to miles upon miles of hiking trails, gorgeous views from the top and a generally peaceful environment. With 6,000 acres to roam, no dog will be bored on a trip to Ponkapoag Camp.

Related: Best Camping Sites Near Boston

Minuteman Campground
(Photo Credit: Minuteman Campground)

Boston Minuteman Campground
264 Ayer Rd.
Littleton, MA 01460
(978) 772-0042
www.minutemancampground.com

Boston Minuteman Campground has tent, RV and cabin sites, all of which allow pets. Campers must bring immunization records for any cats and dogs that will be staying at the campground. They must be attended, but pets that are quiet can be left in campers if the owners leave an emergency cell number with the office. There are plenty of areas to go for a walk with a dog, so they won't have to stay behind often. Guests that visit campers during the day cannot bring their own pets.

Camp Wompatuck State Park
Camp Wompatuck State Park. (Photo Credit: Mass.gov)

Wompatuck State Park
204 Union St.
Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 749-7160
www.mass.gov

It takes less than an hour to get to the Wompatuck State Park campground, which is deep in the woods. Dogs are welcome in the park in general, so guests of campers can meet up outside the campground and hike the park's many miles of trails. Campers are welcome to bring dogs as well, but proof of rabies vaccinations are required. As with all Massachusetts state parks, there are leash laws, and campers are expected to clean up after their animals.

Winter Island
(Photo Credit: Winter Island)

Winter Island
50 Winter Island Rd.
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-9430
www.salemweb.com

Winter Island in Salem has a beautiful campground near Waikiki Beach, Pebble Beach and Fort Pickering. It has RV and tent sites, some of which are waterfront. It's a popular destination, so make sure to book reservations ahead of time. Campers can bring their dogs, but should keep them on leashes and attended at all times. It is also important to pick up after them.

Harold Parker State Forest
Harold Parker State Forest. (Photo Credit: Mass.gov)

Lorraine Park Campground
Harold Parker State Forest
305 Middleton Rd.
North Andover, MA 01845
(978) 686-3391
www.mass.gov

As a state park, Harold Parker State Forest has the same rules as Wompatuck regarding vaccinations, leashes and cleanup. The park features 11 ponds, 35 miles of trails and thousands of acres of forest. There is plenty of room for dogs to roam, as long as their owners keep them on a leash. Campers are also welcome to take non-motorized boats out on the lakes, so dogs who enjoy boating can sit back and enjoy a canoe ride.

Related: Winter Camping Guide For Boston

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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