RV Massachusetts Camping Offers More Than Just Historical Sites

By RA Manseau

Leonard P Zakim Bridge, Massachusetts Camping

RV Massachusetts in the spring, summer or fall and you are in for a treat. The beautiful scenery in the west and the dazzling sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean will tantalize the senses. Massachusetts camping is tantamount to camping in a history museum without the walls.

Take the time to RV Massachusetts’ northwestern region, and enjoy the majesty of nature at its finest as well as historical sites. Here you will find Mount Greylock which is the highest point in Massachusetts at 3,491 feet. From the summit the views are extraordinary, you can see for 60 to 90 miles on a clear day. The Veterans War Memorial Tower is open seasonally. The tower was built in 1932 on the highest point in the state. The panoramic view of the area from this vantage point is breathtaking. The Mount Greylock State Reservation became the first wilderness state park when it was acquired by the Commonwealth in 1898.

The Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams is a former railroad yard. The park includes several beautifully restored buildings that surround a cobblestone courtyard. The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The public is invited to enjoy programs and exhibits in history, science, culture and environmental education. Parking and admission to the park are free.

Continue reading below

Five Tips & Hints to RV Massachusetts

Plan ahead and book your Massachusetts campsite online!
High and low temperature extremes occur occasionally in certain portions of the state, but temperatures are generally moderate. January averages range from 23 degrees to 36 degrees and July averages 65 degrees to 81 degrees.
Massachusetts may be a smaller state, but it is still diverse. The varied terrain comprises beaches, farmland, forests and mountains! So pack your RV for any occasion.
Massachusetts camping is complimented by lots to see and do in the state. Visit Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism website for more information.
Here's a fun event to catch if you're staying at a Massachusetts campground - The Boston Tea Party reenactment takes place in Boston Harbor every December 16th!

A Massachusetts camping vacation through the northwestern region should not miss the Natural Bridge State Park. This park is named after the white marble bridge that spans the rushing Hudson Brook as it winds through a steep 60-foot deep gorge. This wonderful art work by Mother Nature was done 13,000 years ago by the force of glacial melt water. Hudson’s Cave (or Falls) was the source of much of the coarse-grained white marble used in local buildings and cemeteries between 1810 and 1947. There are plenty of hospitable Massachusetts campgrounds in the northwestern corner of the state for you to enjoy as your base camp.

Springfield is a historic and interesting place to spend some time. The Springfield Armory National Historic Site overlooking the Connecticut River in western Massachusetts was the first armory of the United States. The impressive building that is still standing today was built in 1778.

West Springfield is an amazing walk back in time. The city has two walking tours and a driving tour mapped out, to learn more about these tours consult West Springfield’s website. Along these tours you will see magnificent churches and charming houses. The Samuel Ely House was originally built in 1722 and although it has undergone multiple renovations through the years it still maintains the original “Colonial America” look.
Springfield is the birth place of Basketball. In 1891 James Naismith invented the game at the YMCA’s School for Christian Workers. The game quickly spread through the YMCA’s across the country. The site of this momentous achievement is now the home of Springfield College and the Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Springfield area has lots of entertainment for the visitor to enjoy when they are not walking through the historical sites, museums and galleries. The great outdoors offers opportunities for white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and bike riding. Massachusetts camping around Springfield has plenty to keep you busy.

Probably one of the most famous cities in the continental United States, Boston is an educational and inspirational place to take the family. Boston National Park is the home of the Freedom Trail, one of the first historic walking tours created in America. This tour that can be taken with a Park Ranger which last about 90 minuets or if you wish to take your time you can take the self guided tour. The National Park historical sites do not charge and entrance fee at this time, however the historical sites that are privately owned and operated by self supporting associations working cooperatively with the park do have entrance fees to help offset the cost of operation.
Historical sites included on the Freedom Trail include:

Boston Common
Massachusetts State House
Park Street Church
Granary Burying Ground
King’s Chapel and Burying Ground
First Public School site and Ben Franklin statue
Former Site of the Old Corner Bookstore
Old South Meeting House
Boston Massacre Site
Faneuil Hall
Paul Revere House
Old North Church
Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
USS Constitution and Charlestown Navy Yard
Bunker Hill Monument

Boston is not only the center of history in the United States it is a thriving, large city with Museums, galleries, theaters and the New England Aquarium. This marvelous city will most likely take more than one day to explore and enjoy, so pick one of the Massachusetts campgrounds in the surrounding area and to settle in for some Massachusetts camping.
Fenway Park, RV Massachusetts

What RV Massachusetts vacation would be complete without a stop in Salem? There are several ways to travel from Boston to Salem and vise versa. The trip can be made by car, train, bus or boat, your choice. The drive is about 20 to 25 miles, how long that will take depends on which route and the time of day you choose. Salem is most famous for the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, but the city of Salem has a rich history which is reflected in its museums and architecture.

On the shore of the Cape Cod Bay is Plymouth. The Town of Plymouth is a historical treasure with buildings dating as far back as the 1600’s. Plymouth has many historical sites and museums to enrich your visit to New England.

Just across the mouth of Cape Cod Bay is the town of Provincetown. The quaint little town is famous for its ghost and lighthouses. The beaches with swimming, biking and boating are great but whale watching is splendid. Provincetown is perhaps the best place on the planet to go whale watching. The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is just off the northern coast of Provincetown and runs along the Atlantic coast north to Gloucester, Massachusetts. There are numerous companies that provide boat tours into the sanctuary itself.

Massachusetts is at the heart of United States history and is a beautiful place to visit. There are plenty of Massachusetts campgrounds to park at while you enjoy your RV Massachusetts vacation.