Lorraine Park Campground

For residents of Massachusetts looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life without a long drive to the Berkshires or the Cape, Lorraine Park Campground offers a refreshing slice of wilderness right in the heart of the North Shore. Located within the expansive Harold Parker State Forest, this campground serves as a vital recreational hub for local families, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It provides a quintessential New England camping experience where the scent of pine needles and the sound of rustling leaves create a peaceful atmosphere for weekend getaways or extended summer stays.

Lorraine Park Campground is widely recognized for its commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all types of campers. Whether you are a seasoned backpacker looking for a quiet spot to pitch a tent or a family seeking a comfortable home base for your first outdoor adventure, the facility balances rugged nature with essential modern amenities. The campground’s reputation among Massachusetts locals is built on its spacious sites and the genuine helpfulness of the staff, making it a reliable choice for those who value both solitude and great service.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at 133 Jenkins Road in Andover, MA 01810, Lorraine Park Campground boasts an enviable location that is easily accessible from major routes like I-93 and I-95. This makes it a popular choice for residents of Greater Boston and the Merrimack Valley who want to spend more time by the campfire and less time in traffic. Despite its proximity to urban centers, the campground feels worlds away, tucked deep into the 3,000-acre Harold Parker State Forest, which spans across Andover, North Reading, and Middleton.

The facility is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all guests. Accessibility is a key focus, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking lot to ensure that the beauty of the forest is available to everyone. The roads within the campground are well-maintained, allowing for easy navigation for vehicles of various sizes. On-site parking is plentiful, though visitors should note that certain areas operate as a paid parking lot, which contributes to the preservation and maintenance of the surrounding state forest land.

Services Offered

• Professional RV camping accommodations designed to fit a variety of rig sizes.
• Dedicated RV electric hookups to power essential appliances and devices.
• Convenient RV water hookups available at selected sites for a comfortable stay.
• Well-maintained restroom facilities that are frequently cleaned and noted for their pleasant environment.
• Hot shower facilities, providing a touch of comfort after a long day of outdoor exploration.
• On-site staff members who are readily available to assist with site navigation and general inquiries.
• Secure payment processing accepting credit cards for camping fees and other administrative costs.
• Comprehensive waste management services to keep the forest floor clean and protect local wildlife.
• A central registration area to help new arrivals get settled quickly and efficiently.

Features and Highlights

• An extensive network of hiking trails that wind through the diverse terrain of Harold Parker State Forest.
• Specially designated kid-friendly hikes that offer manageable distances and engaging natural sights for younger explorers.
• A modern, safe playground area where children can burn off energy and socialize with other young campers.
• Scenic picnic areas equipped for family gatherings, providing a perfect setting for outdoor meals under the canopy.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs to join the family on their camping trip, provided they are leashed and supervised.
• Direct access to the forest’s many ponds and waterways, ideal for those who enjoy the view of the water or the local flora and fauna.
• Spacious campsite layouts that provide a sense of privacy and "big site" feel, even during the busier summer months.
• A diverse range of natural ecosystems to observe, including hardwood forests, wetlands, and glacial rock formations.
• Quiet hours and a family-oriented atmosphere that ensures a restful night’s sleep for all guests.

Contact Information

Planning a trip to this local gem is straightforward. The campground is located at 133 Jenkins Road, Andover, MA 01810, USA. Because Lorraine Park is part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) system, it is highly recommended that potential visitors check for seasonal availability and book their sites through the official state reservation portal. While the address is 133 Jenkins Road, the entrance is well-marked with state forest signage to guide you directly to the check-in area.

For specific questions regarding site dimensions for RVs or current trail conditions, guests can contact the Harold Parker State Forest headquarters directly. Paying the required camping fee via credit card at the time of reservation is the standard practice, ensuring your spot is secured before you arrive. It is always wise to keep a copy of your confirmation handy upon arrival at the Jenkins Road gate.

What is worth choosing

When booking a stay at Lorraine Park Campground, it is worth choosing one of the sites that offers hookups if you are traveling in an RV. The convenience of electric and water connections within such a densely forested area provides a perfect blend of modern utility and wilderness immersion. For families with children, selecting a site in close proximity to the playground area can make the experience much more enjoyable, allowing parents to relax while the kids play within eyesight. These sites are often the first to be reserved, so early planning is essential.

Furthermore, it is highly worth choosing to explore the "kid-friendly hikes" that branch out directly from the campground. These trails are specifically mentioned by local users as a highlight, as they offer the chance to see local wildlife and unique geological features without being overly strenuous for small legs. If you are a long-time resident of the area, you might find that the biggest value comes from the sheer convenience—having "so much nature so close to home" allows for spontaneous weekend trips that can become a multi-generational family tradition. The combination of clean, warm showers and helpful staff ensures that even if you choose to "rough it," you won't have to sacrifice basic comforts.