Massachusetts was the first colony to rebel against the British in 1776, and the site of the “shot heard round the world.” Today, its large cities are indicative of the state’s success. Boston, on the Atlantic coast, is the largest, with over 675,000 people in the city proper and almost 5 million people in its metropolitan area. Worcester in central Massachusetts is the second largest with a population of 206,000, and Springfield in the southwestern section of the state is the third largest, holding 155,000 people.
The most popular RVs rented in Massachusetts are the Class A and Class C motorhomes. These self-contained units include living quarters and the driving cabin. The Class C motorhome is the most used and consists of a kitchen with appliances and hidden beds exposed by dropping platforms. The most affordable Class Cs available in Massachusetts will sleep around six people for $185 a night. Class A motorhomes are more luxurious and more powerful. You can find these vehicles starting at around $200 per night.
The popularity of travel trailers is not far behind motorhomes. The smallest are also the least expensive, starting at around $90 per night. Longer trailers are generally more costly but they can typically be found starting at around $100 per night.
Boston, the largest metropolitan area in Massachusetts, is the site of a series of firsts. It was the first European colony to cooperate with Native Americans rather than displace them, the first colony to rebel against Britain, the first city in the United States to create a public park, the first to develop a public school system, and the first to build a subway. Today, Boston is one of the most important scientific development centers worldwide. Visitors flock to Boston to enjoy its small businesses and amenities such as:
1,000+ Restaurants
19 Gas Stations
7 Campgrounds
4 Nearby State Parks
2 Nearby Dump Stations
Worcester developed in the 19th century as an industrial hub. After WWII, many industries folded, and the city went into decline. In the 1990s, Worcester rebounded with an incredible influx of immigrants from countries such as Vietnam, Ghana, and Albania. The population skyrocketed as biochemical, medical, and higher education facilities took hold. The town's diversity contributed to the rise in small enterprises, including:
180+ Restaurants
110+ Gas Stations
15 Campgrounds
12 Nearby State Parks
Springfield, founded in 1636, flourished as an agricultural hub and trading post for over a century before industry developed in the area. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Springfield was the site of several industrial innovations, such as the manufacture of interchangeable parts and the assembly line. Today, Springfield is the economic hub of western Massachusetts and has the area’s largest concentration of entertainment, retail, banking, and manufacturing industries. The growth of large industries encouraged the development of smaller businesses and amenities like:
500+ Restaurants
125+ Gas Stations
8 Nearby State Parks
13 Campgrounds
Situated 45 minutes south of Boston, Myles Standish State Park features 12,000 acres surrounding 16 lakes. The park has 13 miles of hiking trails, 15 miles of biking trails, and 35 miles of horseback riding trails. Anglers love this park for its excellent fishing.
Pearl Hill State Park lies 55 miles northwest of Boston. It is a 1,000-acre park that features Pearl Hill Brook Pond, where visitors enjoy fishing and swimming. A short network of trails inside the park allows visitors to stretch their legs while more serious hikers take advantage of the extended trails through neighboring Willard Brook State Forest.
Wompatuck State Park is a 35-minute drive southeast of Boston. The principal feature inside the park is Mount Blue Spring, on which mountain bikers find challenging trails. Hiking trails run around the Cohasset Reservoir. Boats, kayaks, and canoes are allowed on the lake, where the fishing is excellent.
One of the finest RV parks in Massachusetts, Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort lies only 29 miles southwest of Boston among Foxboro's hills. Of the 367 RV campsites provided by the park, 212 are pull-throughs that are 40 feet wide and 60 feet long. The park features four swimming pools, two of which are Olympic-sized outdoor pools, one is an indoor pool, and the last is a lap pool. A double-sized Jacuzzi and sauna are adjacent to the aquatic area. Two modern playgrounds and a fitness center help keep the family fit while a dog park helps keep the family pets happy and healthy.
Located 21 miles southwest of Worcester, in Sturbridge, Pine Lake RV Resort and Cottages escorts guests to their choice of 169 campsites. These escorts help position the RV, connect to the full-hookup systems, and access the WiFi and the cable TV that the resort provides. Situated on forested land between the well-stocked 8-acre Pine Lake and Old Sturbridge Village with 40 antique buildings to explore, the resort never runs out of activities for visitors of any age.
The quaint Sunsetview Farm Camping Area sits just 15 miles east of Springfield on an old dairy farm and orchard, providing a typical farm setting for campers looking to get away from urban life. Of its 200 RV sites, the area reserves 70 for temporary visitors, 55 of which offer full hookups with a choice of 30-amp and 50-amp service. A camp store carries groceries, RV supplies, firewood, and ice. Visitors find a relaxing atmosphere behind the protection of a controlled-access gate, with restrooms, showers, and a laundry facility available on-site.
Take the time before setting out on your adventure through Massachusetts to take note of the public dump stations available for use by RV travelers. A public dump station sits at the Salisbury State Recreation Area. It is open daily from sunrise until sunset at the mouth of the Merrimac River on the northern Massachusetts coast. The station does charge a fee. To find other facilities, use this list of dump stations in Massachusetts.
The Soulful Bliss: Arts and Music Festival – Join the fun on Spectacle Island 22 miles southeast of Boston at the upcoming Soulful Bliss: Arts and Music Festival. Experience unknown artists, musicians, and magicians from the Boston area before they become famous and enjoy the music of established artists.
Night of Stars on the Common – The Boston Common hosts this event presented by the Boston Ballet. See incredible ballets performed on an open stage on the streets of Boston with giant screens showing the dance for those not close enough to observe the scene in person.
The Big E State Fair – Take in the upcoming Big E State Fair with rides, game booths, and carnival barkers, creating a festive air in downtown Springfield. This 12-day event features exhibits, music, and performances from individuals and groups based in the New England area.
There are no national parks in Massachusetts, but three are within a day’s drive. The nearest is Acadia National Park, located 106 miles north of Boston near Portland, ME. The oldest national park east of the Mississippi, Acadia consists of ocean shores, peaks, forests, lakes, and rivers. It hosts the highest peak on the East Coast — Cadillac Mountain at 1,530 feet — and six other mountains over 1,000 feet. Dense forests of deciduous trees add splendor to the hillsides during the fall. Fishing, hiking, and biking are among the favorite activities that draw visitors to this park.
Shenandoah National Park is the next nearest national park to Massachusetts. It is less than an eight-hour drive to visit this park, one of the most popular parks in the system. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the park protects over 300 square miles of mountains, deep valleys, forested hillsides, rivers, and brooks full of fish. The park offers incredible hiking and biking trails leading to amazing viewpoints.
Taking an eight-hour journey from western Massachusetts through northern New York to Cleveland gets a traveler to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The park features a deep valley cut by the Cuyahoga River over millennia with steep sides and incredible views. Over 125 miles of trails run through the park past 100 spectacular waterfalls.
The Veteran’s War Memorial appropriately ranks first on the list of landmarks in Massachusetts. It sits atop Mount Greylock, the highest point in Massachusetts. On a clear day, the view from the memorial goes for 100 miles or more. Initially intended as a salute to the veterans of WWI, the tower continues to stand in memory of all those who served the United States in combat.
Minute Man National Historical Park occupies 1,000 acres of some of the most historically significant land in American history. Re-enactments occur each year, letting visitors experience a bit of the fear, anxiety, and bravery of the inexperienced farmers and plow boys of the Continental Militia forces that took on the professional British Army.
Initially, the Old State House hosted the Massachusetts Colonial government. It was then transformed to be the capital of the new state of Massachusetts until larger structures were created to house an expanding government. In the 1800s, it served as Boston’s Town Hall before being abandoned by the government. Today, it is a reminder of the significant events that took place in the building.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Massachusetts?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Massachusetts from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Massachusetts?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.