Winter Island Park

this is the first time I ever felt like I was camping in the city. The sites vary from open field to waters edge overlooking the harbor. We were just passing thru and we’re able to get a field site. There is a nice beach and the Harbor views were great. Not much privacy but the campground was quiet. Try to get one of the campsites overlooking the harbor. Didn’t use any of the facilities so I can’t comment.

Reserved our site just a few days before our arrival (October 5-7) using the ReserveAmerica website. The site we selected was a back-in site against the hangar within the asphalt lot. It had a water view and we were able to watch all the boats being pulled out of the water at the boat ramp for winterization. 30A electric and water were available, with wi-fi generally unreliable over our stay.

We were able to get from campsite to downtown Salem within 10 minutes... so it was exactly what we were hoping for. The park is a stop on the trolley, so at $18/person that option is available.

The campground shares its grounds with the historic Fort Pickering, so there is some exploration that can be done close to camp. The lighthouse and beach were a popular location for some local photo shoots and one engagement during our stay.

The dump station is off-site, but not far. It is at the sewage treatment plant just down the road (on the left as you leave the park, less than a mile from the park gate). You have to pull up to the closed gate and use a box phone to call the station chief for access, then follow the signs around to the back of the facility. There is a key on a lanyard to unlock the padlock. It took me a second to figure it all out... I honestly felt like I was in one of those escape rooms for the first few moments.

While the facilities within the park were generally clean, they were seemingly primitive and doors were kept open, despite a state-wide Triple E alert following some deaths, so I tended to stay away from them.

Before I book any RV site, I thoroughly research and look at it to avoid any big surprises. I knew our spot would be parking lot style, and I knew there would be no privacy between RVs. This is coveted real-estate very close to Salem and this RV park is the only game in town. I am very thankful the City of Salem makes this available to RVers and campers. The experience is about location in this case, not the amenities this RV park doesn't have, or the lack of privacy.

Getting there was quite a drive through town on a Friday afternoon from 95, but easy to find and check-in was a breeze. They give you a tag for your vehicle and offer a card key for after 10pm entry. If you need the card key, you just leave $20. deposit and they promptly return it to you when you return the card. Our site was 013, on the water, and awesome. Although it is all pavement, the sites in our row were plenty big and wide. Plenty of room for a large rig, plus toad next to you. Sites were clean and have picnic table. Water/electric hookups were behind our site and were shared with site 012, next to us, so luckily our neighbor had long hoses because it was a reach for him. Our site was level for us but our neighbor did need levelers. We walked around the campground and to the grass RV area and they looked like they required leveling.

We couldn't have been happier in our spot, backed up to the beautiful harbor. It was very quiet given there is a parking lot right there- mostly harbor use. We weren't bothered by this at all. This is a public harbor area with people walking about. There is a large covered gazebo type structure, closer to the entry and near the grassy RV sites, that can be rented for functions. When we were there, a wedding reception was being held and the campers near that area may have had the pleasure of smelling the food and hearing the music for awhile.

We did not use the restroom facilities at all. There is a small camp store that sells sundries, t-shirts, condiments, etc. If you need groceries, stock up before you come in to the park.

We walked about a mile to take the ferry into Boston and then took the train back to Salem, walking about 1.5 miles from the train station. Nice, easy stroll on sidewalks through residential areas both times. Fort Pickering adjoins the campground and is a quick walk.

They offer free dump station services and it is about 1/2 mile away at the sewage treatment plant. The instructions they give are VERY clear, including map and satellite photo with arrows showing the gate to enter and the path to take. We had no problem finding it. The only thing that we found that could pose an issue was construction going on right next to the dump station so unless you can back in, it wouldn't work. This is most likely temporary and was in mid-September 2018.

Overall, we LOVED our stay here and close proximity to Salem and would definitely come back.

Getting there through the little streets of Salem is exciting - but it's do-able in a 35' DP towing a Jeep.

There are two sections. We stayed in the RV field which is about 9 spaces in a grass and dirt lot. Sites are close together - very - but level with water and 50 amp. Park WiFi worked most of the time.

The other section is on the asphalt parking lot near on the water, again very tight. But the views of the marina here are sweet.

All the attractions in Salem and the ferry to Boston are close by. The Salem trolley comes to the park - a great option. Small beach on the island, next to the park.

The dump is off site. If you're doing to use it, drive there in your toad or towed first. The directions they give you don't include an address so you can't use your GPS. There are no street signs and we never did find it. We gave up rather than getting our rig stuck down small side streets.

Whilst walking around this seaside park, if you did not see the experimental Tide Control Valve - - look for it - - it is small and unassuming - unmarked - installed at private expense in the 1990's.

When asked, "Does it work?" the response was, "We have not missed a single tide since it was installed."
It is the only such device on the whole East Coast of the US - - and cost the government not ONE PENNY.

Stayed here for 2 nights at the beginning of June. We had a water front site and upon arrival, it wasn't what I was expecting. Water front sites are along one edge of the asphalt boat launch area, which is fine, but are quite close together.

When we arrived, the neighbors on either side of us were already there and had already set up with their lawn chairs, firepits, rugs, etc. So we had to squeeze in among all their stuff and it was cramped. We could not get our awning out or set up any chairs. The site was long enough to use the provided picnic table however. We simply moved the table behind our rv, closest to the water.

What the site lacked in spaciousness or privacy it made up for with great sunset views. To get away from being cramped in, we simply walked the dogs a short way to sit at the water's edge and look at the lighthouse, or in the opposite direction, to walk in the park. I also enjoyed the trails by Waikiki beach that takes you among the rocks and closer to the lighthouse.

Sites had water and electric. No dumpsters, just small trash cans.

We cycled into Salem one day, not too bad of a ride, about 2 miles to the center square. Uber is also available at $5/way.

This is a county park which caters for a lot of locals making day visits. There was a celebration on one of the days we were there, so lots of cars etc.

There are two sections to this park if you are in an RV. The tent sites are all together. One is on the waterfront and you are basically on the outsides of the parking lot where people go to launch their boats in the water. Yes, you have a lovely view of the bay, but the asphalt would be hot, there is no privacy and there are people coming and going all day.

We were in the "field", with no one to the left of us, the next section is set back a bit. So our site was very private. I liked our site the best. These sites have 30 amp, I think the harbor view ones are 50amp. All sites have water but no dump, you have to go up the road and they give you a voucher - but we didn't bother. It's not far into town. You can get a country town into Boston in 35 mins - it costs $7 pp one way. You buy your tickets on the train going in, at the station going out or get a return ticket when you go in. There is plenty of paid parking near the station - outside costs $4, undercover in the multi storey carpark $5