Massachusetts has plenty of nicknames: The Bay State, The Pilgrim State, The Puritan State, The Old Colony State, and the Baked Bean State. It was originally founded as the Plymouth Colony in 1620 and admitted into the union in 1788 as the sixth state. If you want to an historical tour in your RV, this is one of the best places to visit.
The state’s official name is the “Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” History starts with the Pilgrim’s landing in the Mayflower. Massachusetts was also the center of the Revolutionary War. In the 19th century it became the leaders of the Industrial Revolution.
Arts and Culture Hub
Many historical writers, artists, and musicians either hail from or have left a significant impact on Massachusetts. You will be able to form a deeper connection with these individuals in this state. Some of the arts and culture figures include Edgar Allen Poe, Emily Dickinson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and even Dr. Seuss, to name but a few. You can even visit the preserved homes of many of these famous figures, or tour museums filled with their life and works. You can also thank Massachusetts for bands like Aerosmith, The Cars, and Pixies, as well as modern day museums and film festivals.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit Massachusetts is generally in early fall or the spring (to avoid the crowds). Expect snow from December–March. Since you are RVing, it is probably wise not to traverse the state during the winter months because they can be harsh. High humidity may make it difficult to cool your RV during July and August. If you are looking to head to the beaches, it will be very crowded from May–August.
RVing in Massachusetts
Your best bet for driving around Massachusetts is to find an RV campground and use your RV as a home base. RVs can travel many roads in Massachusetts, but a tow vehicle or dinghy vehicle is highly recommended, especially in larger cities or when exploring older, smaller towns and bridges. Massachusetts has a lot of older infrastructure so your RV may not fit on bridges, going under underpasses, or down older streets. Some people also report that in neighborhoods, there are lots of low-hanging tree branches. As always, make sure you have an RV Safe GPS to get turn-by-turn directions based on your vehicle’s specifications.
Scenic drives in Massachusetts
There are several scenic byways you don’t want to miss in Massachusetts, and you can visit them in any season. They have the scenic trails and historic roads across the state, and many are great for year-around drives. You will go from famous houses to ancient churches to cranberry bogs, to historical towns and through forest and wetlands. Trace America’s history as you go. Try these scenic drives (along with some featured campgrounds, plus real-life tips from actual RVers):
Battle Road Scenic Byway
You will travel along Massachusetts Avenue, Route 2A, and other local roads. The route will take you through Arlington, Lexington, and Concord. It follows the path of the British regulars during the American Revolution. It is about 14 miles long.
Where to Stay, What RVers Say:
Spacious Skies Campgrounds – Minuteman in Littleton
Minuteman National Historical Park was very interesting with a full day’s worth of things to see. They also offer lots of interpretive programs. We enjoyed riding our bikes along Battle Road Trail to take in many of the historic sights. Look for Kimball Farm on Route 110. — Joanna5g
Mount Greylock Scenic Byway
This byway will take you along Rockwell and Notch roads through Mt. Greylock, before you end up in North Adams. It is a little more than 16 miles long. Plan extra time to visit these spots along your route:
- Mount Greylock State Reservation Park Visitor Center
- Mount Greylock (3,491 feet)
- Western Gateway Heritage State Park
Where to Stay, What RVers Say:
Mt. Greylock Campsite Park in Lanesborough
Many good hikes on Mt. Greylock. Wildflowers were in bloom everywhere. We stopped in Bright Ideas Brewing in North Adams after taking a hike on the mountain. The next day we took another hike and went to Whitneys Farm Market and Garden Center in Cheshire for their lobster rolls. Would have liked to ride the Ashawillitook rail trail but had the dogs with us this go round. — Janet_504
Mohawk Trail Byway
Benedict Arnold led an army down this trail behind King Philip. The trail got its name from the Mohawk tribe who marked it to confront their enemies. This is one of the oldest roads in the nation. This drive will take you a little longer than the others at 65 miles long. Attractions you will want to see along the trail include:
- Old pilgrim churches
- “Hail to the Sunrise” statue
- Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls
Where to Stay, What RVers Say:
Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod in Rochester
Close to the Cape and easy to catch the commuter rail to Boston. Shopping close by and lots of restaurants. Town Tavern in Wareham is great. Easy off of 495 but be prepared for a really bumpy ride into the campground. (A) section has the better sites for longer rigs. — YouMe&theBeagle
Old Kings Highway
Experience this highway (Route 6A) full of bike paths, little shops and museums, state parks, and even a windmill. There are also marshes, old cemeteries, and harbors to visit. This trail grew up around the pilgrims that arrived and traveled in their carts and wagons. Here are some examples of other features you can take part in along the drive:
- Historic Sandwich Village
- Heritage Museum and Gardens
- Winslow Crocker House
- Old West Schoolhouse
- Nickerson State Park
- Jonathan Young Windmill
- The Scargo Tower
Where to Stay, What RVers Say:
Travelers Woods in Bernardston
Be sure to follow directions on website. Cute little country store in Bernardston. Drive Mohawk Trail (Rte 2) & check out Shelburne bridge of flowers, Glacial potholes, Hoosac Tunnel east, Hail to the Sunrise, Whitcomb Summit, America’s Switzerland overlook, hairpin turn (nice lunch at Golden Eagle at the hairpin with beautiful view) & drive up to Mt. Greylock. — Travelindoggie
Jacob’s Ladder Trail
This scenic byway goes along MA Route 20 from Lee to Russell, Massachusetts. This is a very nature-oriented experience, and you will travel from foothills to vistas and forested hills. Then you’ll encounter rivers, sprawling fields, small towns, and rock ledges. The trail runs for about 35 miles. There are lots of outdoor experiences and tours you will want to see and do in the area, including:
- Chester-Blandford State Forest
- Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
- Tanglewood (home of the Boston Symphony)
- Home of novelist Edith Wharton
- Lee Center
Where to Stay, What RVers Say:
Northampton / Springfield KOA Holiday in West Hampton
Getting to town has a lot of winding roads, so take it slow since sharp turns can come up without notice. Yankee Candle is about 12 miles north of Northampton and well worth the visit. My family and I have been there many times, but we still stop there every time we go. It is also very close to the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. — Alan Beebe
Essex Coastal Scenic Byway
Traveling along Route 33 to Route 1A will take you from Gloucester, a fishing community, to Newburyport, an historic shipbuilding town. The Essex route is about 24 miles, and you’ll see historic seaports, colonial farms, village centers, and lots of old architecture. Experiences in the area include:
- New England’s largest salt marsh
- Essex with farms and antiques
- Coastal towns of Ipswich, Rowley, and Newbury
Where to Stay, What RVers Say:
Winter Island Park Campground in Salem
Walk to Salem central to view some really cool wood houses. Tour the witch museum. Get a ship ride. Lots of places to eat here. Sit by the boat ramp and enjoy beautiful views of the harbor. — Luis URQUIA
Plan your Massachusetts RV trip
Massachusetts is a beautiful state, with plenty to see and do year-round. But we’ve found that the fall trips seem to be the most memorable. Using your RV as a home base and exploring in a dinghy or tow vehicle helps keep the memories focused on the stunning views and fun activities, with technicolor sunsets and warm chowder come dinnertime.
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