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Day Trips from New Bedford

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Day Trips from New Bedford: State Parks & Natural Areas

The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of New Bedford, MA. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.

12 state parks near New Bedford

Moore State Park, Paxton, MA 01612

Moore State Park

Paxton, MA 01612

Just 1 hr 35 min from New Bedford, rated 4.8 stars by 919 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 35 min4.8 (919)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse, Newbury, MA 01951

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Gatehouse

Newbury, MA 01951

Just 1 hr 51 min from New Bedford, rated 4.8 stars by 573 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 51 min4.8 (573)NatureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Borderland State Park, North Easton, MA 02356

Borderland State Park

North Easton, MA 02356

Just 50 min from New Bedford, rated 4.8 stars by 1,230 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

50 min4.8 (1,230)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, RI 02842

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Middletown, RI 02842

Just 46 min from New Bedford, rated 4.8 stars by 1,563 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

46 min4.8 (1,563)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Old Furnace State Park, CT 06239, USA

Old Furnace State Park

CT 06239, USA

Just 1 hr 10 min from New Bedford, rated 4.7 stars by 485 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 10 min4.7 (485)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, East Falmouth, MA 02536

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

East Falmouth, MA 02536

Just 47 min from New Bedford, rated 4.7 stars by 162 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

47 min4.7 (162)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Middlesex Fells Reservation, Stoneham, MA 02180

Middlesex Fells Reservation

Stoneham, MA 02180

Just 1 hr 14 min from New Bedford, rated 4.7 stars by 5,468 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 14 min4.7 (5,468)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge, Sudbury, MA 01776

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

Sudbury, MA 01776

Just 1 hr 24 min from New Bedford, rated 4.7 stars by 679 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 24 min4.7 (679)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Manuel F. Correllus State Forest, Edgartown, MA 02539

Manuel F. Correllus State Forest

Edgartown, MA 02539

Just 1 hr 48 min from New Bedford, rated 4.7 stars by 106 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 48 min4.7 (106)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve, North Kingstown, RI 02852

John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve

North Kingstown, RI 02852

Just 53 min from New Bedford, rated 4.7 stars by 417 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

53 min4.7 (417)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge, Narragansett, RI 02882

John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge

Narragansett, RI 02882

Just 1 hr 5 min from New Bedford, rated 4.6 stars by 137 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

1 hr 5 min4.6 (137)NatureAdventureFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area, Hanson, MA 02341

Burrage Pond Wildlife Management Area

Hanson, MA 02341

Just 52 min from New Bedford, rated 4.6 stars by 307 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.

52 min4.6 (307)NatureAdventureFamilyFree - $20

Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.

Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from New Bedford

What are the best state parks near New Bedford, MA?

The best state parks near New Bedford offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.

How much does it cost to visit state parks near New Bedford?

Most state parks near New Bedford charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.

Which state parks near New Bedford are best for camping?

Several state parks within driving distance of New Bedford offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.

What is the best time to visit state parks near New Bedford?

Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near New Bedford. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.

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